NEVATON / LOMO UM81 w/8a31 Omni Capsule (1992, Serial #0001) - Russian Microphone

This is the very first Nevaton UM81 (1992) ever produced, body serial number 920001 paired with NPO Ekran 8A31 capsule serial number 920001. Direct from Russian Recording’s working mic locker, this complete and functional example represents Nevaton’s earliest post-Soviet microphone design, bridging the lineage between LOMO and Nevaton’s modern production. ──────────────────────────── Nevaton UM81 (1992) Serial number 920001 with matching NPO Ekran 8A31 omnidirectional capsule This is a remarkable 1992 Nevaton UM81, body serial number 920001 paired with an NPO Ekran 8A31 omnidirectional capsule, both serial number 920001. The serial format indicates the year of manufacture (1992) followed by the unit number, making this the very first UM81 body and the first 8A31 capsule ever produced. These are among the earliest known Nevaton microphones, produced shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union by the same engineers who previously worked at CKBK, NPO Ekran, and LOMO. They represent an experimental step in the evolution of the LOMO UM51, built in extremely small numbers. The capsule is branded NPO Ekran, a design bureau closely connected to CKBK and LOMO. It is quite possibly the only example of its kind ever made. The UM81’s construction and modular design appear to have been influenced by the rare LOMO 19A55, which combined a similar capsule and amplifier in a fixed configuration. The UM81 refined this concept with interchangeable capsules. The 8A31 capsule is a unique dual-diaphragm omnidirectional design, with two hemispherical diaphragms each driven by its own amplifier, resulting in a sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa. The front-mounted switch allows you to toggle between one or both diaphragms to select the desired sensitivity for your application. This example operates on standard 48 V phantom power and includes its original Nevaton shock mount. Both mic and capsule are in excellent working condition and sound exceptional, with a detailed, natural, and hyper-real tonal character. This is an extraordinary piece of post-Soviet audio history, representing Nevaton’s earliest production era. We also have another listing for a Nevaton UM81 with the NPO Ekran 8A29 cardioid capsule. ──────────────────────────── SERVICE AND BACKGROUND This microphone has been fully serviced, inspected, tested, and verified to perform to original specifications. At Russian Recording and Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS Vintage), we specialize in sourcing, restoring, and preserving rare and obscure recording equipment from the Soviet Union, Japan, and beyond. Every microphone is bench-tested before shipping, and every stage of packing is photographed for transparency and documentation. With over two decades of experience researching and restoring hundreds of rare microphones, Mike Bridavsky founded Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS) to provide accurate information and make reliable, functional examples of historically important microphones available to other engineers. Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS Vintage) and Russian Recording have supplied restored and hard-to-find equipment to engineers and artists worldwide, including Sylvia Massy, John Congleton, Ben Baptie, Jonathan Rado, Sufjan Stevens, Kenny Beats, Wayne Sermon (Imagine Dragons), D.A. Got That Dope, and others. We can provide detailed photos, audio samples, or video demonstrations upon request and are happy to answer any technical questions in full detail. ──────────────────────────── SHIPPING • Domestic U.S. shipping included. • International shipping calculated by destination. • All international shipments declared at full value; buyer pays duties and taxes. ──────────────────────────── CONDITION AND POLICY These are vintage microphones, typically between 30 and 80 years old. Although serviced and tested for full functionality, all vintage equipment will eventually require maintenance. All sales are final unless the microphone is non-functional within three days of delivery. Ships securely from Russian Recording in Bloomington, Indiana.