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Average Price: $200
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$100
$401+
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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
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What applications is the Oktava MK-012 best suited for?
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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.
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Does the Oktava MK-012 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Oktava MK-012 requires 48 V phantom power according to the IEC 61938 standard to operate properly.
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What is the frequency response range of the Oktava MK-012?
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The Oktava MK-012 has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, making it suitable for capturing a wide range of audio frequencies.
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Is the Oktava MK-012 suitable for high sound pressure levels?
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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.
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What polar pattern does the Oktava MK-012 feature?
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The Oktava MK-012 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is effective in isolating the sound source and reducing background noise.
Videos
Curtis Judd
Indoor Boom Microphones: Oktava MK-012, RODE NT5, Audio Technica AT4053b
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile with 4 capsule kits for various recording needs
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Excellent alternative to more expensive microphones
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Superb performance on a wide range of instruments
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Extended low frequency response suitable for room mics
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Outperforms vintage models in shootouts on many instruments
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Ideal for both acoustic guitar and drum overheads
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Recommended even if budget is not a concern
CONS
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Noticeable handling noise
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Not suitable for very quiet sources
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings
1186
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.
618
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.
41029
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.
158
Artist usage
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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.
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."
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!
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:
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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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