All user reviews for the Oktava MK-012

Laminae small condenser microphone supplied with 3 heads for three interchangeable directional (omni, cardio, cardio super-), a-10db pad.
A pretty wooden box, clamp well thought, it is very pro and we love that!

OVERALL OPINION

I bought a pair a month ago, I compared directly to my pair of KM184. I immediately recognized the neumann, a tab qd even more fun, this slight compression and harmonics I do not know .. In any case have held up well oktava comparison, they are very clean, very good frequency response and transient. For the price, it really is correct.
Only bemol: omni capsule seemed very sharp, not jolijoli. I reessaierai.
And I discovered the site oktavamod the usa that sells heads "comparable" U67 has the pair for $ 600 ...
When Russia meets the states!

Same lower

OVERALL OPINION

This micro amazed me when I got it hands the first time in 2003.
I did everything with this little gem, recorded ambiances, cymbal overheads Battery, Charleston, pianos (couple), saxophone, percussion atmosphere ... I recorded répets dees and has even been to take his bottom of the toilet.
For me his favorite is overheads, the Charleston and the sound ambiance.Une beautiful definition and a nice grain.
I agree with most previous opinions.
on the other hand I'm pretty bummed about not having that one at home, the results are more interesting couple.
That is, for me, a good quality mic through.

See manufacturer website

OVERALL OPINION

How long you use it?
7 years of use, sound and scene model

Did you tried many other models before buying it?
few dozen static I also possesses some (akg c1000 and C391)
test on a trumpet in front of a mkh50 (which costs at least five times the price) he got away with the honors, despite still nursing his (big) bump in the upper midrange.

What is so special that you love the most, least?
I like the discretion of the microphone, and sound amazing ...
felted (I do not like the aggressive treble) but full of warmth.
I have 3 including a pair, I use them often live as OH and the hihat, and with a good investment, nobody complains.

I do not like having to play for varying mechanical characteristics.

How would you rate the quality / price?
These microphones were great for the price a few years ago, I think they are now a little more expensive, I hope the quality remains.

With experience, you do again this choice? ...
without problems, these pickups are super endearing

Pair of microphones with cardioid capsule used with a pre amp and phantom power (in my case) on your magnto.

OVERALL OPINION

I use them for 1 month in overhead on a battery Jazz. I had a couple before that audiotechnica ATM33a j'tais satisfied. I use a trip to buy a New York couple Oktava I pay $ 270 a pair. I had indeed read the reviews trs trs logieuses Audiofanzine site. I confirm that the overhead mics in a battery are spotless and restore trs Fidler cymbals as well as the snare or hi-hat, without a sound dpend hypertrophy of the other (often the problem of overhead microphones that are often easier cymbals but "touffent" the rest). You just need a little work, but your exact investment is excellent when uncompressed or to any legalization. These pickups seem so suprieurs (a little) to audiotechnica ATM33a which are also of excellent microphones (300 pair). It is clear that nanmoins audiotechnica reprsentent also a recommendable choice trs. The Oktava is however a bit more neutral and restore one's less flattering but more balanced and therefore closer to its rel (even when it's the goal right?)
I do not know what the Oktava overlook other instrument because I have not tried and I dj what it takes ... (Especially a ElectroVoice RE20 for the sax, the great SIDS).
The ratio price quality I think is excellent.
I do not regret my purchase and I recommend it for those who want to record a jazz drummer without breaking the bank: 2 Oktava in overhead kick and a microphone (Sennheiser e 602 for me) and "a fact" without breaking the 6 or 7 head with microphones as I did before for a rsultat draft.

Russian small static a bit surprising for its mccano ct: the acoustic attnuateur 10db is a small pice that is screwed between the capsule and the body of the microphone, comes with papers bte are printed in Russian on one paper that seems to date from 1925.
Curves frequency drives are signs, what should follow all manufacturers that supply curves can or strotypes.
SPL 140dB: INTERESTED for drummers.
As against the pair are not fully stro Apaire (sensitivity curves and slightly differ), which can cause problem when taking stto.

