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Average Price: $293

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$100

$401+

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Description

The Oktava MK 012-01 is a versatile small-diaphragm condenser microphone that has become a staple in both home studios and professional recording environments. Renowned for its interchangeable capsule system, this microphone offers exceptional flexibility, allowing musicians and engineers to capture a wide range of sound sources with precision. Whether you're recording acoustic instruments, vocals, or ambient sounds, the MK 012-01 delivers clear and natural audio reproduction.

Crafted in Russia, the Oktava MK 012-01 embodies robust engineering and meticulous attention to detail. Its low self-noise and high SPL handling ensure that even the most delicate nuances of your performance are captured with clarity. The microphone's cardioid capsule provides excellent off-axis rejection, making it an ideal choice for isolating your desired sound source in a live room or crowded setting.

The MK 012-01's compact and durable design makes it highly portable, perfect for on-the-go recording sessions or studio setups with limited space. Its versatility is further enhanced by optional accessory capsules that include hypercardioid and omni-directional patterns, allowing you to tailor the microphone's response to specific recording scenarios.

For those seeking a reliable and adaptable microphone that excels in capturing detailed and authentic sound, the Oktava MK 012-01 is a worthy addition to any recording arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Small-diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Interchangeable capsule system
  • Cardioid capsule included
  • Low self-noise
  • High SPL handling
  • Excellent off-axis rejection
  • Optional accessory capsules available (hypercardioid, omni-directional)
  • Suitable for a wide range of sound sources

Product specs

Brand Oktava
Model MK-012-01 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What applications is the Oktava MK-012-01 suitable for?

The Oktava MK-012-01 is ideal for recording classical, choral, and acoustic music due to its neutral sound. It's also suitable for broadcast, sound-for-picture, and theater applications thanks to its small size and cardioid pattern.

Does the Oktava MK-012-01 require phantom power?

Yes, the Oktava MK-012-01 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for condenser microphones.

What is the frequency response of the Oktava MK-012-01?

The Oktava MK-012-01 offers a frequency response range from 20Hz to 20kHz, making it capable of capturing a wide spectrum of sounds accurately.

Is the Oktava MK-012-01 suitable for high sound pressure levels?

Yes, the Oktava MK-012-01 comes with a -10dB pad, making it suitable for recording high sound pressure levels, such as loud guitar amplifiers.

What is the polar pattern of the Oktava MK-012-01?

The Oktava MK-012-01 features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps isolate the sound source and reduce background noise, making it ideal for focused recordings.

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b

Video thumbnail for Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b by Curtis Judd

Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Video thumbnail for The Oktava MK-012 - what makes it great and more by Microphone Boutique

The Oktava MK-012 - what makes it great and more

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Microphone Boutique

Video thumbnail for Neumann TLM102 vs Oktava MK 012 (acoustic guitar) (pt.1) by Crash Course Recording

Neumann TLM102 vs Oktava MK 012 (acoustic guitar) (pt.1)

Crash Course Recording

Crash Course Recording

Video thumbnail for BEST Budget Microphone for YOUTUBE Studios in 2021? | Oktava MK-012 Review by Joris Hermans

BEST Budget Microphone for YOUTUBE Studios in 2021? | Oktava MK-012 Review

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Joris Hermans

Video thumbnail for Review: Oktava MK-012 Pencil Stick Small Condenser Microphone with Replaceable Capsules by Chris Spiegl

Review: Oktava MK-012 Pencil Stick Small Condenser Microphone with Replaceable Capsules

Chris Spiegl

Chris Spiegl

Video thumbnail for Oktava MK-012 Film Edition Review by The Time Preservation Society

Oktava MK-012 Film Edition Review

The Time Preservation Society

The Time Preservation Society

Video thumbnail for MKH 50 Cheaper Alternative! Oktava MK-012 Test, Comparison, & Review (vs MKH50, MKH416, NTG3 & more) by Audio Hotline

MKH 50 Cheaper Alternative! Oktava MK-012 Test, Comparison, & Review (vs MKH50, MKH416, NTG3 & more)

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Audio Hotline

Video thumbnail for Oktava MK012 vs AKG C1000S by Benno Kaiser

Oktava MK012 vs AKG C1000S

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Benno Kaiser

Video thumbnail for Oktava MK-012 Omni vs Cardioid vs Hypercardioid Capsule Test For Indoor Dialogue by TheFullSetup

Oktava MK-012 Omni vs Cardioid vs Hypercardioid Capsule Test For Indoor Dialogue

TheFullSetup

TheFullSetup

Video thumbnail for Oktava MK-012 Microphone Mod Comparison by BrendanLyonsMusic

Oktava MK-012 Microphone Mod Comparison

BrendanLyonsMusic

BrendanLyonsMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality for live acoustic and vocal performances

  • Excellent noise elimination and full frequency response

  • Small size, perfect for portable recording setups

  • Smooth and rich sound, especially for acoustic guitar

  • Low off-axis coloration for a natural sound capture

  • Comparable to top small diaphragm condensers in self-noise and response

  • Flattering capture with various capsules, versatile for different recording needs

  • Punches above its price range, offering great value

CONS

  • Slightly dark sound may not suit all preferences

  • Not a direct substitute for high-end models like Neumann km84

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oktava MK 012-01.

Use cases and applications

  • The Oktava MK-012-01 is recommended for indoor dialogue, especially with the hypercardioid capsule, ideal for close-miking in echo-prone environments.

    Source
  • The Oktava MK-012 is suitable as a secondary or backup microphone, not recommended as a primary choice for high-end audio work.

    Source
  • The hypercardioid capsule is preferred for indoor booming to minimize reflections in reverberant spaces.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A "Bill Sitler upgrade" is recommended for the Oktava MK-012 to enhance its performance, praised for excellent customer service.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest the Audio-Technica AT4053b as a superior alternative to the Oktava MK-012-01 if budget allows, due to its high-quality sound.

    Source
  • It performs better in small or reflective spaces compared to similarly priced shotguns like the NTG-2 or K6.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Proper shock mounts are essential for the Oktava MK-012 to minimize handling noise during use.

    Source
  • A Rycote or Cinela shockmount and a proper windshield are essential to reduce wind noise during movement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Oktava MK 012-01 suffers from poor EMI rejection, requiring careful placement to avoid interference.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the microphone can sound "boxy" on vocals, which can be mitigated with EQ adjustments.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kenny Beats uses Oktava MK 012-01

Kenny Beats

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Plugged In: Kenny Beats (S02 E03) | American Professional II Series | Fender," at the 0:47 mark, music producer Kenny Beats confirms his use of the Oktava MK 012-01 microphone.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Oktava MK 012-01, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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