Oktavamod or better mic?

[TurboJets]

The PE upgrade is kind of a no-brainer IMO.

$100 for each mic and you get smoother performance and response on levels that reach beyond the mics price-point.

However, when I bought my 012's (12 years ago) the price point was $90 per pair.

If you already own the mics, it's worth it IMO. If you don't already own them, I feel there are better deals on new mics. I personally wouldn't pay today's prices for the 012, and I certainly wouldn't pay today's prices then heap another $100 on top of that for mods.

[Bcsteene]

Well, I I already own them but I was thinking that I might sell and use the cash to get even better mics such as peluso cemc6s or josephson c42s. But after endless reading on different sdcs I think I have sdc fatigue and I have no idea which mics to get.... I'll be recording mostly acoustic instruments, strings, pianos, etc....

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[jetam]

It depends on what you want from a microphone.
IMHO the stock MK-012s are very good microphones for some applications.
I often choose them over a KM84.

It sounds great on toms, some hi-hats, accordion (as DIN or ORTF pair) and many more sources.
I've never been really impressed by Peluso mics.

Anyway I'm not saying that it is the best mic on the world, but it has a unique color and is worth to have a pair around.
Even if I had a million dollar mic locker I'm sure that I'd have a pair or two of Oktavas in it.

[drBill]

I still like the MJ 012's. They sound like modern KM84's to me. A little more open on the top, and more extended lows. I'd get em modded (it's not expensive and really helps them out), and then look for a complementary pair of SDC's to round out the locker.

From my experience, ALL the Oktava models have a cool woody type of sound I've not found in any other mic. So, IMO it's worth keeping them if you find that sound useful.

[djstudio048]

I've never used any other sdc, so all I have to compare is before and after the mod, and I would describe it as before=unuseable/harsh, after=amazing+wow. I use one for hi hats and one for the ride cymbal. I'll use them on acoustic guitar also. I don't see why I'd need to ever get another sdc. I used to use them as drum overheads, but I got nice LDCs that I use that give me bigger sounding cymbals.

EDIT: note that I'm talking about the MXL sdc's

[Bcsteene]

So far it seems like keeping the mk-012s and modding them is the way to go

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[Silent Sound]

I would keep them. You'd be hard pressed to find a similar quality mic for the price. If you're good with a soldering iron, you can do the mods yourself. There's tons of online documentation, step-by-step instructions, and even pre-packaged mod kits for these. You could do that and save some money.

My beef with the MC-012's is they're not super crisp in the upper frequencies. After the mod, they get better, but they never really get that crisp high end detail that I sometimes seek. I plan on one day getting a pair of Peluso Cemc6's, or something similar, as a brighter alternative to the Oktavas, but I'd never sell the Oktavas to do that. I know I'd just wind up buying them back at some point.

[chris319]

I have my Oktavas modified by Bill Sitler if for no other reason than I got tired of Mr. Joly's endless self promotion. AFAIK they're both based on Scott Dorsey's original modification. I get the premium mod because you only live once

Oktava MK-012 Modification Kits and Service

[tINY]

If you are tired of your 012's, the C42 is a great move. They have a nice, smooth rising HF response and are bullet-proof. They are top-notch SDCs tuned almost opposite of your Russian pencils (but still in the realm of "instrument mic").

That said, keeping your 012's and spending $290 on a pair of m179 may be quite educational.

Also, for close-micing stringed instruments, the AT U873r is pretty handy to have in your locker.

I'd generally suggest that you have several options available, sometimes having a very different type of mic will be a huge asset.



-tINY