Oktava MK-319

$175.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (8)

3 Reviews

Find out who is using OKTAVA MK-319

4 wishlisted

19 saved

Page last updated Jun 23, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$175.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $175

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Oktava MK-319 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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The MK 319 is the successor to the MK219, providing the same relentless attention to detail and legendary performance in an improved form. The MK319 is housed in a new casing which has been acoustically designed to cut down the sound refractions inside the grill, allowing a smoother and more open sound, as well as being more rugged and shock resistant.

The Switches are also improved and whilst still using magnetic reed switches the mechanism has been redesigned for extra durability and easier operation. A switch located at the left (High-Pass Filter) allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier. This setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity effect).
The second switch attenuates the sensitivity by 10 dB. This option should be used in high SPL environments or by recording of loud instruments (for example saxophone).

The Mic is a fixed-pattern, cardioid, large diaphragm mic intended for studio and broadcast usage. featuring a classic design gold spattered teflon capsule teamed with low noise discreet preamplifier circuitry, resulting in a smooth frequency response from 40 hz to 16khz, with a gentle presence rise giving especial warmth and clarity to the human voice.

This microphone is also ideally suited to guitars, overheads and any other application where a warm clear sound is required. The design of the mic is specifically tuned to bringing the sound that it is used with up front in a sympathetic and flattering manner.

Product specs

Brand	Oktava
Model	MK-319 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Finish	Black
Year	2000s
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Solid State
Microphone Type	Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What applications is the Oktava MK-319 best suited for?: The Oktava MK-319 is ideal for studio recording of vocals and acoustic instruments, thanks to its large diaphragm and cardioid polar pattern, which captures sound with clarity and detail.
How does the cardioid polar pattern of the Oktava MK-319 affect its recording capability?: The cardioid polar pattern of the Oktava MK-319 focuses on capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear, making it excellent for isolating a single sound source in a recording environment.
Does the Oktava MK-319 require phantom power to operate?: Yes, as a condenser microphone, the Oktava MK-319 requires phantom power to function, typically provided by most audio interfaces and mixing consoles.
How would you describe the sound signature of the Oktava MK-319?: The Oktava MK-319 is known for its warm and smooth sound signature, making it well-suited for capturing the nuances of vocals and acoustic instruments.
Is the Oktava MK-319 suitable for live performances?: While primarily designed for studio use, the Oktava MK-319 can be used in controlled live settings where its sensitivity and detail can be managed effectively.

Videos

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The Creative HeadSpace

Mic Shootout Neumann U87 vs. AKG 414 vs. Oktava MK 319 vs. Oktava MK 219 vs. Shure SM58 vs. AKG 3000

The Creative HeadSpace

Mic Shootout Neumann U87 vs Oktava 319 vs Shure SM58 vs AKG 3000 female singer

The Creative HeadSpace

Oktava MK 319 Microphone [Review with Demos]

Consordini

Oktava 319 overview & demo

Real Home Studio

Oktava Mk 319 Mechanical Modification

Adam Lansky

Oktava MK319 shootout

Dracomies

microphone demo - Oktava MK-319 and Shure SM-57

jake smith

Reviews

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PROS

Beautifully smooth, warm sound with character
Maintains clarity even with its warm tone
Flat frequency response, avoids overhyped highs
Can be paired effectively with quality pre-amps
Offers a unique transformer coupled tone
Versatile in studio settings, great on drum rooms
Modifiable to enhance sound quality
Excellent price-performance ratio in its category
Retains value and utility even after upgrading mics
Outperforms many higher-priced condenser mics

CONS

Self noise may be higher in older models
Not the first choice for vocal recordings compared to some Neumann models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oktava MK-319.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners often mod the MK319 with a U87 FET and higher quality capacitors for enhanced sound quality.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The MK319 can sound warm and full, though some users find it lacking brightness for rap vocals.
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Recommended for electric guitar, offering a wide pickup pattern suitable for open tones in genres like psych and folk when placed 3 feet from the source.
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Effective as a drum overhead mic; can be harsh on guitar cabs if close-miked, suggesting varied distance experimentation for best results.
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Pairing it with dynamic mics like the MD421 or Audix OM7 is recommended for rock electric guitar for enhanced performance.
Source

Features and functionality

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The mic benefits from a Neve Portico, Distressor, or UA AE 1176 Bluestripe to achieve a fuller sound.
Source

Software and compatibility

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To add brightness, a high EQ boost in the 4k-10k range is recommended, often with a Pultech-style EQ.
Source

User experience

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Modded MK319s are praised for their sound, prompting some users to consider creating a stereo pair.
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Owners highlight the Oktava MK-319's ability to provide rich mid-low end tones, which can be preferable for those seeking warmer microphone characteristics.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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Requires phantom power; users advise connecting the mic before turning on phantom power and turning it off before disconnecting to avoid potential terminal corrosion.
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Comparisons

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Some owners report variability in sound quality, potentially indicating quality control issues or different mic versions.
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A 15-year-old Oktava MK-319 reportedly handles proximity effect well without muddiness, contrasting with the Neumann TLM 103's higher frequency detail retention.
Source

Build quality

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Older models of the Oktava MK-319 are noted for being manufactured in Russia, while newer and certain used models are made in China, which some owners advise against.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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jimmarchi1

41013

over 7 years ago

these were a big deal when I was a kid

the oktava brand reset price performance expectations in microphones when the 219 hit the scene... around the time the early Chinese budget condensers like the uber-harsh studio projects mics came out we started seeing these 319s and I like them even better than the 219. This is the best budget LDC going and it can be modded to sound even better. As fixed pattern mics go I willt ake one of these over a neumann TLM103 any day... well, maybe not on vocals.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

lucas_conforti

181

over 6 years ago

a jewel

Awesome mic on drum rooms. There are mods available

sunchase

271

over 11 years ago

another good mic

usually record voice for podcast

Artist usage

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David Brewis

Music Producer

School of Language

Verified via DrownedInSound

In this article David talks about how his Oktava MK-319 suits his voice and has been modded by Michael Joly.

"Most of the singing on the record was recorded with one of two microphones. First is the Oktava(mod) MK319 which is a Russian microphone tinkered with by a New Englander named Michael Joly. We do have a much more expensive, and great-sounding, early 80s Neumann U87 but the Oktava seems to suit my voice better. We also use it to record drums and acoustic guitars, not that there are any acoustic guitars on the School of Language record."

Shing02

Rapper, Music Producer

Verified via Photo

Shing02 has used an Oktava MK-319 on many recordings, including "Luv(sic)" and Uyama Hiroto's "South Side". It can be seen in Instagram posts dated June 21, 2012 and December 6, 2017, with another mention in the booklet that accompanies the physical release of Luv(sic) Hexalogy (released December 9, 2015).

Instagram, June 21, 2012

I've been using this mic for 12years. Octava MK319

Luv(sic) Hexalogy booklet (2015) (Japanese | English)

Luv(sic) はエル・セリートの自宅で Roland の VS-1640 [sic] と今も愛用している Octava のマイクを使って録音した。

I remember recording the vocals to Luv(sic) on a Roland VS-1640 [sic] and an Octava mic (which I still use) at my home studio in El Cerrito.

Instagram, December 6, 2017

when u go in on new @uyamahiroto track 🙏🏽 #oktava #mk319

Jer Coons

Singer, Guitarist

Madaila

Verified via Photo

"#oktavamod modded hulk 990 & mk-319 as stereo mid-heads, with an @ribbonmics r84 as a room/center mic, making some killer ambient/stereo perspectives! @telefunken_mics m-80 on the snare, @shure mics on the kick and toms"