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Average Price: $200

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Description

The Oktava MK-012 is a versatile small-diaphragm condenser microphone that has become a staple in the recording toolkit of many musicians and audio engineers. Known for its exceptional clarity and precision, the MK-012 is perfect for capturing the nuances of acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and even choirs. Its modular design allows users to switch between different capsules, making it adaptable to various recording scenarios. Whether in a professional studio or a home setup, this microphone delivers a natural sound profile that is both warm and detailed.

The MK-012 is particularly celebrated for its interchangeable capsules, which include cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and omnidirectional options. This flexibility enables precise control over the microphone's pickup pattern, allowing it to excel in both close-miking and ambient recording situations. Crafted in Russia, the Oktava MK-012 is built with robust materials, ensuring durability and reliability in any recording environment. Musicians and engineers alike appreciate its ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it an excellent choice for dynamic performances.

For those seeking a microphone that offers both quality and adaptability, the Oktava MK-012 is a standout choice. Its ability to capture the subtleties of sound with remarkable fidelity makes it a trusted companion for countless recording applications.

Key Features:

  • Interchangeable capsules: cardioid, hyper-cardioid, omnidirectional
  • Small-diaphragm condenser design
  • Excellent sound clarity and natural warmth
  • Russian craftsmanship for durability and reliability
  • High SPL handling for dynamic recordings

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 best suited for?

The Oktava MK-012 is ideal for recording classical, choral, and smaller ensembles like folk or chamber music. Its compact design also makes it suitable for broadcast, sound-for-picture, and theater applications.

Does the Oktava MK-012 require phantom power?

Yes, the Oktava MK-012 requires 48 V phantom power according to the IEC 61938 standard to operate properly.

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

The Oktava MK-012 has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, making it suitable for capturing a wide range of audio frequencies.

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

Yes, the Oktava MK-012 includes a -10dB pad, which is useful for handling high sound pressure levels, such as when miking loud guitar amp stacks.

What polar pattern does the Oktava MK-012 feature?

The Oktava MK-012 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is effective in isolating the sound source and reducing background noise.

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

Microphone Boutique

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

Joris Hermans

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)

Audio Hotline

Audio Hotline

Video thumbnail for Oktava MK012 vs AKG C1000S by Benno Kaiser

Oktava MK012 vs AKG C1000S

Benno Kaiser

Benno Kaiser

Video thumbnail for Oktava MK-012 on Ac.Guitar Mitchell MD 200 SCE by AmpsOnAir

Oktava MK-012 on Ac.Guitar Mitchell MD 200 SCE

AmpsOnAir

AmpsOnAir

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile with 4 capsule kits for various recording needs

  • Excellent alternative to more expensive microphones

  • Superb performance on a wide range of instruments

  • Extended low frequency response suitable for room mics

  • Outperforms vintage models in shootouts on many instruments

  • Ideal for both acoustic guitar and drum overheads

  • Recommended even if budget is not a concern

CONS

  • Noticeable handling noise

  • Not suitable for very quiet sources

Critic Reviews

Oktava MK012

soundonsound.com

The Oktava MK-012 microphone impresses with its low cost and versatile performance, making it a strong contender for project studios and various recording settings. Its clean, open sound works well with acoustic instruments and vocals, offering a natural result across its cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional capsules. While it lacks a figure-eight capsule, limiting its use for some stereo recording techniques, its affordability and adaptability shine. Ideal for everything from classical to broadcast applications, the MK-012 proves to be a valuable addition to any mic collection, particularly given its competitive pricing.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
acoustic777

Smooth top, Plump bottom, detail without the intense hifi vibe of most SDC's

I love them. The self noise of 18db is manageable if you can play at a decent volume. More smooth and natural than most sdc's (shure ksm137, rode nt5, se8 etc) that tend to have a piercing top, and tight thinner bottom with a tinny flavor and intense hifi active vibe. These can be had for $130-190 a pop. I really love mine and have tried 10 others, some that were twice as expensive. I like them alot. Soyuz snagged a few of their engineers fro what I hear.

Only giving a 4/5 because there are others out there of a higher quality tier like in the $800+ range. But for the money these are the KING of SDC's if you like smooth and natural that still has detail. The hype is real.

From Gear Setup
charlie_hurst

Nice sound, compact and relatively affordable

Having used these on a wide variety of sources, they are definitely viable alternatives to some of the more expensive options out there. The ones I have all have the 4 capsule kits, and the versatility you can get from one mics body is superb. Quite a lot of handling noise, and not the best for super quiet sources, for sound design elements and the like, but great on "normal" range stuff.

jimmarchi1

YES

these are some of the best SDC mics out there... they have won shootouts on many isntruments versus vintage AKG 451s and Neumann KSMs etc... their extended low frequency response make them a cool choice for room mics too, especially if you have omni and figure 8 capsules for them. If you're looking at a pair of these buy them. I also had a par of matched Rode NT5s but I kept the Oktavas. Even if money's no object for you I still recommend a pair of these great microphones.

samuel_thompson

Used on most recordings

Bang for the buck. Mainly used for acoustic guitar and drum overheads

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thom Yorke uses Oktava MK-012

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Rbth

Mentioned in this Russia Beyond article.

The MK-012 microphone, created in 1996, remains a flagship product for Oktava. This microphone was used by Radiohead lead singer and guitarist Thom Yorke, who used it during the recording of the OK Computer album in 1997.

See how Steve Albini uses Oktava MK-012

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via YouTube

video recorded at Electrical Audio, Steve Albini's studio, mic shown at 2:39

See how Bill Frisell uses Oktava MK-012

Bill Frisell

Guitarist

The Bill Frisell Band

...
Verified via YouTube

TIMESTAMPED

Bill Frisell can be seen using the Oktava MK-012 microphone, in a video by Fretboard Journal where he performs "All the Things You Are."

See how Mike Dawes uses Oktava MK-012

Mike Dawes

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Mike Dawes - Be My Mistake (The 1975)" by Mike Dawes on YouTube, the Oktava MK-012 small diaphragm condenser microphone is identifiable by its distinctive trumpet mouthpiece-shaped capsule and mic clip, visible 11 seconds into the video. It's next to the Aston Origin large diaphragm condenser!

See how Robert Rich uses Oktava MK-012

Robert Rich

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Robertrich

Microphones: (2) Josephson 606A-KA21 hypocardioid small condenser (2) AEA N22 active ribbon (2) Neumann KM130 omni small condenser (1) Blue Mouse cardoid large condenser (2) Blue Dragonfly cardoid large condenser (2) ADK TL-Au custom modified multipattern large condenser (1) ADK TL-Gk67 custom modified multipattern large condenser (2) ADK Sigma CHI small diaphragm condenser (4) ADK Sigma CHI large diaphragm (lollipop 47, 251 capsules) (2) Oktava MK012 w/ Red Replacement capsules (1) Audio Technica AT4050 multipattern large condensor (2) E/V NDym 408 dynamic (2) Shure SM57 dynamic (1) Sennheiser MD421mII dynamic (1) AKG D112 kick drum mic

Album Usage

The Oktava MK-012 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

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

Community setups

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acoustic777

acoustic777

Gear IQ 1186

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