MC012 vs. SM81

[sile2001]

Ok, I can look at the spec sheets and freqency response graphs 'till my eyes bleed, but there aren't any Oktava dealers around here for me to compare with.

In practice, how similar and/or different are Oktava MC012 and the Shure SM81? I would use a pair of them for drum overheads, guitars, large group recording, etc...basically anything you would use a small-frame SDC for.

General differences, specific pros or cons...anything is welcome. Thanks!

 

[Farview]

They are both good mics for what you want to use them for. The octavas are talked about a lot because of the bang for the buck.

 

[mshilarious]

I've never used the Octavas, but you can only take my 81s from my cold, dead fingers. If they sound bad, then the source sounds bad.

Of course that's why I own a dozen or so other microphones . . .

 

[omtayslick]

Take this for what it is, second hand opinion. I went into a GC store to inquire about the Octavas. Told the clerk I owned an sm81, and asked if the Octavas were comparable and worthwhile for me to add to an 81. The guy (who does some local studio work, as well) said the 81's kill the Octavas. Since he said this at the expense of a sale, I took his word for it. Maybe someone who has used both can enlighten us.

 

[H2oskiphil]

The 81 (IMHO) is a better mic than the Octava. I've got 2 sets of the 012's, and I love them, but my experience with the 81 is that it's a step above the Octava. For the $$$, the 012 is a great mic, but the 81 pretty much beats the 012 in every application. Granted, there might be certain situations where the 012 gives you exactly the sound you're looking for, but the 81 is simply a higher quality mic. Of course, it's also about $100 more than the 012...

 

[sdelsolray]

Ok, I can look at the spec sheets and freqency response graphs 'till my eyes bleed, but there aren't any Oktava dealers around here for me to compare with.

In practice, how similar and/or different are Oktava MC012 and the Shure SM81? I would use a pair of them for drum overheads, guitars, large group recording, etc...basically anything you would use a small-frame SDC for.

General differences, specific pros or cons...anything is welcome. Thanks!

The 81 is a higher quality sounding mic than the MC012. Better transient response, clearer and more detailed mids and the bass response is a bit tighter (more accurate). The 81s are a bit bright, but that's easy to fix with a bit of eq or adjustment of mic placement.

 

[Massive Master]

I use both on a regualr basis if that helps -

The Oktava's are definitely great mics, especially for the bucks. However, the 81's fall into that "can't go wrong" or "trapped on a deserted island" category.

As long as the source isn't "too" loud, it's like mshilarious said - You can pretty much put them on front of anything from drum overheads, to guitars, harps, strings, vocals, contrabass, piano, etc. and you know it's going to sound good (assuming that the source sounds good).

It might not be the "best" mic for anything in particular, but it's a great mic for almost anything.

And for what they cost, they're STILL a bargain.

 

[DJL]

The Shure SM81 gets my vote also.

 

[Richard Monroe]

What they said.-Richie

 

[Big Kenny]

What Richie said....BK

 

[sile2001]

Well it sounds like the 81 has it then. I could actually use the extra brightness in some things... It's a lot easier to take it out than add it in. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[mshilarious]

Well it sounds like the 81 has it then. I could actually use the extra brightness in some things... It's a lot easier to take it out than add it in. Thanks for the feedback!

I wouldn't consider the 81s bright . . . in comparison to the Octavas, they will sound bright because the 81 is ruler flat up to 16kHz whereas the Octava starts to dip at 10kHz. However there is no presence peak on the 81.

 

[Massive Master]

Same here - I like to think of the 81 as "open" sounding. If you need more than a dB or two of EQ on it, change the source.

 

[ozraves]

Either the MC012 or the SM81 is a good mic. So, don't stress out too much about picking one or the other. To me, I'd put this one in the "either" category. Shure's build quality is going to be better. Oktava is a better value.

 

[randyfromde]

Either the MC012 or the SM81 is a good mic. So, don't stress out too much about picking one or the other. To me, I'd put this one in the "either" category. Shure's build quality is going to be better. Oktava is a better value.

So for a person who has a pair of Oktavas, you don't think it's worth buying a set of SM81's? Is there a set that you would recommend if I wanted some variety? I only record acoustic guitar and vocals at home.

 

[DJL]

So for a person who has a pair of Oktavas, you don't think it's worth buying a set of SM81's? Is there a set that you would recommend if I wanted some variety? I only record acoustic guitar and vocals at home.

IMO, it would be worth it. Or for less money... if you already own the Oktava MC-012, the Marshall MXL603S would give you some variety... the MXL603S is a tad brighter sounding than the MC-012 and can sound nice on acoustic guitar.

 

[ozraves]

So for a person who has a pair of Oktavas, you don't think it's worth buying a set of SM81's? Is there a set that you would recommend if I wanted some variety? I only record acoustic guitar and vocals at home.

If you only record vocals and acoustic guitar at home, then I'd lean more toward adding a Blue Dragonfly or an Audio-Technica AT4040. These are good vocal mics that are also good acoustic guitar mics.

You'd also get a decent and different vibe with an EV 635A. It can handle either duty. It's not even close to my first choice for vocals or acoustic guitar but as someone once said the 635A can give you that "Exile on Main Street" sort of sound.

 

[randyfromde]

Thanks guys. I'll keep those in mind if G.A.S. strikes! Although for what I am recording, the MK012's and the AT3035 I currently have are doing the job quite well.

It's funny how the grass is always greener on the other side...

 

[qwarks]

I was going to start a seperate thread...

, but saw this one, and so I'll ask here :

I'm looking at choosing the SM81 or AKG C1000, for micing acoustic guitars

which would you go with ?

 

[H2oskiphil]

Absolutely the 81.

I wouldn't use the 1000 as a doorstop-it might hurt the door, and it will CERTAINLY make the door sound shrill and grainy.

The 1000 makes an effective paperweight, once it's been flattened by a steamroller. At that point it becomes a useful tool in my studio.

Other than that, I like both...