Oktava 219 and 319 pics of guts

[crazydoc]

Although I'd heard that the mics had identical electronics, I had to find out for myself. I didn't trace the circuits completely, but the resistors, electrolytic caps and FET have the same values and the same connections in the first part of circuit. Some of the small caps have no markings - likewise some large value resistors.
So it would seem that any difference in the mics are purely in the housings.
Just thought I'd post these in case they can be of any use.

[crazydoc]

Reverse side. The transformers have slightly different numbers, but I'd guess they're the same.

[Marik]

Crazydoc, thank you for the pictures. From what I heard, they have the same circuit, and yes, the grill changed the sound. The 319s have reel switches for -10db and bass cut--this little glass tubes on the small PCB. This switches actuated by tiny magnets. The cap from the capsule is most likely 680-750pf. Go to Antuque Supply (you know, on South Maple in Tempe--from Rural take west on Guadalupe) and get Orange drops part number C-PD001-600. Repllace the stock ones. The other two small caps are in PSU rails, and are most likely .01 uf. The unmarked resistors are large values--probably about 2 Gohm. Replace the coupling capacitor to the transformer with Solen cap. Probably it is 1 uf, so use part # C-FT1-250, just check if it will fit, I don't remember exactly its size. It seems that they are out of 1 Mf Wima MKP-4, you could use it as well. Unfortunately, the AES doesn't have good ceramics, so if you want to upgrade them you will need to order from Digikey.
Do you know surplus electronics of I-17 7th Ave? I used to go there a lot--they have cool stuff. They had a lot of film caps, you could find it there as well.

[johneeeveee]

... it's amazing how much difference the housing makes, even if it isn't that surprising (kinda like different rooms). i heard a friends 219 and didn't care for the sound... had an unflattering overtone, but i own a 319 and love the way this mic sounds... needs very little if any eq most of the time. best $49.99 i've probably ever spent. thanks for the pics, and the insight on possible mods (although i'll probably leave well enough alone with mine)
peace - jv

[crazydoc]

Thanks for the parts stores info, Marik. I haven't done any electronics since I moved to Phoenix 17 years ago. But I did know of good dumpsters in Sacramento, Orange County and Sanata Rosa CA when I lived there, where parts could be had for just a little dirt on your clothes.

Oh, and the 219 has identical reed switches also - they're soldered on the PC board there, and the magnets are attached to the mic housing.