IRPA/LOMO/Oktava MK15 (1976, n13) - Soviet Tube Microphone

This is an exceptionally rare and fully functional 1976 IRPA MK15 (Serial No. 13), one of the only known fully original working examples of its kind. It comes directly from Russian Recording’s working mic locker, where it has been used on countless records and meticulously maintained for peak studio performance.

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IRPA MK15 (1976, Serial No. 13)
Rare small-diaphragm Soviet tube condenser microphone with original PSU and clip

This IRPA MK15, built in 1976, is an exceptionally rare small-diaphragm Soviet tube condenser microphone. Fewer than sixty are believed to have been produced, and only two original working examples are known to exist, this being one of them.

The MK15 follows the same design philosophy as other IRPA models such as the MK12 and MK13, employing the Soviet 6S31B subminiature tube (shared with the LOMO 19A19) and using the same capsule and power supply design as the MK12. Its capsule is a meticulous Soviet copy of the Neumann KK84, known for its accurate, musical tone.

Distinctive for its shape and the plastic disc mounted above the capsule, the MK15 was engineered to produce a “hemispherical polar pattern,” theoretically capturing only from above the disc while rejecting sound below, similar to a suspended boundary microphone. The disc also enhances high-frequency response and can be removed for a smoother, flatter tone.

This 1976 MK15 (serial number 13) comes with its original IRPA BP44 power supply, new cable using original IRPA connectors, and an original IRPA mic clip that locks onto the connector.

A second MK15 from 1975 (serial number 16) is listed separately. Together they form one of the only working stereo pairs of MK15s known to exist.

Included:
• 1976 IRPA MK15 Microphone (Serial No. 13)
• Original IRPA BP44 Power Supply
• New cable with original IRPA connectors
• Original IRPA mic clip

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SERVICE AND BACKGROUND

This microphone has been fully serviced, inspected, tested, and verified to perform to original specifications.

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.

Soviet American Audio Systems (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.

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SHIPPING
• Domestic U.S. shipping included.
• International shipping calculated by destination.
• All international shipments declared at full value; buyer pays duties and 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.