Oktava MK012 vs. Rode NT1-A

[commalot]

I want to get an MK012 for dialogue but also want to do some nice stereo recordings of nature ambiances. I had been thinking of a pair of NT1-As for that. But what about a matched pair of MK012s. Would they do well for recording ambiances?

 

[10s]

Rode is better built, the Oktava is Russian craftsmanship (not the best IMO) but better sounding (IMO) and useful for normal location recording. This model Rode isn't something I've used too much, so I'm biased somewhat toward the MK012 even though I really like Rode products -- I even have a few of their mics & their blimp!

They're both sensitive mics to air movement. Whatever you get, you will need a small blimp / Rycote Ball for outside ambient work (a slight breeze overloads them) and you'll need a stereo mounting bar for proper spatial placement.

 

[commalot]

The Rode NT1-A is supposed to be the worlds quietest studio condenser microphone with self noise at 5.5 dB(A). I've checked out some of these nature recording websites and they are a popular mic. I think I'll spend a few extra hundred and get them and the Oktava.

 

[ullanta]

The Rodes are indeed quieter, which is useful in some nature ambience recording. They're also much more unwieldy to work with... bigger, heavier, requiring bigger and more complex mounting, wind protection, etc. If you can indeed get a pair of Oktavas AND a pair of NT1As, then you'll be covered for a lot more situations.

The MK-012 multi-capsule stereo pair will also give you a lot more flexibility in sound, albeit with a bit more noise (but not a particularly high amount of noise as mics go).

In my experience, I'd say if you have to pick one, the Okravas will be more all-around useful; the Rode for more specialized situations where the low self-noise is the most important factor.

-B

 

[DavidNJ]

What about the Rodes NT-55s? They are about the same size and price as the Oktavas.

http://usa.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=NT55

 

[ullanta]

I find the small diaphragm Rodes to be a little harsh and shrill in some applications. I must add the disclaimer that I haven't used the NT-55... but by all reports it's not too different in sound character from the nt-5.