This is a pre-LOMO Lenkinap 19a10 multi-pattern tube microphone, built in Leningrad in 1962. It is estimated that less than a hundred 19a10s were ever manufactured, and even fewer remain today. It uses an extremely unique design, unlike any other microphone that we know of.
It has a double-sided edge-terminated capsule, the same used in the 19a13. It also uses the same 6s6B subminiature tube and output transformer, except two of each. That’s because this mic is two 19a13s in one, with the capsule’s front and back diaphragms receiving the same polarization voltage and feeding their own separate tube amplifier and transformer, sending two separate balanced outputs back to the PSU.
The microphone is powered by a proprietary 20B65 power supply designed to provide the correct voltages to both tubes and both diaphragms. The audio coming back from both diaphragms is then sent out of the PSU via a multi-pin connector that connects to a proprietary transformer-based passive polar pattern switch box that combines the signals from the front and back capsules in varying degrees of level and relative polarity to create the polar patterns associated with the switch settings, and sends the combined signal via a mono output on the box. Our friend John Peluso built us a break-out cable that bypasses the switch box and allows you to record the two signals separately to two separate tracks, allowing you to adjust the polar pattern at the desk or in the DAW at will as needed during tracking and mix down.
This particular mic is a stunning example of a 19a10 in incredible condition with its original shock mount, PSU, and switch box. It was sold earlier this month to a very lucky musician and engineer who happened to be looking for one and reached out at just the right time. We still have a pair of 19a10s at our studio that we are unlikely to ever part with, but the mic pictured here was definitely the best of the bunch.
