Oktava

Oktava

55

Also known as: Октава, Oktava Tula, Oktava Russia

Unclaimed

Oktava is a Russian microphone manufacturer based in Tula, with a factory history dating back to 1927. Originally an electronics plant producing radio components for the Soviet Union, it shifted toward acoustic transducers in the early 1930s and adopted the Oktava name in 1946. The company built its reputation on handmade construction using vintage techniques, earning the nickname "the Russian ...

more

Oktava is a Russian microphone manufacturer based in Tula, with a factory history dating back to 1927. Originally an electronics plant producing radio components for the Soviet Union, it shifted toward acoustic transducers in the early 1930s and adopted the Oktava name in 1946. The company built its reputation on handmade construction using vintage techniques, earning the nickname "the Russian Neumann" among some engineers.

Oktava's catalog centers on condenser, ribbon, and tube microphones for studio and broadcast use. The MK-012 small-diaphragm condenser — a design rooted in 1960s research at Russia's NIKFI cinema and photo institute — is the brand's best-known product and a staple on drum overheads, acoustic guitars, and instrument work. Other notable models include the MK-219 and MK-117 large-diaphragm condensers, the ML-52-02 ribbon microphone, and the MKL-5000 tube flagship with switchable polar patterns. The company also produces wireless systems such as the OWS-U2200 and OWS-U1200HDL.

Oktava microphones gained wider Western exposure after factory modernization in the 1990s, when affordable pricing and distinctive character drew interest from engineers and producers. The brand has been associated with users including Steve Albini, Jack White, Sting, and Radiohead.

Oktava has 20 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Condenser Microphones and Ribbon Microphones. Their gear is featured by 16 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Electronic, and Pop. Notable users include Thom Yorke, Jack White, and Steve Albini.

Artists Who Use Oktava

Thom Yorke uses 1 Oktava product

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist · Radiohead

Jack White uses 1 Oktava product

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist · The White Stripes

Steve Albini uses 1 Oktava product

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist · Big Black

Bill Frisell uses 1 Oktava product

Bill Frisell

Guitarist · Naked City

Adrian Utley uses 1 Oktava product

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist · Portishead

Oliver Ackermann uses 1 Oktava product

Oliver Ackermann

Singer, Guitarist · A Place to Bury Strangers

Yegor Letov uses 1 Oktava product

Yegor Letov

Singer, Guitarist · Grazhdanskaya Oborona

Sergey Khavro uses 1 Oktava product

Sergey Khavro

Singer, Guitarist

Mike Dawes uses 1 Oktava product

Mike Dawes

Guitarist

Kenny Beats uses 1 Oktava product

Kenny Beats

Music Producer

Robert Rich uses 1 Oktava product

Robert Rich

Keyboardist, Composer

Deorro uses 1 Oktava product

Deorro

Music Producer, DJ

Shing02 uses 1 Oktava product

Shing02

Rapper, Music Producer

David Brewis uses 1 Oktava product

David Brewis

Music Producer · School of Language

Jer Coons uses 1 Oktava product

Jer Coons

Singer, Guitarist · Madaila

Jerry Galeries uses 1 Oktava product

Jerry Galeries

Singer, Keyboardist

Are you on the Oktava team?

  • Be the first to know when an artist is spotted using Oktava gear
  • Curate the Oktava catalog, images, and product details
  • Respond to community photos and reviews of Oktava gear
  • See how Oktava gear is trending on Equipboard