MXL 603 vs. Oktava MC-012?

[producerkid]

Pretty much what the thread name says. My application will be drum overheads, the way I record drums, I never usually need too much low end in the overheads. When this does happen, usually the mics are farther out in the room to catch the boom of the bass drum and toms. So basicly, my question is, which of the two mics would be a better choice for OH, close in to the kit. I like the idea of having changeable capsules for different polar patterns, but if the MXL would be a better choice, that won't hinder my decision.

the kid

 

[DJL]

I prefer the Oktava MC-012 over the Marshall MXL603S for drum overheads.

EDIT: PS... I own both.

 

[cominginsecond]

Me too. I prefer the MC012s to the 603s on everything I've used them on actually.

 

[MadAudio]

Speaking as someone who uses the 603's on overheads - and has a friend who owns the Oktavas - I'd say go with the MC012's.

 

[turnitdown]

Just watch the QC on the Oktavas....

That said, I love my matched 603s, but I've heard great things about the Oktavas too...

 

[Herm]

I have both for my drum kit and the oktavas are the best. The 603 get real harsh for cymbals.

 

[chessrock]

I just think you have to be a lot more careful with you positioning with the 603's . . . not to mention the kind of cymbals that are being used and how hard they're going to be hit.

On a darker cymbal, placed a decent enough distance away, and with a less aggressive basher . . . they can sound fantastic. They've got great detail, very fast transient response, and can add a really pleasing shimmer to nice, mellow cymbals.

Problem is most drummers I work with tend to have aggressive, harsher-sounding cymbals, and they usually whack 'em pretty good. And I certainly don't blame the drummer (for having cheap cymbals). Shit, I've priced them around and the really good ones can be almost as expensive as my entire studio when you add it all up.

The mc-012's are about the best deal in audio, pound-for-pound, and the 603's are the best thing to come out of China. Neither of them sound like a Schoeps, but they sure as hell don't sound like $100 microphones, either.

 

[Paj]

mk12 v. 603

Ditto everything above. I have 2 pairs of Mk012 mics and a pair of 603's and 991's (GC 603's ?). Besides the advantage of the -10 dB pad, I always felt, on a drum kit, the Octavas worked better in close than the 603's. To my ears, it's more the cymbals that give the advantage to the Octavas. I've had great results with both, though.

Good luck,
Paj
8^)