OVERALL OPINION

It really is an excellent micro restoring a warm, perfectly homogne and dnu any agressivit.
I possde last few weeks a pair of sro MK012-01 (cardioid capsule only) and have not had time to test it in any desired configuration.
However, these qualities appear IMMEDIATE.
Compared to the Neumann KM184, I find the MK 012 and less flattering on most musical instruments motamment wind (clarinet friends, if you can not afford to pay you a pair of DPA, it is the micro you absolutely must) and choirs. It is compelling to trs a harpsichord, but I think he lacks a bit of gloss for the piano. For the strings against the KM184 seems more appropriate.
We must be vigilant trs placement because it is less forgiving of the mistakes that Neumann or AKG.
The other microphones Asian or Australian, they are far derrire despite surprising quality (check out the MXL 603 TB for example).
The ratio quality / price is extraordinary: 18/10 (I know this is not possible but still at least amrita a.)
I will buy more pairs.

See more advice.
dconcertante of simplicity, we do not know how this thing can sound so good.
attention to the diffrent dvissant and parties.
the threads are thin. a nag should easily reach the fair!
having said that, in practice it is almost never the attnuateur.
able to come down low, it can be fun, sexy, fleshy, charming voice for family, if impractical to put a windscreen pop performance (and Christian), otherwise it's storm, thunder and explosions!
so it is not intended for voice leads, it's easier as a!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a year (I have two, so-called paired).
they have the same sound but one of them a DBiT db less!
pramp to be compensated.
it's not a pairing of madness, then, but no agreement.
and I love the sound.
much less "bitch" in the acute than other bcp, it rings true.
he seems to have a natural compression against trslgre a neumann or NT2.
so it not to compress ncessaire in gnral.
the catch is good right now.
and warm, silky, true ... Class ...
must have a pair (real, Russians, not Chinese at Thomann!) is a quality price ratio currently dangerous.
once c'tait 4 times more expensive! ...

Condenser microphone said "cigar"
Cardiovascular Capsule
Some models are interchangeable capsule

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years and I have a couple of things with bcp (over-head drums, ambient symphony)
I admit that for this price range that little microphone is really nice ... there is little prs what is asked.
By THE GRAND against HOWEVER, I read some comments but little optimistic goals trs me ... Do not go comparing this type of a micro or a KM140/184 C451: CA N ' still has nothing to do (believe that some guys on this forum in bossent Oktava ok ... this is partly the same as bote Neumann but they are neither the same nor the components m my finishing and manufacturing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

J'arrte the good and know all the same as for the price, I love this microphone ... I also bought 4.

Letopis !!!!!!!!!!!

Russia sold with little static 3 capsules (cardio, hypercardio and omni)
MK 012-01 version or just cardio, it is recognizable by its capsule form vase, it had its inception, however the exact form of a KM84 but After a few problem with the brand Neumann, Oktava Submitted adopt the form, without changing the sonic aspect of the microphone.
sold with a small body of attnuation-10dB
- Clamp effective
- You can also customize the heads large diaphragm RTT LOMO M1 and M3 containing the sound design of the capsule of the Neumann U87 cardio mode (that is not quite true, especially not trs available in France, but sometimes at home or rockshop Soundroom United States for example, try before you buy because trs type)
- A model with windshield mtal for singing live there under the dnomination MC 011 (not available in France)

- Users known: dernire turns Norah Jones, U2, Sting, Radiohead, Tears for Fears, Sheryl Crow, Edwyn Collins, Rick Wakeman, Mike Oldfield, Roger Taylor, Mick Taylor, Bryan Ferry, The Mission, Pearl Jam, Neil Diamond, Iron Maiden, and ME !!!!!!!!!

