OKTAVA MK012 vs. SHURE SM81

[threshhold2]

when it comes to stereo -close- miking (acoustic guitar in my case), which pair of PENCIL STYLE microphones would you recommend?

i know that both OKTAVA and SHURE are reliable and excellent mic. but since i have to make a choice, i will be happy to get your advice.

 

[bigwillz24]

I've used both and if I had a choice I'd go with the SM81's...

But I bought the Oktavas for cost effectiveness...

 

[Big Kenny]

I think they both sound great! Oktava seems to add a little flavor while the shure gives a more accurate "get out what you put in" result.

 

[xstatic]

The Shure's also "feel" like a much better build quality. However, in the studio only, that won't be nearly as large an issue as live. Also, it will be much easier to get 2 sm81's that sound alike as opposed to the Oktava's. Those little Oktava's do generally sound pretty good though

 

[jaykeMURD]

I just like the Oktava MK012's b/c they're somewhat cheaper than the 81, but provide pretty darn good results.

 

[chance]

I posted this before but the 012's after doing that mod are truly amazing. Ask anyone that has done the mod.

 

[bigwillz24]

What mod?

 

[jkokura]

I love my 012's...what does this mod do anyway, and how would I get it done? Is it worth it price wise?

Jacob

 

[chance]

I believe I posted the issue # Recording Magazine by Scott Dorsey on this forum not too long ago

 

[ozraves]

I think these are pretty much the same level of mic. This is not a decision to sweat about.

I've got a pair of the MK012. I keep them around as they do get used.

 

[Dot]

when it comes to stereo -close- miking (acoustic guitar in my case), which pair of PENCIL STYLE microphones would you recommend?

I'd recommend either, although these days you're taking even more chances on whether or not you're going to wind up with a good, authentic pair of MC012's, unless you go to Sound Room.

The MC012's have some color and you'll get more detail with them than 81's. The 81's are more neutral and also tend to put the source forward in the mix. 81's are great to use on acoustic gtr if you're putting it in a mix with other instruments - such as rock and pop.

I think there's a better option in the Peluso CEMC6 SDC's, which offer fairly flat and neutral response. They're handmade in the US and also allow for optional capsules for different patterns. For something in the $600 range they're outstanding and are really tearing all the SDC mics in that range a new one.

http://www.pelusomicrophonelab.com/CEMC6SK.html

 

[kid klash]

Between the two, I'd recommend the SM-81's. Much more consistent, very smooth, very quiet.

 

[nonfat]

Can't really add to anything that's been said except for some personal experience. The SM81's are dependable as far as consistancy goes while you might have to go through a pile of the Oktava's to get a good one.

 

[chance]

The mod for the 012's are in the Sept 03 issue of Recording magazine. Scott Dorsey also did a mod for the Nady/Apex and many more like MXL etc in the Jan 02 issue. They still have back issues. The improvment in the 012 was like day and night. I thought they sounded great to begin with, and after the mod, one word Amazing