MJ vs JJ mods Oktava MK-012
- Thread starter yoclay
- Start date
Gregg Juke
Well-known member
Richard Crowley
Veteran
JJ describe their mods on this page:http://www.jjaudiomic.com/Oktava-Modifications.php while Joly offers no details. However, the mods to Oktava 012 mics are widely known and I strongly suspect that they both do the same upgrades: Exchanging the marginal electronic components for better quality ones. Typically the FET input transistor and some of the critical resistors and capacitors.
If there are any differences, it would be how they do the work. For example JJ says "Bias the FET to custom tune and optimize the performance of the microphone.". Which gives the impression that they are taking a bit more time "fine tuning" each microphone vs. simply changing out components. Now Joly could be doing the same, but they don't say anything about it. OTOH, Joly offers sample recordings to compare the mod with a reference mic (Neumann KM84)
If there are any differences, it would be how they do the work. For example JJ says "Bias the FET to custom tune and optimize the performance of the microphone.". Which gives the impression that they are taking a bit more time "fine tuning" each microphone vs. simply changing out components. Now Joly could be doing the same, but they don't say anything about it. OTOH, Joly offers sample recordings to compare the mod with a reference mic (Neumann KM84)
Noiz2
Sound Ninja
Joly may not list the mods on the site now but they used to and it sounds like the same mods. When they did list them they explained why the various mods were done and what the effect was. Maybe giving too much info to competitors got them to stop listing the steps?
Both sound like they would do a good job. Joly has been working with the Oktava's longer so I would probably give him an edge.
Both sound like they would do a good job. Joly has been working with the Oktava's longer so I would probably give him an edge.
Richard Crowley
Veteran
I would bet that both JJ and Joly are essentially doing the mod originally published by Scott Dorsey in Recording Magazine a decade ago.
There is nothing secret about it unless you are trying to spin it into a marketing ploy.
http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/315.html
There is nothing secret about it unless you are trying to spin it into a marketing ploy.
http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/315.html
Noiz2
Sound Ninja
Joly is doing some of that but also does a number of hardware alterations. It's also pretty hard to get high quality versions of some of the parts with out ordering a bunch so doing it yourself can cost in the same ball part as having one of these guys do it.
On one of the mods Joly does they do something to the capsule. I've though of moding my own mics. I have the machine shop and a lot of electronics background, and I might someday but it would be because I wanted to really get into the mic. From a practical stand point I would send them out.
On one of the mods Joly does they do something to the capsule. I've though of moding my own mics. I have the machine shop and a lot of electronics background, and I might someday but it would be because I wanted to really get into the mic. From a practical stand point I would send them out.
Found another character doing it here:
http://www.billsrecording.com/BSRS/Mod012.html
Also selling kits, but no way would I do it myself.
http://www.billsrecording.com/BSRS/Mod012.html
Also selling kits, but no way would I do it myself.
Doc Bernard
Indie Arms Member
I have had dealings with Joly before even thinking about film in my studio/manufacturing days. He has a great reputation.
Just an FYI, if you make a mod on any mic, make sure you understand: Once you start playing around in the interior of a mic, any warranty you had on it is gone. I got in a bunch of mics people said didn't work, I open them up and their attempts at modding them were apparent under the 'scope. Warranty denied. Most stores now will not accept returns on mics, either.
So, if you plan to mod a mic.....make sure you buy one that you can afford to throw away. Or send it to someone that will back up their work.
Just an FYI, if you make a mod on any mic, make sure you understand: Once you start playing around in the interior of a mic, any warranty you had on it is gone. I got in a bunch of mics people said didn't work, I open them up and their attempts at modding them were apparent under the 'scope. Warranty denied. Most stores now will not accept returns on mics, either.
So, if you plan to mod a mic.....make sure you buy one that you can afford to throw away. Or send it to someone that will back up their work.
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Rick R
Veteran
According to MJ, he has gone beyond the original Dorsey mod.
However the Oktava quality control issue is still a factor. Even a modded Oktava 'dog' is still going to be sort of a dog. I would get a hand-picked Oktava from the Sound Room, then have the mod done. Problem there is, it brings you up to the price-range of the AT and Audix hypers. But it does sound very much like the warm-blooded (original) KM84.
However the Oktava quality control issue is still a factor. Even a modded Oktava 'dog' is still going to be sort of a dog. I would get a hand-picked Oktava from the Sound Room, then have the mod done. Problem there is, it brings you up to the price-range of the AT and Audix hypers. But it does sound very much like the warm-blooded (original) KM84.