Oktava ML 52

[cominginsecond]

Just got this at GC today, and I love it. I've never used any other ribbon mics, but if they're all similar to this I think I need more. Vocals are smooth and warm. Shakers and tomborines aren't strident, but still have the necessary high end. Acoustic is nice and warm. It was a little tough to place on the acoustic, but once I found the sweet spot it was so nice.

AHHHHHH, I'm in love!!!!

Best $200 I've ever spent on a mic.

 

[rcktdg]

I had one for a couple of days and nothing about it knocked me out. That mic needs a ton of gain and at the time I only had the pre's in my board which seem to not sound so good when they are wide open.

I did use it to record a conversation and the natural quality of the recording was remarkable. It had some nice qualities but not enough to make me keep it. I got a 421 instead (which I use to death).

If I could get another for less $$$ I would hang on to it but I need more 421's. I think I will hold out for a coles or a royer (sp)

Glad you like it.

Cheers, RD

 

[acorec]

I had one for a couple of days and nothing about it knocked me out. That mic needs a ton of gain and at the time I only had the pre's in my board which seem to not sound so good when they are wide open.

I did use it to record a conversation and the natural quality of the recording was remarkable. It had some nice qualities but not enough to make me keep it. I got a 421 instead (which I use to death).

If I could get another for less $$$ I would hang on to it but I need more 421's. I think I will hold out for a coles or a royer (sp)

Glad you like it.

Cheers, RD

Yes. This mic needs a very good pre-amp. But, with the right pre-amp (lots of clean gain) this mic is unbelievable. I was really blown away by the quality of sound on guitar cabs. Vocals are really warm and full with no high end hype. Just a nice balanced sound.

 

[acorec]

Just got this at GC today, and I love it. I've never used any other ribbon mics, but if they're all similar to this I think I need more. Vocals are smooth and warm. Shakers and tomborines aren't strident, but still have the necessary high end. Acoustic is nice and warm. It was a little tough to place on the acoustic, but once I found the sweet spot it was so nice.

AHHHHHH, I'm in love!!!!

Best $200 I've ever spent on a mic.

You probably know this, but if you don't, NEVER blow into a ribbon mic and don't use them on anything that could blow air into the capsule. The ribbon element will bend or break. No kick drums.

 

[Strange Leaf]

Yes. This mic needs a very good pre-amp. But, with the right pre-amp (lots of clean gain) this mic is unbelievable. I was really blown away by the quality of sound on guitar cabs. Vocals are really warm and full with no high end hype. Just a nice balanced sound.

This description would fit my Shure SM-7 like a glove.

 

[Strange Leaf]

Re: Re: Oktava ML 52

You probably know this, but if you don't, NEVER blow into a ribbon mic and don't use them on anything that could blow air into the capsule. The ribbon element will bend or break. No kick drums.

Except for the Royer ribbons.

 

[eeldip]

speaking of ribbon mics check out this auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2561508430&category=15198

you can buy one and sell the other and get them for a sweet price.

i currently have one of these rca sk-50 sytle mics lying around the studio, running it through some tests, considering buying it. based on what i have heard so far they are a really great sounding mic, probably much better than the oktava, and for less money... the multipattern stuff doesnt sound very good. probably worked pretty decently for PA systems in the 30's... but when you record it.. ouch. pretty bad sounding. and if you have been watching that pbs "the blues" special, you will see these mics every 30 seconds...


oh and for doubters.. yes ideed the mic was purchased at a garage sale for $5. just not by me. damn it!

 

[cominginsecond]

Yes. This mic needs a very good pre-amp. But, with the right pre-amp (lots of clean gain) this mic is unbelievable.

What preamp did you pair it with? I have a Focusrite Penta, a Joe Meek MQ3, and an M-Audio DMP3. My first night of tests were done with the Penta, and I was really happy.

I noticed that Harvey likes the SP VTB-1 with ribbon mics.