This SERIES is now toffe many variations:

- MK 011 version hands and say,
- MK 012 version gets the Neumann KM84
- MK 012 MKII (current 03/05)
- MK 101 type song studio version
- MK 102 version pretty close to 101 instrument studio
- M1 LOMO head Vintage Sound Aesthetics
- M3 LOMO head Vintage Sound Aesthetics

considering the price, they are all terrible quality and find many applications in addition to those cited as examples

OVERALL OPINION

Model which is placed in the mid-90 trs on the market closed the era of Neumann KM 140 & 184, Bruel & Kjaer 4012 and Schoeps MK 4G, etc ...
is a microphone that does not have the quality of its confrres tration, signal to noise ratio
infrieur (18 dBA self-noise), less allowable pressure (130 dB max), medium finish
on the other hand in terms of timbre in mono and more cardio Matched Pair (coincident ORTF or XY), it was a rvllation the era. I bought my first pair in 1994 and had rarely heard such warmth, softness, music. It is certainly not as effective and flattering that a couple of KM modern, but often much prettier.
- I do not like the sound of the capsule hypercardio, I prfre by Neumann KM150 against one, but it is not the same price!
- Russia is the omni
- And the cardio is fabulous, beautiful, rare, warm and memorable
* So do the test if you have the opportunity of a harp,
Take a couple of Schoeps MK 4G, Neumann KM 184 and a pair of Oktava MC 012 working just your investments and compare!
what's diffrence!
and even battery on your exact ORTF jazz is surprising given the price (used by Norah Jones live among others ....)
In short if you plan to buy some microphones, so please be two MK 012, they will not do everything, but they will often better than others. and then with the money you You Save, buy you a double pre amp to go with your API for example couple !!!!!!
These are microphones trs endearing regarding their color!

Small dfaults!
- It is important to grate against the correct placement, as the MK 012 is rich in grave and the effect of proximity may be too intrusive.
- The dynamic return is less than an old prcise KM84 for example, or the stars of the genre DPA 4012!

I'm currently 20, if not of love!

* Another trick I also advises trs good ball windscreens and Schoeps W5 W5D that transform your MK 012 in studio vocal microphone acting as an effective anti pop arch and neutral.

96 tracks of symphonic patch which I use the MK 012 live (gauge 35 000 spectators per concert):

- Over strings: 4 x Neumann U87 and TLM 193
- 12 First Violins: 12 x Audiotechnica PRO 35X
- 10 Seconds Violins: 10 x Audiotechnica PRO 35X
- 8 Altos: 8 x Audiotechnica PRO 35X
- 8 Cellos: 8 x 35 Audiotechnica ATM
- 4 Bass: 4 x 35 Audiotechnica ATM

- 2 Flutes: 2 x Oktava MK 012 with studding Schoeps W5D
- 2 Clarinnettes: 2 x Oktava MK 012 with studding Schoeps W5D
- 2 Oboe 2 x Oktava MK 012 with studding Schoeps W5D
- 2 Bassoons: 2 x Oktava MK 012 with studding Schoeps W5D

- Brass: 14 x 468 Electrovoice

- Timpani 2 x AKG C 414 ULS
- Piano: 2 x AKG C 414 B-ULS / SE

- Percussion: 8 x Oktava MK 012 with studding Schoeps B5 and 2 x M3 LOMO
(Xylo, vibration, snare drum, triangle, cymables, glockenspiel ....)

- Soloists: Neumann KM 150 or AKG C414 B-XLII

Arnaud Houpert
The technician

I use this often with the microphone capsule to resume cardio acoustic instruments and guitar amps. I must say that it is mostly taken for Stereo. These pickups are rich in severe acute lack of my taste! I have their AIM sufficient precision and warmth. The sound is good trs. But often shall secure another room omni microphone that enhances the high end. restores a look at her and shine. For example, to use a guitar amp with a full and warm, I put a couple of octave XY 90 before the speaker, one pointing toward the center of HP and the other to the edge of the membrane. I then place a rear about 1m Sennheiser E835 (cardio) directed towards the center of HP. I add to the mix just a reverb on the E835 and I find your exact excellent (personal opinion of course). There's so heat and severe Oktava, E835 and transcribed many of the top spectrum and gives the air.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been 2 months and j'apprcie sound. It Integrates well into the mix and they are versatile trs. I just regret the lack of acute my taste. The ratio quality price is excellent and I like the design with screw caps and the body. If I am lucky to find others of occas j'achte!

