Oktava opinions wanted.

recordingwhiz

recordingwhiz

Well-known member
I just scored a pair of un-serialed MK-012-01 at a Pawn shop near by for ultra cheap (from all the research I have done they appear to be genuine Russian), including the -10db pads, however, they did not have capsules.

I am torn between buying 2 Hypercardioid capsules or one Hyper and one Cardioid, what do you guys think?

Do any of you have extra capsules that you're trying to move cheap?

Thanks in advance.

GG
 
un-serialed MK-012-01 ??? Can you post a picture?
Aside from the Chinese counterfeit/knock-offs., there was also an issue of quality control with the Russian Oktava mics. I hope you got a good pair.
That said: If your doing production sound, get one of each. (However I prefer the cardioid for feature film work) If your are recording stereo music/instruments/S/FX you need a pair of the same capsules.
Your best bet of getting a tested/handpicked or matched capsule(s) is the reputable 'Sound Room' ( http://oktava.com )
 
Having the same caps is nice as you can run two booms and get similar sound. In the bigger picture, it would depend on the type of work you are doing. For typical audio for video, hypers are the norm. Of course there are exceptions. Do you need two matched mics for music or some specific project? Also, I believe the Sound Room has genuine matched pairs for a few bucks more.

Grant
 
I have never owned them before but everywhere I have read people appreciate the quality for price. Though many people do complain about the handling and movement noise. I have even been told not to waste my time since they are barely usable for booming. They are nice instrument mics though.
 
Yeah Mitch, Handling noise (boom) and even the slightest movement of air w/o a windscreen is an issue. But for indoor use, that can be dealt with, with a good WS and SM... and in the hands of a pro. They 'can' sound great. Many 'big name' production mixers own them as back-ups and hazardous duty mics because of it's 'Schoeps' type sound. Despite the attractive price, it's probably not a good mic for the inexperienced, an AT-4053 would make better choice in many instances, even though it's more expensive initially, the build/sound quality is more consistent and forgiving.
There are also modifications that can be done to the 012, but I'll leave that for searching if anyone's interested.
 
Last edited:
Rick R said:
An AT-4053 would be a better choice in many instances, even though it's more expensive initially but the build/sound quality is more consistent.
Click to expand...

I'm just curious, how is the self noise with the AT-4053? I know some of the other SDC from AT have a slight issue with this.
 
Well, I decided to order one of each, Hyper and Cardioid. I figured later on if I run into a deal for more capsules I can grow the Oktava kit. this way I can get familiar with the characteristics of each capsule.

Thanks for your input.
 
have you already purchased the capsules? I think you will find it is nice to have a stereo pair instead of the two different capsules. You may regret later on. just my opinion.

Good Luck
 
I thought about that. but If I feel the need for a stereo pair i can add the appropriate capsule.
At this moment this is a Hobby, and I have a killer mic locker at my disposal, (KM184, C451, C460/ck61, SM81s in pairs or multiple and thats for small diaphragms not counting even better selection of large diaphragms) My old mic locker I sold when I got out of the recording studio business.

Lesson: Keep friends with people you sell stuff to...lol.
 
Received the Cardioid capsule today, so i was able to test my nice little investment.. and i gotta say Im very impressed...
both pres and -10db pads work flawlessly.

Hoping the Hyper shows up tomorrow.
 
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