Hallo,
The recommended Russian microphones were suddenly no longer available because of the war in Ukraine.
…they are actually no longer listed with the “big ones”, but they are still available: CLICK
This is the German distributor where I bought my Oktavas when they were still an insider tip and completely unknown here. Despite the war in Ukraine, these are still good microphones (no rating…), but the prices have increased significantly in recent years. If you combine an amplifier section with a spherical capsule from the MK012 system, you’re already looking at around €240 – well, still cheaper than a Rode NT55.
But I would also like to refer you again to the Line Audio OM1, these are also spheres that come pretty close to the corresponding Neumann KM183. They are available from the German distributor THS and are actually a no-brainer at the current price, I can say that from my own experience.
I would definitely recommend taking a look at Lewitt, they also offer interesting, inexpensive small diaphragms:
Lewitt LCT 040 MATCH stereo pair
Lewitt LCT 140 Air Matched Pair
However, these are cardioid mics – for organ recordings I would actually rather use omnis, as they better capture the impressive spatial component of a good-sounding church. But whatever you like is allowed
Unfortunately, I don’t have any practical experience with the Lewitts, but they have been highly praised here in the forum.
Best regards
Klaus
EDIT: Look there, and Chris was faster than me again…