- What kind of microphone? (Chant, sound, mixed.)
- What technology? (Electret condenser ...)
Static small diaphragm with multiple capsules (omni-cardio-hyper)
Attenuator-10dB

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
1 ½

- What is so special that you like most and least?
These microphones have an indescribable magic that makes a sound that is soft and grainy, not hardness, their sound is interesting and gives one side a little tired dealing with that fact. This is not a micro fast (for static) but it is enough to fit in Overhead, its place is often elsewhere. I found it very comfortable on the amps overdrive in the area, the atmosphere electric guitar are also very beautiful, they are not faithful, but the frequencies picked up by cardio in an MK012 and placed 3 m the amp, transcribed realism pleasant with a rich, quite full. It's one of my favorite applications for this micro. On the toms are also very comfortable. The capsule cardio for acoustic guitar is not the best, too veiled too tight, I much preferred the omni in this application that gives a lot of openness in the decision.
This microphone is also terrible to use vocal moods or battery (or other), the lower midrange when mixed in the mix can be recognized easily and especially leaves a warm color to the entire forest in which it integrates.
- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
In SDC Shure PG81 Only when I got it ....
I was very surprised (positively) by the rendering of these mics, I knew there would be a difference in comparison with the PG81, but not so obvious. Result ... I put my toys in their heels for a year before I finally separated

- How would you rate the quality / price?
Bluffing, but not that much actually. While the mic in question a little surprised as his answer is pleasing to the ear, but when you see the finish, consistency MK012 sound to another (that's what makes them so charming), the specifications are not the most glorious, it is understandable that it costs no more. Then if you compare to 170 euros a PG81 is clear that the MK012 is a sacred matter.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
I bought a pair, I took a third partner in an MK101 capsule recently .... I think this is not the last I buy one wants to put all the mics are so endearing.

primary use as a couple.

OVERALL OPINION

After several months of use and comparison with another couple SM81: This mic is quite accurate, I find it a bit bright, which brings a bit of overhead air battery. The test on an upright piano were very close to reality.
I could compare them directly with KM184, but I had a memory of this micro just bleuffant! With the Oktava, the result does not appear as daunting to me, but for the price, it's pretty incredible.

I like their size especially discreet in their rendering, stereo pair, especially on the drums (Jazz) or render it nicely cymbals, with a little reinforcement on the Kick and the CC is perfect.

It's a microphone that I use for shooting his battery: Hi-Hat, snare, toms, overheads. I'm also making his kick drum with it, but it is recommended that the microphone is not made for that and the pressure on it may damage it.
I also use it to catch surround sound indoors or outdoors.
A sound engineer of my acquaintance also uses the microphone to the sound of the saxophone.

For technology, I copied what I found on the internet on the page lemicrophone.fr:

"MK-012 condenser microphone is a compact, high quality, with interchangeable capsules which offer a choice of cardioid, hypercardioid or omni-directional."

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for over 2 years. I discovered when taking its battery, it was used on the Hi-Hat and rendering was impressive in terms of the price: I bought 2 Oktava MK-012 paired for 540 €.

I have not much experience of the sound, but in this price range, I did not find any equivalent. Previously, I used Shure mics, drum mics, 1st prize.

What I love about these pickups: versatility, great value for money. They do not provide a record of very high quality but render a warmth and grainy. We may not like.

I do it again this election without blinking, I do not think they have lost as 2 years.