oktava 012 - take the GC risk?

[N_Yeager]

well, I found that my local GC has a few Oktava 012's in the back for $99. I was thinking of picking up a few of these mics but the stupid toad in pro audio would not let me test them out. Is it wourth the risk buing these at GC or is it really worth the extra money to get them at the sound room?

 

[H2oskiphil]

Tell the toad's manager that you're not buying shit without testing it first.

And lay your $200 on the counter as you say it.

I'll bet you get to test the mics.

 

[ozraves]

the stupid toad should let you plug them in and check them out. i'd ask for the mgr. normally, on weekdays, this is ok.

 

[N_Yeager]

what are some good ways to test a mic like this in a noisey enviroment like GC?
I will bring cash when I go back to GC.
Thanks

 

[crazydoc]

If you can get the manager to OK a return if you don't like them, as you lay your cash on the counter (and don't let them give you any crap about health hazards, etc. - these are instrument or overhead mics, not vocal mics), then just buy them and take them home to test. If you don't like them, take them back.

If they have more there than you want to buy, do some initial tests there to make sure they work and the output levels are similar.

Here's a thread that may be helpful if you haven't seen it.
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=38175&page=1&pp=25

 

[H2oskiphil]

That thread is another one of Harvey's gems. It better titled "How to Match a Set of 012's For Fun and Profit!"

Nathan, print the thread referenced above and take it with you when you go to GC to check out the 012's. Go on a Tuesday afternoon...you'll be glad you did.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Thanks, Doc. That's a great thread that I missed before.-Richie

 

[Reggaesoldier]

Tell the toad's manager that you're not buying shit without testing it first.

And lay your $200 on the counter as you say it.

I'll bet you get to test the mics.

ditto, fuck the guys at GC, the more you learn the more they look stupid.

 

[Giganova]

I have to defend the GC guys: I find them very knowledgable. Most/all of these guys in the GC in DC are musicnas and have own recording studios.

 

[baekgaard]

My experience

well, I found that my local GC has a few Oktava 012's in the back for $99. I was thinking of picking up a few of these mics but the stupid toad in pro audio would not let me test them out. Is it wourth the risk buing these at GC or is it really worth the extra money to get them at the sound room?

N_Yeager, I took the plunge and bought 4 of them unauditioned (when they were sold at $99 a "pair"), in order to find 2 that would match. I did, but maybe I was just lucky?

You can find my experience summarised here: https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=101544

Just my 0.02 cents,


-- Per.

 

[DJL]

well, I found that my local GC has a few Oktava 012's in the back for $99. I was thinking of picking up a few of these mics but the stupid toad in pro audio would not let me test them out. Is it wourth the risk buing these at GC or is it really worth the extra money to get them at the sound room?

I'd give it a shot and get them from your GC... and kick the toads ass.

 

[MadAudio]

I have to defend the GC guys: I find them very knowledgable. Most/all of these guys in the GC in DC are musicnas and have own recording studios.

There's no GC in DC. It's in Rockville, MD. While that might not seem like an important distinction to you, to a DC native like myself it's a big deal. And some of those guys (mostly at the guitar counter) are nothing but commission hounds.

 

[Paj]

Matching MK012 mics

Back in the good-old-twoferfiftydollars days, I tipped the salesperson to go through their entire stock (over a dozen) of MK012 mics. I know this assumes a lot, but I matched a pair by the provided frequency curves and got lucky. I tipped the guy $20 bucks (A bunch of 12's is not a big carry). Two MK012 mics, matched better than average, for $120, and that "better sugar than sh*t" feeling. The mics gave me enjoyment before I even started using them and I continue get great service from the salesperson.

If he would have refused, I would have gone the other way, no problemo. If the retailer has any sense, good service is a consumer right, not a vendor priviledge.

(1) After trying out a PA piece or vocal mic, have you ever seen them throw away all the mics that someone didn't buy? As previously implied, the sanitary argument gets even more specious for SDC mics.

(2) It would be nice to know what SoundRoom does to match their MK012 mics. Maybe a posting to them is in order. I hope they did more than I did.

(3) I'm applying Scott Dorsey's mods (Recording Magazine, 9/03) to any more 12's I buy, so the frequency chart method is close enough for jazz.

(4) I had no problem getting a return agreement on any mic I bought at GC, given that I would check the mic out in a timely manner and let them know quickly if there was a problem. I purchased with plastic, just in case.

Later,
Paj
8^)

 

[Giganova]

There's no GC in DC. It's in Rockville, MD.

You are right, its in Rockville -- which is about how many miles from DC? 5 miles? I probably meant "DC area".

 

[Reggaesoldier]

There's no GC in DC. It's in Rockville, MD. While that might not seem like an important distinction to you, to a DC native like myself it's a big deal. And some of those guys (mostly at the guitar counter) are nothing but commission hounds.

i knew I wasnt alone...

 

[Innovations]

yeah, if they don't allow a return policy and won't let you plug them in and test them in the store before leaving...then leave.

 

[N_Yeager]

well, I went back and saw a diffrent salesmen. He let me check out the mics they had and is going as far as to have some more shipped in from another GC so i can check them out. Faith in GC has been restored.

 

[giles117]

The GC Guys at the Towson, MD GC are oretty cool. The One Guy Buddy really hooked me up a few months back.

 

[Richard Monroe]

You should never have faith in GC, or lack of it. Just learn who you want to do business with, and deal with them. I've worked with some great people at GC, and a couple of clueless dickheads.-Richie

 

[still4given]

Agreed, I shop at GC all the time, but I have certain salesmen I deal with. They know I expect the cheapest price I can get and they know i am constantly buying gear. I have got some grat deals from them.

Blessings, Terry