IRPA MD53

Dual large diaphragm multipattern dynamic microphone and switchbox - 1968, No 17

$2,000

Price includes free, fully insured shipping within the contiguous United States.

The IRPA MD53 is a rare Soviet dual capsule dynamic microphone with selectable cardioid, figure 8, and omnidirectional patterns. This complete set includes the original transformer balanced pattern switch box, “Latvian blue” cabling, proprietary stand mount connector, and removable windscreen. The switch box’s filter capacitors have been replaced with new old stock cellulose acetate capacitors.

In stock

IRPA MD53
Rare Soviet multipattern dynamic microphone with original pattern switch box and accessories

The IRPA MD53 is a dual capsule, moving coil dynamic microphone produced in small quantities in the Soviet Union during the late 1960s and early 1970s. This is one of only two complete MD53 sets we have ever come across, both of which were part of our studio’s working mic locker. We have decided to keep one and offer this one for sale.

This set includes the original “Latvian blue” cabling, proprietary stand mount connector, removable windscreen, and the exceptionally rare original pattern switch box. The switch box is an essential part of the system, containing the microphone’s output transformer, polar pattern controls, and high pass filter network.

The microphone connects to the switch box through a multipin cable carrying separate signals from its front and rear capsules. A matrix in the switch box combines or subtracts these signals to produce a single transformer balanced mono output with the selected polar pattern. The pattern selector provides four settings:

  • Cardioid, black capsule: Uses the black capsule alone.
  • Cardioid, silver capsule: Uses the silver capsule alone.
  • Figure 8: Combines both capsules with one capsule’s polarity reversed.
  • Omnidirectional: Combines both capsules with the same polarity.

The high pass filter has three positions: out, 6 dB attenuation at 50 Hz, and 12 dB attenuation at 50 Hz. The capacitors in the filter network have been replaced with new old stock cellulose acetate capacitors for improved fidelity.

The MD53 has excellent low frequency response extending below 50 Hz and a meaty midrange that sits naturally in a mix. It has been a favorite on bass amps in our studio and is also well suited to kick drum, vocals, guitar cabinets, and room recording.

In the last photo, celebrated Soviet vocalist Edita Piekha can be seen singing into an MD53 with its windscreen removed.

Included:

  • IRPA MD53 dual capsule dynamic microphone
  • Original transformer balanced pattern switch box with pattern selector and high pass filter
  • Original “Latvian blue” cabling
  • Proprietary stand mount connector
  • Removable windscreen
Year 1968
Model MD-53
Manufacturer IRPA
Country of Origin USSR (Soviet Union)
Microphone Type Dynamic
Microphone Transducer Type Double-Sided Large Diaphragm
Channels Mono
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Accessories Pattern and Filter Switchbox
IRPA MD53 microphone with its control module and coiled blue and black connecting cables, arranged as a complete kit.
White IRPA MD53 microphone with its separate black control module, showing the dual grilles and 0, −6, −12 dB, 50 Hz control markings.
White IRPA MD53 microphone with dual black grilles beside its control module with a 50 Hz filter and adjustable dB settings.
IRPA MD53 microphone system with a white two-grille microphone, control module, and coiled blue and black cables.
Rear view of the IRPA MD53 microphone control module showing two circular multi-pin connectors and two top-mounted knobs.
Front view of the IRPA MD53 microphone control module with dual selector knobs and 0, −6, −12 dB, 50 Hz filter markings.
Front view of an IRPA MD53 microphone control module with two selector switches and a 0, −6, −12 dB, 50 Hz filter control.
Rear view of the white IRPA MD53 microphone head and handle, showing the smooth housing, ventilation slots, and round selector button.
Angled close-up of the white IRPA MD53 microphone with two silver mesh grilles and its side selector button.
Front view of the white IRPA MD53 microphone with two silver grilles and the MD-53 N17, 1968 marking on its handle.
Close-up of the white IRPA MD53 microphone with two stacked silver mesh grilles and a side-mounted selector.
Close-up of the white IRPA MD53 microphone showing its two black circular grilles from a rear angle.
Front view of the white IRPA MD53 microphone head with two vertically aligned black mesh grilles.
Close-up of the white IRPA MD53 microphone head with two vertically stacked circular black grilles.
Rear view of a white IRPA MD53 microphone with ventilation slots, a round selector, and an attached blue cable.
Full view of a white IRPA MD53 microphone with two black mesh grilles, a long handle, and an attached blue cable.
Full view of a white IRPA MD53 microphone with two silver mesh grilles, handle, and attached blue cable.
Black-and-white portrait of a singer performing into a vintage Soviet MD53 microphone.
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