 

[acorec]

What preamp did you pair it with? I have a Focusrite Penta, a Joe Meek MQ3, and an M-Audio DMP3. My first night of tests were done with the Penta, and I was really happy.

I noticed that Harvey likes the SP VTB-1 with ribbon mics.

Mine works awesome with the Focusrite Platinum Pro. I also use it on the DMP3. The FR pro gives the mic a really nice sound that I called "balanced". There are no dips or peaks that I can hear. This mic really surprised me and is one of my favs.

 

[cominginsecond]

Mine works awesome with the Focusrite Platinum Pro. I also use it on the DMP3. The FR pro gives the mic a really nice sound that I called "balanced". There are no dips or peaks that I can hear. This mic really surprised me and is one of my favs.

Kool. The preamp in the Penta is supposed to be similar to the Platinum Pro. Thanks.

 

[MarkoPolo]

Anyone use the oktava MKL2500 tube mic and if you have are they any good ? they are selling for $199 at guitar center along with the ribbon mic thats being talked about.

 

[cominginsecond]

I haven't tried it, but I bet anything it's worth it at that price. The more Oktavas I own, the more I like 'em.

 

[Flatpicker]

Man, I'm really debating about this... I want to try a ML52, but it’s a $200 gamble. Anyone tried it on acoustic guitar or other acoustic instruments?

 

[cominginsecond]

Man, I'm really debating about this... I want to try a ML52, but it’s a $200 gamble. Anyone tried it on acoustic guitar or other acoustic instruments?

I liked it on acoustic guitar (see my original post). I haven't tried it on other acoustic stringed instruments.

For $200, this thing is a no-brainer, IMHO. $200 for a decent ribbon! Don't miss your chance.

 

[sdelsolray]

Man, I'm really debating about this... I want to try a ML52, but it’s a $200 gamble. Anyone tried it on acoustic guitar or other acoustic instruments?

Ribbons are great on acoustic guitar, particularly if married with a condenser. The ML52 is an entry level ribbon, with sonic problems, particularly for a transient-quick and tonally complex source like an acoustic guitar.

Other ribbons, such as the Royer 121 and the AEA R 84, are of much higher quality. I've nevr A/B the ML52 against a Royer or AEA, although I have heard them all on separate occasions. The Royer and AEA are significantly better. By analogy, its like comparing a MC 012 to a Neumann KM 184, or a Presonus MP20 to a Pendulum MDP-1A. To many, there's not alot of difference. To others, it's like night and day.

The ML52 can be modded. But for the price of the mic and mod, you're a good way toward the price of an AEA R84.

--
Stephen Boyke

 

[Flatpicker]

The ML52 can be modded. But for the price of the mic and mod, you're a good way toward the price of an AEA R84.

Actually, since they're just $200, I was thinking about doing that. What else is there besides replacing the transformer? Anything else in it? Do you know of any transformers to try? I was thinking of calling Kevin at K&K Audio and see if he sells a decent Lundahl replacement. I bet one could be had for around $50.

 

[cominginsecond]

I was thinking of calling Kevin at K&K Audio and see if he sells a decent Lundahl replacement. I bet one could be had for around $50.

Let us know what you find out.

 

[cominginsecond]

By analogy, its like comparing a MC 012 to a Neumann KM 184, or a Presonus MP20 to a Pendulum MDP-1A.

Perfect analogy! I really like the MC 012. For those of us who will never own a pair of KM 184s, this class of product (decent quality, great price) is exactly what we need.

 

[MarkoPolo]

Bump:
Still wondering if anyone has had experiance using the
Oktava MKL2500 tube mic and are they any good??

 

[cominginsecond]

Bump:
Still wondering if anyone has had experiance using the
Oktava MKL2500 tube mic and are they any good??

I'd bet the best way to get that info would be to start a new thread. Owners of the MKL 2500 may not be inclined to even look at a thread about the ML 52.