Oktava MK - 319 vs SP C1

[Shaky Tee]

God, aren' t you sick of these C1 comparison threads?

Well, today, after kvetching about how I can't buy a new mic, yet desperately needing a new condensor, I broke down, drove to my local Guitar Satan, and plunked down $99.00 for an Oktava MK-319.

I've actually owned one of these before (and I paid 100 bucks MORE for it too!), and was very pleased with it (did the instore vocal comparison with the Rode NT1 and the AKG 1000C and the Oktava won hands down), yet my unintentional abuse of it led to it's untimely demise, which led me to purchase the SE1000 mic that just died on me.

Since the C1 is also a large diaphram mic, would it make any sense for me to upgrade to it? Is there a coloration issue involved with either mic? I liked the MK-319 (when I originally owned it) because it had that old-fashioned tube sound to it that I loved. It also tamed my midrange and made me sound a little less strident in my high range. I also liked the eq and DB switches on it. Is the C1 any similar in terms of sound and flexibility? I mean, after all the hype, I'd like to try it out but owning two large diaphram mics is kinda redundant, isn't it?

 

[zer0sig]

my (slightly) educated guess is that a c1 is going to outperform that 319 in general, because of quality screening on capsules and whatnot-but pre-screened 319's (like those form the sound room) would fare better.

 

[darrin_h2000]

That 319 is a dark sounding mic, which may suit your voice fine from what Ive heard. Both of these mics complement each other and in the long run you may want them both.

 

[Middleman]

Speaking of low cost condensors, check this out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15198&item=2502170363&rd=1


Man, prices on these things are unbelievable.

 

[pundit]

God, aren' t you sick of these C1 comparison threads?

... Since the C1 is also a large diaphram mic, would it make any sense for me to upgrade to it? Is there a coloration issue involved with either mic? I liked the MK-319 (when I originally owned it) because it had that old-fashioned tube sound to it that I loved. It also tamed my midrange and made me sound a little less strident in my high range. I also liked the eq and DB switches on it. Is the C1 any similar in terms of sound and flexibility? I mean, after all the hype, I'd like to try it out but owning two large diaphram mics is kinda redundant, isn't it?

The C1 has quite a hyped upper mid-range presence. It appears from the description of your voice it would definately accentuate the frequency range that you DON'T want accentuated.

The C1 has a high pass filter (6db/Octave @ 150hz) or a -10db pad. You can select one, or the other, but not both simultaneously.

If the MK-319 suits your voice then stick to it and/or look for something else with smooth unhyped mid-highs. In fact the Studio Projects B1 may be more suitable for your voice as it is more neutral than the C1.

Another option is the SP's T3 tube multi-pattern... but that may be out of the ballpark pricewise.

BTW... Have you ever tried a ribbon mic? You never know, something like a Beyer M160 could just be the ticket!

Cheers.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I could hardly think of 2 condensers more different than MK319 and C-1. Here's a weird concept. I will bet that anyone who sounds good through MK319 would actually rock through an AKG Solidtube. It's getting so you can find them new on ebay for less than an NTK. The real question is- why do your mics die? What do you do to them?-Richie

 

[Shaky Tee]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone!

Zerosig, I heard about that too. I also was around this board when that whole sound room practice was debunked as a negative marketing technique. I will say that the Oktava mic I got came in a vinyl bag, and not the super sturdy case it's supposed to come in, which would have been nice.

The things GS does to cut corners... :rolleyes

At least I saved the case and shockmount from my old mic (even tho' I can barely fit the new mic into the shockmount, )

Darrin, I'm sure they could compliment each other, but we're just talking a vocalist, a guitar, and laptop with Midi, synths and fruityloops. I'm not sure I want a whole studio suite set up just yet.

Middleman, thanks for the info! I'm a little wary of used mics, but well....

Pundit, all that's great to know. I'm considering my next mic purchase to be either an SP B1 or a Marshall MXL V67B (or G, depending on if that Green color and 24 karat gold plating is worth the extra 100 bucks I'd have to pluck down).

