How do I find matched pairs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter echomancer
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echomancer

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Is it possible to find matched pairs of microphones by looking through the selection the retailer has on hand? I'll be going to Guitar Center in a few days probably to purchase two Oktava MC012's but I would like them to sound similar.

Can I do it there? If so, what do I look for?
 
easy answer

Hey Echo,

Here's the deal. I work at a GC in chicago and there's a couple ways to do this. Depending on how busy the store is, they will most likely let you test them in the store. If you want to get a good idea of the sound, test them independently on acoustic guitar while wearing headphones! I see all kinds of people trying to get an idea of matching mics through monitors and it can't be done properly in a busy retail store. Try going on a Monday through Thursday after work. If you can get there earlier than five, even better.

I would plan on spending a good hour or more listening to them.

Of course, if they're good helpful salespeople, they'll remind you that you can always buy six on your credit card, test them at home where you'll actually be using them and return the ones you don't like.

You're on the right track with these mics. Enjoy and keep jammin'.

Miles Maxwell
 
Harvey, thanks so much for the great info! That answers my question exactly. Unfortunately, I won't have the opportunity to purchase a large number of mics and then return those that I don't want, so, I will be confined to "in store" testing.

Great advice!
 
definitely a cool thread.

and just to dispel some of the things I read over there, not all GC salespeople are dicks just trying to get you out the door with your gear. I personally offer to show them mics we both know they're not gonna buy just to hear them. . Hell, I sold an M47 last week and made the guy listen to the coveted Telefunken M49 we have simply for the sake of ear education.

Harvey's right, though. time is always a sensitive issue. Salespeople always have lots of custys to help and pro audio questions tend to get a little involved so it's a bit of a salesperson tug of war on Saturdays.

And I know what you mean about bringing home a bunch and testing at home. It's honestly the best way but an expensive and time consuming method to be sure.
 
If I was to bring a bunch of mic's home to try to match up a pair, are there any stand alone (preferably freeware) computer programs or applications inside Logic 5.3 that I could use to test the mics? Something showing frequency response curves etc?

Would white noise playing out of a monitor be the best source for frequency response tests and what would be the best was of testing the SPL handling - Harvey's distance test or would there be a better way using a PC?
 
Thanks for the great info I received here.

I purchased to Oktava MK012's from Guitar Center. Unfortunately, they only had two in stock. My salesman was really cool and said that if they'd had more, he would have gladly let me loose to perform Harvey's matching test. Since they only had two and the board didn't have a phase switch, I decided that I would just try the "jangling keys" and "vocal" tests, and both mic's put out the same output. I don't know if tone is the same, but I really didn't have much of a choice. He told me that upon further close testing if I found they didn't match that I could return them and perform the testing when they get their next shipment (apparently, they have a hard time keeping them in stock!)

One question though is where can I get they Hyper and Omni capules for these mics? I'm told that the kits have been discontinued by Oktava. Also, would I have to try and "match" the capsules, or is that more in the mic body itsels?

I'm very pleased with these mics, they had a very warm and pleasing tone. They were probably the best $89 surprise I'd ever heard! Thanks again for all the great info!
 
For sure you can get the capsules from The Sound Room, at www.oktava.com. You might also try calling musicians friend, since I know that they sell a lot of MK-012's...

-mg
 
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