Replacement for Oktava MC012

  • Thread starter Thread starter billv
  • Start date Start date
billv

billv

New member
I've got a pair of Russian MC012s that I've been putting to good use, but due to an accident, one of the pair has met with an untimely demise. So, now I'm in a quandary. Should I try to replace the dead mic, or should I sell the surviving mic, and get another pair of Oktavas? Or should I go for a different pair? I like the sound I'm getting with the Oktavas (solo acoustic guitar), but I am open to suggestions. For example, the AT4041s seem to have some good comments made about them, but I have no idea how they compare to the Oktavas soundwise.

Finally, if my path leads to another Oktava(s), what are some good sources for the "real deal" Russian mics?

Thanks!

Bill
 
Just give me the one that does work.

If you plan on buying another one, go to www.sound-room.com, and you can get the "real deal" Oktava's. As for the comparisons, I have only compared my friend's pair to some AKG C430's, and I liked the Oktava's better. If you like how they sound, then just keep the one, and buy another one. If you want to try something different, then give me your other Oktava.
 
Last edited:
pelusa is getting a lot of attention,
I like my 184's better, but I use the oktavas as well.
Don't think I'd replace unless I could find another Russian
 
I think Big Kenny was referring to the Peluso CEMC6
I'm seriously considering these myself.

However if you already have an Oktava that's working for you, maybe just get another?
 
Hi Bill,
I think you can send your surviving 012 up to the Soundroom and have them select a new mate for it.

-RD
 
What is wrong with the bad mic.
Have someone do the dorsey mod to the mic. It may fix it.
 
Yah....

What's wrong with the bad mic? It might be able to be fixed.
 
Unfortunately, the accident involved a heavy case falling dead on the mic, which deformed the casing of the mic. It stopped working at that point and all attempts to remove the electronics inside with destroying them failed due to the deformation. The last attempt at removing the electronics succeeded, but unfortunately, the board broke. It was a sad day...

I checked out the soundroom, and for the cost of a matched pair, it may make more sense to go ahead and get a pair from them, and sell the single mic. I've seen several good comments about the soundroom. Does anyone have any qualms about dealing with them?

Alternately, I can an unmatched pair of AT4041s for about the same cost as the Oktavas. I saw a few comments about them being off in the same tonal direction. Are they worth a try? I have a AT3035 that I really like and have often thought about trying some other AT mics.

Thanks!

Bill
 
I used to own both the MC012s and the AT4041.

They do share a lot of the same qualities, but there are noticable differences. I thought the AT4041 had a brighter sound with a more pronounced high-end. The oktavas captured more bass IIRC and sounded a little bit thicker, but not much. I like SDC that capture the bass well, which is why I ended up sticking with my Shure SM81. If you can find a pair of SM81s for under $400, then I'd suggest you seriously conisder that as an option.
 
The charred remains

Feel free to send the charred remains of your mc012 this way...
 
billv said:
Unfortunately, the accident involved a heavy case falling dead on the mic, which deformed the casing of the mic. It stopped working at that point and all attempts to remove the electronics inside with destroying them failed due to the deformation. The last attempt at removing the electronics succeeded, but unfortunately, the board broke. It was a sad day...
Click to expand...

Two suggestions, if the capsule is ok (try it on the other body)

First and simplest option:
Theres no trouble sticking a simple board like that back together just glue the pcb back together then scrape off the solder mask to reveal bare copper on both sides of the crack next solder a piece of wire across the crack to join up each track.

Otherwise you can buy another mk012 use the capsule from the broken mic and transfer the components from the broken mic into the PCB of the new mic.

If you don't understand any of that just PM me and I'll do my best to explain a bit better.
 
A few years ago I bought two Oktava 012's from Guitar Center for $100.00 and they sounded great. I got them for my lo-end projects to save my hi-end mics for hi-end ($) projects. A few years ago Recording magazine had an article to hot-rod the 012. I did the mod and they now sound amazing. Now I use these for my hi-end projects. I just ordered the back issue of Recording, because I have another pair to mod. and lost the original magazine.
 
I would be very interested in that mod if you could send me a copy
 
The articles are Jan 2002 Chinese mic mods, and Sept 2003 Oktava 012 mic mods. I lost my copies an am waiting for them to arrive. Recording mag still has them and is worth the effort to make these mods.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top