OKTAVA ML11M (1960, N230) - Soviet Ribbon Microphone

This is a fully serviced and upgraded 1960s Oktava ML11m that exceeds original factory performance.

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Oktava ML11m (1960s)
Restored Soviet unidirectional ribbon microphone with upgraded hand-wound toroidal transformer

This Oktava ML11m has been fully serviced and upgraded with a custom Russian hand-wound toroidal output transformer, providing greater output and improved tonal balance while preserving the original character of the design. It has also undergone a complete mechanical and acoustic restoration, including cleaning of the ribbon motor and acoustic chambers, disabling of the band-limiting choke, and installation of a new precision ribbon. All restoration work was performed by Cole Suddarth at Cole Picks Vintage.

The ML11m was Oktava’s flagship unidirectional ribbon microphone and is likely the rarest model they produced. Built in the 1960s, it was designed as the cardioid counterpart to the Oktava ML15 figure-8 ribbon microphone. Once serviced and optimized, the ML11m becomes one of the most musical ribbon microphones we’ve heard, combining fidelity, weight, and personality in a way that makes it exceptional on nearly any source including drum overheads, vocals, guitar amps, or room ambience. It also performs beautifully as the mid mic in an M/S stereo configuration with the ML15 and has become one of our favorite kit mics, positioned directly above the batter side of the kick drum, equidistant from the snare and toms.

When we first tested an ML11m, it sounded thin and underwhelming until we discovered a common issue with this design: the acoustic chamber behind the ribbon often becomes clogged with hardened adhesive and deteriorated cloth after decades of use. Cleaning and restoring this chamber completely transforms the mic’s sound, revealing its full bandwidth and tonal complexity.

The ML11m’s original circuit also includes a choke and LC network that limit its frequency response, likely for broadcast use. Disabling this network, combined with the upgraded transformer, dramatically improves the mic’s extension on both ends of the spectrum while maintaining its classic ribbon tone with impressive midrange and top-end clarity for a microphone of this era.

This example is in very good cosmetic condition and is fully functional. The Oktava ML11m stands as one of the most distinctive and sonically rewarding Soviet ribbon microphones ever produced, especially in this upgraded and restored configuration.

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SERVICE AND BACKGROUND

At Russian Recording and Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS Vintage), we specialize in sourcing, restoring, and preserving rare and obscure recording equipment from the Soviet Union, Japan, and beyond.

Every microphone is bench-tested before shipping, and every stage of packing is photographed for transparency and documentation.

With over two decades of experience researching and restoring hundreds of rare microphones, Mike Bridavsky founded Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS) to provide accurate information and make reliable, functional examples of historically important microphones available to other engineers.

SAAS Vintage and Russian Recording have supplied restored and hard-to-find equipment to engineers and artists worldwide, including Sylvia Massy, John Congleton, Ben Baptie, Jonathan Rado, Sufjan Stevens, Kenny Beats, Wayne Sermon (Imagine Dragons), D.A. Got That Dope, and others.

We can provide detailed photos, audio samples, or video demonstrations upon request and are happy to answer any technical questions in full detail.

Any microphone stands that appear in the photos are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale unless otherwise noted. If you are unsure about what is included, please send us a message to confirm shipping details.

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SHIPPING

• Domestic (U.S.) shipping is included in the listed price.
• International shipping is available and will be calculated based on destination.
• All international shipments are declared at full value, and buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes.

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CONDITION AND POLICY

These are vintage microphones, typically between 30 and 80 years old. Although serviced and tested for full functionality, all vintage equipment will eventually require maintenance.

All sales are final unless the microphone is non-functional within three days of delivery.

Ships securely from Russian Recording in Bloomington, Indiana.