Richard, my history with condensors hasn't been very good. I would let my FIRST MK-319 sit on the mic stand in my bedroom where it would be subject to occasional knocking around and it actually fell to the floor acouple of times. With the SE1000, the box that held it was kept in a rather unstable area of the trailer, and it kept falling out of it's place. I was surprised it lasted as long as it did. The fact that I occasionally pluged the preamp in before I plugged the mic in probably encouraged it's demise.

I'm a little more careful about my mics these days, but well, it's too late for the SE1000. It wasn't worth the $150.00 I spent on it anyway.

 

[Middleman]

Shaky Tee

That was a NEW condensor mic for $30. That just blows me away. I saved for 4 months for my first condensor back about 2 years ago. The chinese mics are invading....help!

 

[Shaky Tee]

Wow!!

The Chinese condensors, from my experience with them, seem a little too bright for me.

I'm gonna hafta try the B1 tho'. Sounds promising!

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yo Shaky! If the Chinese condensers are too bright for you, consider a Russian condenser, MK319. Guitarrgh Center is blowing them out for $99. They are a very useful mic, and whatever it is, it ain't "bright".-Richie

 

[cominginsecond]

Yo Shaky! If the Chinese condensers are too bright for you, consider a Russian condenser, MK319. Guitarrgh Center is blowing them out for $99. They are a very useful mic, and whatever it is, it ain't "bright".-Richie

I assume you're joking? This whole thread is about how he already has an MK319 and he was wondering if a C1 would be a good upgrade.

 

[Richard Monroe]

That's my point, second! If he's looking for a mic that's not too bright, and he likes MK319, I doubt C-1 is going to bring that big smile to his face. Shaky, consider SM7B. It's an excellent dynamic. I find it a little dark, especially with the bigass foam screen on it.
It's not as sensitive to background noise or the room. It's a kickass cab mic, and is very useful on a variety of drums. If you're looking for a mic that's not bright, I think C-1 may not be for you. For more bucks, I think NTK would be a very good choice.-Richie

P.S.- Second, also note he said "when I originally owned it", which leads me to believe he no longer has one.

 

[pundit]

Er... I think Shaky is a SHE!

 

[Richard Monroe]

Thanks for letting me know pundit, the screen looked blue, that's for boys, right?-Richie

 

[cominginsecond]

Well, today, after kvetching about how I can't buy a new mic, yet desperately needing a new condensor, I broke down, drove to my local Guitar Satan, and plunked down $99.00 for an Oktava MK-319.

she already has one. That's why I was confused when you told her that there on sale and that she should go get one.

 

[darrin_h2000]

You should consider using a desktop flange, instead of a mic stand, I have several located on my ceiling with flexable goosenecks attached, you cant knock them over.

How could you dudes think that Tee is a guy. Maybe you havent listened to her Mp3s, or seen her glamor pics. She looks like a young Debra Winger.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yo Shaky! I just checked out your web site and an MP-3 or two and there can be no doubt you are of the female persuasion, but I bet you knew that! By way of apology, I bought both of your albums, which BTW, I wouldn't do if I didn't like your music. After listening to your music, I'd have to say- forget the C-1 and just buy an NTK. I think you will like it and it will like you. Just break out the credit card and buy a good tube mic.-Really.
P.S. Sorry about the earlier confusion, I was burning CD's for project staff at 3:00 AM, and the brain was skimming over posts too fast..-Richie

 

[Robert D]

"I'd have to say- forget the C-1 and just buy an NTK"

That's exactly what I did, smooth as my baby's bottom.
RD

 

[chessrock]

consider SM7B.

Sounds like that's your mic. NTK is nice, but again, more of the same high-mid hype you mentioned you're not thrilled with.

 

[pundit]

Ditto... I'd probably be a little wary of the NTK too if you're concerned about upper mid accentuation. It may be tube... but is still quite colored up top. The NTK works very well in many situations but sizzly mics whether an NTK or C1 or whatever are definately 'horses for courses'! Although the NTK has probably a 'silkier' kind of top end whereas the C1 has a little more of the 'edge' factor.

Look for something flatter in the upper range if you want to avoid the 'screech' factor.

You can always add a little top end sheen if you need to and that will sound better than cutting the existing top in a hyped mic.

Good Luck.