Oktava MK 012 - Did the Chinese Version Ever Come With Three Capsules?

W

Why4009

Active member
Hi,

I have a chance to buy a 3 capsule Oktava. I have been reading about the difference between the Russian and Chinese version for a few hours. Here is a good link if you want to know.
http://recordinghacks.com/fake-oktava-mk-012-photos/

But I just wanted to confirm (if possible) that the Chinese version never came in the 3 capsule set. It seems it mainly came in the cardiod version. Looks like a heart. It is in the link above. And missing the -10db pad.

Can someone confirm that the Chinese never made a 3 capsule set? Thanks a lot! I am trying to buy the Russian version.
 
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Are you really saving enough to take the risk?
The Sound Room is the only place I know that definitely caries only the real Oktava. Others may but? Since you get a 5% discount with TSR I doubt there is a big price difference. If there is (for a new mic) then I would be very suspicious.
 
Why4009, one of the issues I have with these knock off mics in not just the fact they are knocking them off, but on a component level, they are just not the same.

In the article, you can see construction differences. That leads me to believe the circuitry is less than faithful to it's re-creation as well. I highly doubt they are anywhere close to being the same mike. If you do decide to get the Chinese "version", be warned.
 
Actually I think he's trying not to get the chinese version.

If you go over to Oktava Mod there is an analysis of the differences. Some of the components are not great but the biggest difference (if I remember correctly) is that the capsules are not great. He thought that by and large they were OK mics but they were not really in the same ballpark as the Russian mics.
 
Hi, thanks for the replies. Yes, I am trying to avoid the Chinese version. It is that I am getting it used at a pretty good price. It is a 3 capsule set that I am buying. So among the other factors I can look at (i.e. having a -10db pad, the silver tips, flat silver screws, etc.) I was just wondering if there ever was a Chinese version of the 3 capsule set. If there was never such a set made, it would give me an additional piece of data and comfort.

I am also studying threads about whether or not it would be worth buying given that I would need a variety of items to address the noise and wind sensivity. Seems like I would need to buy several items to make it work. I have been reading the following links, but would still welcome an opinion of if it is worth it or should I just save for an Audio Technica 4053b:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?86958-Oktava-MK012A-Gitzo-G-557-Rode-SM3&highlight=oktava
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?193730-Oktava-MK012A&highlight=oktava
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?153751-Kit-for-Oktava-MC012&highlight=%26quot%3Brode+blimp
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...Blimp-for-Rode-NTG&highlight="rode+blimp

There are more links, but I just wanted everyone to know that I have been reading!!!!

Thanks!
 
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Scott Dorsey (author of the most popular Oktava mod) claims that the Chinese mic bodies are actually superior to the Russian originals.
But the capsules were significantly inferior. IIRC, the packaging was a significant clue to the origin. And also the body markings.
 
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