$400 for Joly 319's or?????????????

[Tomm Williams]

Howdy Fellas

Been sniffing around for some LDC's for my locker and think I may have settled on the Joly Oktava 319's. I can get used 319's for under $100 and his ultimate mod is $300. Can anyone name a clearly better $400 mic?

 

[omtayslick]

The short answer is no.


The long answer:
When I first got my modded 319 back from Michael, I did a comparison between the 319 and a friend's vintage U47 on vocals and acoustic guitar.

Of the 4 people in attendance, all 4 preferred the Oktava on this particular vocal, and 3 out of 4 preferred the Oktava on guitar.

Also the 319 handled sibilance much better than the U47.

2 of the 4 people present wanted to know where they could get one of these modded mics. (the other 2 already knew)

I am not saying that these results will always be the same, but on these sources the Oktava was a clear winner vs a multi-thousand dollar mic that day.

So whether it is always the preferred choice or not, it has proven to me that it is definitely a world class recording tool.

 

[Track Rat]

Oktava MK319 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

 

[moresound]

I would say without a doubt don't get the Octavamod 319 microphone set up!

Purchase a pair of them instead.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

I would say without a doubt don't get the Octavamod 319 microphone set up!

Purchase a pair of them instead.

Not to hijack the thread, but Moresound, you ever use the moded 319s for OH? I have a couple that I will send in for mods when I get some extra cash. I'd love to use them as OH and free up my SDCs for HH and Ride.

 

[moresound]

Not to hijack the thread, but Moresound, you ever use the moded 319s for OH? I have a couple that I will send in for mods when I get some extra cash. I'd love to use them as OH and free up my SDCs for HH and Ride.

Yes I have Aaron. With great results too!
But then your going to get into the debate over SDC v LDC for over heads.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Yes I have Aaron. With great results too!
But then your going to get into the debate over SDC v LDC for over heads.

True. I've never used LDCs when I've been the engineer, but bands I've been in have been recorded with LDCs. I think I'm leaning toward a pair for OH (I have the mics just need the mods). I like a lot of OH in the mix so I think the LDCs would be really nice for what I do.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

To the OP, I don't have any LDCs anymore other than my two stock 319s from years ago. That's all I need for LDCs. I'd guess the mod would make them that much better. I've gotten rid of all my others over the last couple years if that helps you with your decision.

 

[moresound]

LDC will work great Aaron but I guess it's all in the type of music that your going to record.

Have you tried the stock 319's in overhead duty yet?

 

[aaronmcoleman]

LDC will work great Aaron but I guess it's all in the type of music that your going to record.

Have you tried the stock 319's in overhead duty yet?

Not yet. I do mostly Americana kinda stuff it's mellow 70s inspired rock. I'll probably never do anything hard or poppy. Maybe a little singer/songwriter stuff once Ina while.

Think wilco, Ryan Adams sort of.

 

[moresound]

Then the LDC set up would be right up your alley as over heads Aaron.

 

[omtayslick]

I only have one 319, so I have not used it for overheads per se. But I have used it all over the kit, and as a room mic for drums. Good on everything. Also, 3 feet directly in front of the kit about waist high is a nice sound. And if your cymbals are too "zingy" (technical term), then this is your mic.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Then the LDC set up would be right up your alley as over heads Aaron.

yeah i was actually planning to try it tomorrow, but one of my 319s is broken now

hopefully some duct tape will fix her right up.

 

[moresound]

Where is it broken?

 

[chessparov]

The MJ mod of the 319/219's is widely respected. Unless there's a real possibility of re-selling it, I would say go for it.

Personally already have access to some great vocal mics (including U87/U47/etc.), so haven't gotten any modded mics done FWIW.

Chris