Oktava Mics for Music?

Slimothy

Slimothy

Veteran
I've got the Oktave Mk012 w/ Hyper capsule. Was wondering if it would be useful for any music recording, especifically drums (overhead). Also, what is the -10db capsule for? Should I be using it? Thanks.

EDIT: BTW: All the music we would be recording would be relatively aggressive/loud/fast music. If that matters any.
 
I haven't tried the hypers for music; for drum overheads cardioid would likely be better... do you have those, too, or ONLY the hyper? In any case, it's worth a try, at least... try putting them a little farther, and with a narrower angle, than you would for cardioids, as a staring point.

The -10db "insert" is a pad, not a capsule... it reduces the level of the signal coming out of whatever capsule you screw on top of it b 10 db. This is for very loud sources or very close micing that can result in a signal that will cause some preamps to clip (depending on the "headroom" of the preamp). If you find you're getting a lot of peaks and distortion, even with the preamp gain turned down, use the pad. But until you get the hang of it, try without the pad to start; if you don't need it, you'll just be adding preamp noise when you compensate.
 
No problem...

Keep in mind that the Oktava's were designed and used as music mics long before they were "discovered" as sound-for-picture bargains...
 
That's what I was thinkin....What were they specifically designed for? Vocals? (Assuming you had the cardiod capsule)
 
Primarily as instrument mics; also used as stereo pairs for distant micing. Not my first choice for vocals, though I've certainly used 'em for such in a pinch with reasonable results....
 
I got a killer acoustic guitar sound with one, one time. To bad the song sucked :laugh:
 
Some days I feel like you're just trying to make me post stuff... I have some excellent acoustic guitar done with the Oktavas... I think I had a hyper on vocals and cardioid on the guitar... pointing down just above the hole from about 18" away.

Never tried drums, but it rocked on acoustic guitar... try it out... I'll bet you'll be surprised at how capable the Oktava is... as long as you got windprotection.
 
ullanta said:
Guitars are even better with two!
Click to expand...

Sometimes :grin: For guitar songs, but when it only plays a minor role I'll stick to mono generally.

We were in a nice studio and I threw the Octava up about 5 feet away, cardiod pointing right at the guitar, it was going to be a scratch track but it sounded too nice.
 
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