MK012 v. C1000S v. NT3

[buck78]

I am currently awaiting the arrival of my first recorder. I picked up a Br-532 on eBay. While I am waiting I have been trying to figure out what my first mic should be.

I'll primarily be recording acoustic instruments (guitar, mandolin, etc.) so I figured that a small diaphram condenser would be the best route to go.

The MK012, C1000S & NT3 are what I am looking at. If anyone can help me out that would be great. Other recommedations are also welcome.

Thanks.

Charlie

 

[tdukex]

The Oktava MC 012 would be my choice.

You might also want to check out the Marshall Electronics MXL 603s ($80.00 at 8thstreet.com). Harvey Gerst has recommended this mic, saying it is similar in sound to the MC 012.

Actually, I just ordered a 603, so I guess that would be my choice.

 

[Henri Devill]

I have 2 C1000's and if I were to do it over I would buy something else..603's /012's are a better deal at less than 1/2 the price..I got a SM81 used for the price of a new C1000 and to me its a much better sounding mic..Good luck

Don

 

[Track Rat]

I have C-1000's and MC-012's and for acoustic instruments the Octavas are the weapon of choice.

 

[skippy]

I now have a *boatload* of MC012s: 10 preamp bodies, in fact. It's not that I'm that bad a gear slut: I actually do need that many for some of the live work I do. And the 012s are cheap enough that if they get trashed while working a live deal, I won't shed very many tears at all.

I like the omni capsule for critical recording of acoustic instruments (I have a really fine track of a hummingbird on one of my recent tunes: those little suckers are _loud_ from only 6"!), the cardioid for XY stereo, the hyper for live situations where bleed is a problem- and the flexibility to change instantly from one to the other as the situation warrants. I've heard the 603s now, and I do indeed like them almost as much. But not enough to buy any, since I've got this silly huge pile of 012s and capsules now. I've also heard the C1000, and did not care for its sound: it is very brittle and overhyped on the top end by comparison, at least on the sample I tried.

The downside of the 012s: if you get them from a real source like The Sound Room, they aren't quite as cheap. If you get them from GC, they are certainly cheap, but you may well end up with some reliability problems. I always carry a spare pair to live deals, in case one of the preamp bodies I bought from GC gives up or goes noisy. This is not just a rumored problem: I've had that happen now with 2 of 5 GC bodies, and *0* of 5 that I got from The Sound Room. And yes, I marked them so I could keep track...

When they are working properly, the 012s are _very_ nice mics indeed. If budget is really key, the 603s might win for you. If flexibility is the key, though, you can't go wrong with the 012s.

 

[proximityeffect]

I have a pair of the NT3's and love them. They are incredibly built, always reliable, and can use (9v) batteries when phantom power is not available. Low self noise and sound great recording live when off axis rejection is needed (a choir in a church, etc...)

 

[buck78]

For simply piece of mind, is it worth the extra $40-50 to get the MC012 directly from "The Sound Room". This is my first stab at getting into recording and I am not sure what to look for when test driving a mic. They are listing them for $193 w/wooden box. Musicians Friend is listing them for $149, not sure about the box.

 

[virtual.ray]

If you can bear having a plastic box (what will the neighbors think!) they are currently only $99 at GC,and if you have time you can go through a half dozen or so to find good ones.The issue is the Quality control or lack thereof from the factory.Loose screws,stuff shaking around in the body,stripped threads on the capsule,and of course variances in frequency response of the capsules.I got one of the ones with the 3 capsule array,after 3 hours of going through a bunch,but the capsules/body i got are well worth it.Just shaking the things and attentive listening will show you what's up.

 

[tdukex]

If I was buying an Oktava, I'd buy from the Sound Room.

 

[Track Rat]

I have to weigh in on the Sound Room. For me, it was definately worth the extra bucks at the Sound Room. I've bought a 319 and a pair of 012's there and couldn't be happier. Taylor Johnson's a real nice guy and having that layer of support was worth it.

 

[buck78]

For the comments posted, I think I'll go the Sound Room route for the MK012. Better safe than sorry. The check clear for the BR-532 so that should arrive this weekend. I'll most likely order up the mic today.

Thanks for all the replies. This mic forum seems to be one of the more active ones on this site. Anyone out there using a Boss recorder, BR-8 or BR-532?

Charlie