Rode NT5 vs Oktava MK-012 Comparison?

[JamesClark1991]

If anyone had clips of overheads it would be fantastic

[Puffer Fish]

These two mics in particular have a whole lot of thread time on here. But I will say the NT5 sounds best to my ears when using the optional omni capsule. It'll set you back another $90. The NT5 will sound like you were hoping it would with the omni capsule.

If you want a very flexible mic regarding capsule options, the MK-012 is a clear winner. People think they sound a little less bright than the NT5, generally speaking and maybe sound more, ummm... old school? I am not sure if that will help you.

Anyway, do a little more searching as I KNOW these two mics have been written about at length on here. Or ask some more specific questions. I know you asked for audio clips, which is pretty specific, so maybe someone can help you with that. I can't.

[Silent Sound]

Get the MK012's. Great as is, better modded. The optional omni caps are truly stellar. Everyone loves them for a reason. They quenched my SDC thirst. I would like to one day get another pair one day, but that's just to have a different flavor, not as a replacement. I also have a MXL 603 modded that sounds okay, but it never gets used because the MK012's always sound better. I can't comment directly on the NT5's, as I've never used a pair, but I don't feel the MK012's are lacking anything that the NT5 (or any other sub $1000 SDC) could bring to the table. You don't get better than the MK012, just different.

[KRStudio]

The NT5's are fantastic mics when used with high end pre amps. I think they are waaaay too bright and brittle when used with Mackie, Presonus, behringer type pres.

[turtlejon]

The nt5 still sounds brittle with metric halo pre amps, while the 012 sounds awesome through any preamp...
Nt5 was ok for overhead, but not my choice for acoustic instruments, voices, or small percussion doodads.

[RadioSound88]

Hi James, I am selling my Oktava MK-012 stereo pair. I have used it mainly once for a project (sound effects). It did sound good. PM me if interested.

[JamesClark1991]

Yeh I'd love to hear a overhead comparison as that's what they'll mainly be used for. Trying to get a 4 piece mic kit that will record drums (OHs [why I'm here], 57 on snare, D112, Beta52A or D6 on kick [also undecided])

I'll be using them on a pretty decent Audient mixing desk ASP 2024 I think the model is (I have access to decent recording studios, not top of the range but decent e.g. pro tools 24, Radar etc) I'll also be using them on a friends desk, much less fancy and VERY old console SECK 1882 MKII.

Originally Posted by RadioSound88

Hi James, I am selling my Oktava MK-012 stereo pair. I have used it mainly once for a project (sound effects). It did sound good. PM me if interested.

I MIGHT be interested, will PM you now

[edva]

Depends what kind of tone you personally prefer, I think. The Rodes are bright, up front, crisp, forward, somewhat clinical sounding. The Oktavas have more character, not as sharp on the high end, a more tailored frequency response instead of sterile accuracy. Depends what you like.

[JamesClark1991]

Originally Posted by edva

Depends what kind of tone you personally prefer, I think. The Rodes are bright, up front, crisp, forward, somewhat clinical sounding. The Oktavas have more character, not as sharp on the high end, a more tailored frequency response instead of sterile accuracy. Depends what you like.

Ahh I see what you mean here. I think I'd prefer the sharper high end for overheads, as one of their main jobs is to capture the cymbals.

Would still love a comparison if someone has one though :D

[JamesClark1991]

Finally found some examples of the two mics being used on acoustic guitar and as overheads. Quite shocked at the difference on the overheads, they sound completely different to me!

For anyone who's interested the acoustic guitar comparison can be found here - Microphone Shootout & Comparison | Gear Audition

The overhead comparison I found on a German forum, I had to download the files. If anyone wants hear the difference between the two I can upload them to my Soundcloud for everybody.

I'm still a bit undecided what to buy, but I think my sway has shifted from the NT5s to the 012s in all honesty. They sound so different imo it's hard to compare them.

[edva]

Glad you found those. You know, there is something to be said for choosing a mic which compliments the source by being different in tone, rather than a mic which magnifies the source by being similar in tone. In other words, a "soft" sounding mic on a "hard" sounding source, and vice versa.

[Ward Boss]

I haven't heard the specific Rodes you mentioned, but my experience with other Rodes is that they are quite bright.

