"Capsules?" "Heads?"

[jimmy_LD]

I was looking at some stuff, and I came across information on Oktava Mics (The MC012) and it mentions something about a capsule and heads...

What does this mean?

Thanks!
JImmy

[stonepiano]

they refer to different pickup patterns for the mic, ie, the shapes surrounding the mic where it gets the strongest signal.

[stonepiano]

I forgot to say with this particular mic, the different capsules allow you to change between pickup patterns. Translated, you can use a cardioid pickup pattern for one part and if you need an omni (equal pickup in all directions) pickup, you would have a capsule for that too. There are three if you decide to get that package but it does drive up the price of the mic.

Now, ask if it's worth it and where to buy them (you'll probably decide you need two for stereo micing). You'll get some good responses...

stone

[jimmy_LD]

IS it worth it, and where do I buy them?

[stonepiano]

Here are the consensus bulletpoints.

1. get a stereo pair. (good for anything. The aforementioned Chessrock, who gets my respect, voted it to be the condenser he'd take on a desert island.)

2. don't get them from GC, get them from Sound Room or other quality retailer who will provide a matched pair. This will make them significantly more expensive but "worthwhile" in the long run.

3. The capsules make it not only great, but give it unrivaled versatility...The good news is, if you do buy a matched pair from Soundroom or the like, you can buy the capsules later and not blow the wad.

this is a rather lengthy thread (although there are tons of threads about these) with people saying they are the best bang for buck mics out there.

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...ighlight=mc012

this many people getting these kinds of results can't be wrong...

miles

[stonepiano]

I also saw this thread explaining the pickup pattern far better than I could at the hour I was typing last night.

http://www.artistpro.com/Content.cfm?q_PageID=220

[Richard Monroe]

Is it worth it?- Yes
Where do you get them?-The Sound Room
I suggest buying a cardioid pair first, and the omni capsules later, the hypercardioid capsules only if you have a specific need for them.-Richie

[Track Rat]

Richie's got the straight scoop.

[H2oskiphil]

There's also a LOMO head that turns the lowly 012 into a hellacious LD condenser for vocals. Harvey Gerst will vouch for the quality of THAT mic...

[stonepiano]

I'm glad the guys suggested the same thing as me....

maybe I am learning....