Oktava still a good choice?

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David W. Richardson

Chapelgrove Films
Is the Oktava MK012a (with hyper capsule) still a good choice for indoor dialogue? Is there something else at the same price point that would be better?
 
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I think it depends on what kind of a deal you get for the Oktava. I own one that I got used for $100. You're not gonna beat it at that price probably. However, new they cost closer to $300. I got a used Audix hyper for that price that I much prefer over the Oktava.
 
ozmorphasis said:
I think it depends on what kind of a deal you get for the Oktava. I own one that I got used for $100. You're not gonna beat it at that price probably. However, new they cost closer to $300. I got a used Audix hyper for that price that I much prefer over the Oktava.
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Got a good source for a used Audix?
 
David W. Richardson said:
Is the Oktava MK012a (with hyper capsule) still a good choice for indoor dialogue? Is there something else at the same price point that would be better?
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I'm not certain how they compare in terms of US prices, but the AKG Blueline CK93 hypercardioid is a good modestly priced alternative, often missing from usual discussion of alternatives to the Oktava, but decent all the same: probably significantly more expensive that the Oktava, but it is much better (I have both) not least in terms of build quality/reliability and, above all, handling noise. It (or rather the SE300B that you will need with the CK93 capsule) includes a -10db pad and a 75hz low-cut filter (the Oktava one I have found unusable as so noisy: see http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?305348-Oktava-MK012-low-cut-filter-self-noise).

Cheers,

Roland
 
Another option is the AT 4053, but it's about $100 more than a new Audix SCX1-HC. Pre-owned 4053s are rare.
 
Good point David. I'd probably get a Rycote InVision Lyre mount, probably an INV-7. Nice suspensions, fairly inexpensive.
And since we're talking interiors, perhaps some inexpensive foam windshield. I use a Beyerdynamic teardrop foam thing with my (from Sound Room) Oktavas; just because someone recommended them way back when. I think this is the model:
http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/mp/accessories/ws-101.html

But note I don't use my Oktavas much; just for danger-mic situations where the mic might get run over or something. So poke around for updated (and perhaps better) recommendations.

Have fun with you mic!
 
When I used my (Sound Room) Octavas, the Inv-7 shock mounts worked good and $5 Windtech foam windscreen was adequate for most interior work, unless you're really whipping the boom around or in close proximity of an HVAC vent. The WindTech Ultra Series US‑2 gives much better wind suppression than a foamy for a lot less $ than the popular BBG.
 
Rick R said:
When I used my (Sound Room) Octavas, the Inv-7 shock mounts worked good and $5 Windtech foam windscreen was adequate for most interior work, unless you're really whipping the boom around or in close proximity of an HVAC vent. The WindTech Ultra Series US‑2 gives much better wind suppression than a foamy for a lot less $ than the popular BBG.
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Good tip on the WindTech. Thanks!
 
I bought my MK-012's and got them modded by Michael Jolly, he turned a good mic into a great mic. I preferred his MJE-K47 large diaphragm capsules so bought a couple of those, and used those primary for everything. Check them out here.

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=193

you can hear them here in a video I made ages ago. Insanely good mics. And they are for sale if anyone is interested...... recently got a pair of Schoeps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwBQTAq7_tU
 
Michael Thames said:
I bought my MK-012's and got them modded by Michael Jolly, he turned a good mic into a great mic. I preferred his MJE-K47 large diaphragm capsules so bought a couple of those, and used those primary for everything. Check them out here.

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=193

you can hear them here in a video I made ages ago. Insanely good mics. And they are for sale if anyone is interested...... recently got a pair of Schoeps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwBQTAq7_tU
Click to expand...
These capsules go on the MK 012?
 
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