The KINAP “10a2” may very well be the rarest and most impressively built mic at the studio. It arrived in “like new” condition in its original KINAP suitcase. There is no documentation, no photos, and no mention or evidence that another one (or this one) has ever existed. Between our extensive documentation and Soviet Audio Archive, the help our dozens of Soviet audio history buff friends, and the deepest reaches of the World Wide Web itself, there's always been a way to find at least something about even the rarest and weirdest Soviet mics, even if only a grainy digital photo posted 20 years ago on an obscure Russian forum - but not this one. Here’s what we do know about it:
The mic does not have a model name anywhere on it, so we took it upon ourselves to call it the “10a2", assuming it was the successor to the KINAP 10a1. It is a large and heavy bi-directional ribbon microphone that is meticulously manufactured inside and out, as you can gather from the photos. Behind the perforated metal grill is a unique ribbon motor that takes up the entire body of the microphone. The big “donut” attached to the connector at the base of the mic is its output transformer. The mic is shaped like a huge 19a13, and is very flat, tall, and burly. It has a relatively long and moderately wide ribbon, which is need of replacement as you can see from the last few photos.
Sonically, the 10a2 sounds the way it looks - robust and powerful, especially on a kick drum. It also makes for a wonderful vocal mic, especially when paired with a great EQ to bring out the top end. We’ve also had success using it as a mono kit mic, overhead, and guitar amp mic.
I hope to have a recorded example using this mic on every source, which will eventually live on the SAAS Museum page on our new site where you can check out and listen to other interesting mics right now - link in bio.