I really like the Oktavas for their smooth reproduction of cymbals in a drum overhead application, and they just happen to sound great on the rest of the kit as well ( particularly on toms in a Glyn Johns setup). Beyond the the drum kit application, they are quite nice on acoustic instruments; I just used one of mine to record a nylon string classical guitar, and I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and musical it sounded. Very present and immediate sounding.

[JamesClark1991]

I decided to upload the overhead clips to my Soundcloud as I really can't decide.





The NT5s have more detail on the cymbals I think, the ring sounds more acurate on the ride imo. But they lack bottom end I think.

The MK-012s sound much darker and bottom end'ey, which leads to more acurate toms. But I think they lack the extra detail on the cymbals.

Just my opinion though. I'm not sure what to go for as they sound SO different. A middle point between the two would sound the best imo.

[cyjanopan]

Rode sounds pretty good, Oktava seems muffled by comparision. I hate SDCs on overheads so I would go completely different route, but from those two I would pick Rode.

[JamesClark1991]

Added clips to main post, any thoughts?

[hello people]

They sound...exactly the same

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by JamesClark1991

The NT5s have more detail on the cymbals I think, the ring sounds more acurate on the ride imo. But they lack bottom end I think.
The MK-012s sound much darker and bottom end'ey, which leads to more acurate toms. But I think they lack the extra detail on the cymbals.
Just my opinion though. I'm not sure what to go for as they sound SO different. A middle point between the two would sound the best imo.

I guess it just depends upon what you want the OH mics on a drum set to do for you--more tom sound, more cymbal sound, more of an over-all kit sound??? Only you can decide that for yourself. I end up using a different set of mics on drum OH depending upon what the goal is at the time of recording. There are a lot of ways to peel this onion!

[JamesClark1991]

Originally Posted by hello people

They sound...exactly the same

ARE YOU DEAF!? o.O

[JamesClark1991]

Any other opinions on these two clips??

[guitarmax_99]

Originally Posted by edva

Depends what kind of tone you personally prefer, I think. The Rodes are bright, up front, crisp, forward, somewhat clinical sounding. The Oktavas have more character, not as sharp on the high end, a more tailored frequency response instead of sterile accuracy. Depends what you like.

I agree completely.

To the OP:

I suppose it's all about matching the mic to the source. Personally, I lean toward the darker Oktavas on OH.

[Puffer Fish]

And I'll say again...

if you want the variety of options the MK-012 set will give you with all the capsules available for it, then the choice is clear. And these are very enticing---large diaphragm options, omni, cardioid, hyper cardioid, figure eight! And don't forget, if you are DIY minded or otherwise like to tinker with your sound, there are electronic upgrade options for the MK-012 that are offered by a number of places.

In the case of the NT5, you can use the stock cardioid caps or pick up the great sounding omni capsules. And again, I really feel like the omni caps are where the NT5 shines the most, but then room sound matters more, in my opinion.

Sorry, I am traveling and do not have a way to listen to the clips with any worthwhile set of speakers...

[gouge]

oktava by a mile for me

[GRiFF]

Probably bought your mics by now but just wanted to share my opinion.
The NT5's I find - on acoustic guitar - bright and sterile.
I can see that they divide opinion those who love them probably like the level of control and focus they deliver, those who dont tend to comment on a lack of character.
I think they are impressively detailed but I feel they are harsh and do not flatter.
I'm curious about the oktavas but I'm sure they have their own budget related quirks.

If you did buy NT5's how are you finding them?

[JamesClark1991]

I haven't invested in any SDC mics just yet. Got my eye on a pair of Beyer 930s though. Updating this thread a bit later as well so keep an eye out

[didier.brest]

Piano clips for comparing NT5 and mk-012 here and here.

[JamesClark1991]

Originally Posted by didier.brest

Piano clips for comparing NT5 and mk-012 here and here.

Thank you

[didier.brest]

Two piano clips comparing the NT55 (same sound like NT5) and Oktava MK-012 recorded by students at Formation Supérieure aux Métiers du Son (clips no longer available from their site) :

[alvagoldbook]

I have a pair of NT5's, and I love them on overheads. Very rich and detailed 3 dimensional sound. Not as good as KM 84's, but better than 184's IMHO. I usually put them through my little Soundcraft board. I've got no complaints.