What's the sound difference btwn MXL603 & Oktava MC012?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nuemes
  • Start date Start date
nuemes

nuemes

Be Here Now
What's the sound difference between a MXL603 & Oktava MC012, specifically in regards to recording acoustic guitar? The preamp will be Mackie 1202VLZ. Have you had luck with other small condenders on acoustic guitar in the $100 range? Thank you!
 
the oktava sounds better, more colored i guess but a warmer sound...
 
I use them both for recording acoustic guitar, and through my DMP3 they sound almost identical. They are both great acoustic guitar mics for the money. The nice thing about the Oktava is that for another $64 you can get an omni cap.
 
They're very different-sounding mics, for the most part. The 603 has a noticeable boost in the high end; sounds kinda' hyper detailed, and has a noticeably wider polar pattern. The 012 is less hyped and a good deal meatier; better bass response with a nice little proximity effect that's flattering for things like toms.
 
  • Like
Reactions: krs
I ended up getting a MXL603 today because after looking around the MC012's appear difficult to come by for a decent price as they're no longer being made. On first listen the MXL603 sounds fairly similar to my C1000S but blends the sound better making acoustic guitar sound more musical. It also has about 3 times as much self-noise as the C1000S (ear based judgement) which suprised me.

Thanks to everyone who responded.
 
C1000s ????

The c1000s is IMHO the WORST condensor mic for a acc. guitar.
It's ok on toms, perc and elec. guitar

The 603s is IMHO GOOD on acc. guit ..
Babe you got a bad one......, or a good c1000s ;)

Remco
 
i'd say that the mc012's sound more "green" and that the 603's have more "soar".


cheers,
wade
 
Since we're already off topic....how much does a match pair of 012's cost from sound room? I didn't see it listed on the webiste.




Edit: Wow.....ok I swear I'm not retarded. Stereo pairs are in another location than the other Okatava's they offer. Anyways, it's $426 for a pair with single capsules, $659 for a pair with all three capsules in case anyone cares.
 
nuemes said:
What's the sound difference between a MXL603 & Oktava MC012, specifically in regards to recording acoustic guitar?
Click to expand...
Someone here (forgot who) posted mp3s of acoustic guitar clips comparing the two. You have to use the "Search" function to find it, unless someone has a link handy.
 
nuemes said:
Thanks Tim. I found http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/sessions.htm after running a search based on your reply. I've cancelled all my plans for the next three days
Click to expand...
LOL! I know what you mean. I'm glad you found TLS (I keep taking it for granted that everyone knows about that place). But, I was referring to a thread here on the mic form. Someone posted links to 2 mp3s of acoustic guitar for comparison - one using the MC012 and one using the 603S.

I have both mics here, but they have been modified and don't sound exactly like the originals. Stock or modified, they do sound a little different to my ears. Some days I like the 603s and some days I like the MC012s. Depends on what mood I’m in…
 
The MC-012 and MXL603S sound different... and chessrock nailed the difference in his above post. :)
 
Thanks Tim - I'll keep searching for the MP3 links here.

Where do you typically place the MXL603 when recording acoustic guitar?

I play on a drum throne so I can swivel to find the tone I like best. I've found aiming the mic between the headstock and the fretting hand to be my favorite sound so far. Do you recall what you've had the best luck with?
 
Maybe this is the post you were thinking of. ;)

Marik said:
Here is a track recorded with Oktava 012:



Here is with MXL603:



And for your amusement here is a track recorded with modded MXL603

Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top