Anyone used the Octava 012 or the AT 4053b?

H

Hutchman

Active member
Hi guys,
Need to get a hypercardioid and was looking at the AT4053B ($699), but I have heard good things about the Octava 012, which is half the price.

Does anyone have any experience with either, or preferably both?

Thanks a lot
 
I recently bought the AT4053b and the NTG-3. Both going through the MixPre-D to fx Adobe Audition on an MBP sounds pretty good.
 
I've used the MK012 hypercardioid a few times as a dialogue mic for interiors, together with an invision 7 shockmount. While it's good for the price, as it sounds quite good and is small and lightweight, what everyone thinking of buying one must be aware of is that it's very sensitive to handling and wind noise (even from moving it around inside). To use it, you need to buy a very good shockmount and something like a baby ball gag, and even then be careful when handling it. With these accessories it isn't as cheap as it first seems, and I would hesitate to put it in the hands of an inexperienced boomop. That said though, I recently bought one myself knowing all this, to use as a plant mic and backup.

If this is an investment for this and future projects, I would definately aim higher than the oktava - it will pay off in the long run. If it's only for this one project, consider rental.
 
I have 2 of the Oktava MK012, one in hyper and one in cardioid, I love the way they sound but as Jema stated, they are sensitive to wind movement (even from basic booming) as well as handling noise, but with a decent shock mount and at least a foam windscreen it will be a great mic to add to the kit.

Hope this helps.

GG
 
Own both. On a budget, the Oktava is very good. On a larger budget, the 4053b is much better. Include a Rycote Baby Ball Gag for either, you will need it if you are on a boom pole. If the mic is totally stationary, you might do without.

Grant
 
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