Mic opinions requested

G

ggrantly

Veteran
Most of my kit is oriented towards dialogue recording; I have shotguns and hypers mostly, along with a couple of RE50N/B. A few years ago, I upgraded from Oktavas to AT4053b for my go to hypers. However, I do have a couple of omni capsules for the Oktavas. Going forward, I'd like to record some casual music events (no head bangers or excessive SP). At the most simple level, I might do a simple XY or possibly some individual channels, but probably not over 4-6 max. Now the question:

I am curious where the Oktava omnis fit into this picture. How would the Oktavas compare to modestly priced large condensers like a AT4040 or similar? With a bit more distance, will the 4053b do the same work? Does a shotgun have any use for this function? Any guidance would be appreciated.

TIA
Grant
 
"How would the Oktavas compare to modestly priced large condensers like a AT4040 or similar?"
An accurate mic type comparison is not really applicable here. SD Oktavas compared to LD condensers? Apples and oranges... Read 'The Microphone Handbook' and other mic specific educational books for mic types, their usual applications, pros and cons as well as other basic knowledge a pro audio person would know. Manufacturers? everyone's got their favs and opinions.
I would use high quality LDs for acoustic recording music.. for 'typical' multi-track (which is usually 24 or more tracks) for pop, rock, jazz band recording, a combo of LD and SD condensers, dynamics and (possibly) ribbons.
Shotguns are rarely used in music recording, except for audience/room mic pairs in large and outdoor venues. Of coarse there ain't no law that sez you can't use them for something out the ordinary. Shotguns are not s'posed to be good for VOs either, but some pro VO artists love the 416 for just that.
 
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Rick R said: "An accurate mic type comparison is not really applicable here. SD Oktavas compared to LD condensers? Apples and oranges."

Maybe I need to ask this differently. Would either an Oktava with omni cap, or a At4040 work well in a small music venue? What would you prefer under such simple circumstances?

"Manufacturers? everyone's got their favs and opinions"

I was asking specifically about the Oktava and the 4040. If you have another suggestion in the general price range, I'd like to know that too.

The actual purpose of my post was to help me decide whether or not to sell my Oktava pair (hyper + omni x2) considering I also have a pair of 4053b. The Oktavas haven't been used much recently, so I was imagining what I might use more. One place where I though the omnis might be suited is a music venue. I want to do a music video and might start adjusting my kit for the task. That is why I was thinking large condensers. Maybe someone has a better idea. The idea would be to keep it simple but try to do a good job of simple. 2 cams, 2-4 audio tracks, nice venue, well lit and no flash-bang effects. Would have two or three crew; DP, Audio, gopher. I usually just use buy my own gear and own it.

Grant
 
a pair of Oktava's with omni capsules will work great for live music recording in spaced pair or with hypers in an XY configuration, everything depends on the venue and the type of music and audience situation you find yourself with. but since you already own them I would definetly keep them, perhaps acquire the cardioid capsule for XY recording.
I love my Oktavas for XY recording, I have had great success using these in XY and blending in b board feed to get pretty decent live band recordings in small to medium live music venues.

I dont have the Omni capsules for the Oktavas but I do have a set of Omni earthworks that I like when recording classical orchestral music. they also work awesome as drum overheads.

I would deff keep the Oktavas.
 
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