A couple housekeeping notes: The MK-012 preamp is a modular system. There are multiple capsules, pads, and accessories on Okatava’s website that this is compatible with, I didn’t list all of them in this video! I mostly just wanted to focus on the “Movie Kit.” Also, the pricing for these seem to be a little all over the place depending on where you look. Personally, I would probably buy straight from Oktava to avoid any headaches regarding returns and QC issues.
Having many small diaphragm condensers , I’ve got to stop buying em. I mean, I don’t do reviews… it makes no sense. I’m living in crazy town, taking crazy pills. But… thanks for the video!
To my ear the Oktava is right in-between the MKH50 and the 416 in tone. The 416 is thinner and brighter and has that "tubular" sound shotguns always have. The MKH50 is boomy like a broadcast mic in that lower 100Hz - 200Hz range, which can be nice, but also isn't as technically accurate. For me when booming overhead the Oktava sounded the most natural as if you're in the room with it. It had that weight on the bottom, but it wasn't "boomy" when overhead, and it has a nice bright articulate top end but nothing as scooped or thin as the 416. I did rather like the Rode NTG3 as well, as it sounded less like a shotgun than other shotguns.
It works well for it's price range, but if you are going to use it on a boom pole and handle/move it around, then make sure you get an excellent shock mount, as the MK-012 is very susceptible to handling noise. This video did not show the microphones in use with handling, just on a fixed mount. Good for a sit down interview, but watch out if using on a boompole for narrative film. While a shock mount is essential for any microphone on a boom pole, microphones like the MKH-50 handle movement way better, and hence why it is a go to for a lot of high budget movies.
Right?? It weirded me out when I was putting the comparison together! I don’t remember it sounding like that. I actually had a little clip where I said “I could listen to that all day, that might be the best kitty purr test ever!” but when I was trimming the video a little bit I took it out.
Thank you for this detailed review! I was on the verge of buying this microphone as an indoor boom mic since there were many positive reviews about it but after doing an extensive research I went for a pair of t.bone SC140s which are amazing for the price. If you would have a chance to review one of those it would be great to watch! Pair of them goes for 120 euros from Thomann. They sound quite neutral and self-noise is extremely low. As I know they are on the market more than 15 years mostly used for drums but sounds very good for voice as well.
The SE7 (and SE8) sounds good, nobody is using it as indoor boom mic on set probably because of the cardioid pattern. With a super/hypercardioid capsule would be a great cheap alternative.
Hi! Came to this video after seeing Tom Buck's recap of the NAB, you were mentioned amongst the bunch of nice people I already follow, so I'm following you as well now. You're very knowledgeable and the endless flow of comparizon audio clips was very inspiring and definitely informative in this particular video. I own a matched pair of Oktavas MK-012-01 and I'm using them in a X pattern in front of my acoustic guitar when livestreaming, I did exactly 100 of those. The mics are aprox. 6" away from the instrument as you also pointed out was the good distance, and I like the overall sound in the outgoing audio of the livestream. But my tests with this mic gave me a significant noise when gained up higher - which I needed if I was to use it on my voice as my overhead mic at some 10" away. I'm using a Rode Caster Pro II. So I was using Shure MV7 in the beginning instead - yes, as my overhead mic outside the frame, it was quieter, but wouldn't work in the long run because it was losing me if I moved a bit sideways. So I ended up looking for a new overhead mic and while that MKH50 is fantastic, it was a little about the price, I just couldn't justify the purchase, I needed other stuff in the studio more than a mic. Then I saw Curtis Judd's review of the Earthworks Ethos, and later on about the SR314... Now this mic is also a live application microphone as I noticed when looking up more info - and _that_ could be justified. I did need a new live microphone so the fact it can also be an overhead that's got a nice pick up pattern, _and_ it costs significantly less than the MKH50, I went and bought it. Now it's my golden combo - SR314 and a pair of Oktavas for livestreams and (soon) recorded videos for my little channel. I can mention that I've used the Oktavas to record choirs during concerts in churches, at theatres, as an overhead for drums in live applications, so they are versatile and really sturdy. Talking about the shock mounts I've bought these separately from Oktava and they're not really good. Prepare yourself to buy loads of rubber bands ro replace the ones shock mounts are coming with because - yes, the rubber bands are holding the mics hangin' in there. Cheers!
Hey! Thank you! I appreciate you coming and checking my channel out! Tom and I hung out a bunch at NAB and it was a GREAT time! He seems like a really good guy in his videos, but he is even better in person!!! Such a genuine guy and just a joy to be around. I feel like we have both been in the chat section of the couple's table before! I definitely recognize your name. It's awesome that you have so much experience with this mic! I have heard other people talk about noise issues with this before. There do seem to be some quality control issues when it comes to Oktava. I actually just took mine to NAB and had it mounted as a commentary mic on my camera! There was a reviewer (blanking on the channel name) who said their copy was pretty noisy. They sent it back, and the new one they received was way quieter. I wouldn't say it is a super quiet mic, but I haven't ever had any serious issues with mine. The MKH50 is a special mic! It is pricey though! Thanks again for checking my channel out!
Thanks for the video. Have you try the AKG p170? how good is the se7 compared to the oktava? I know is in the video, but I still want to know. Thanks in advance
I did a vocal test comparison on the AKG p170 and the Deity S Mic 3S. The Deity sounded better with a fuller sound. I’m happy with the Deity and plan to use it for indoor dialogue. I’m curious as to how it will compare to the Oktava.
I have the Octave MK-012 with the three capsule and db pad filter and I think it was around $250-$300 US for a single mic. The double microphone sets do run around $700 or so.
Great video. And just in case it feels weird not to have another comment from the TH-cam police, Your video is too clear and too crisp, you talk too much, almost the entire video is you talking about the product, your shirt is too dark, too many mics used in your comparison, and it took you nearly .0003 seconds for you to start talking in this video…way too long. And way too much great information was given in this review, dial it back a bit…more silent b-roll … less talkie talkie. 🤪😎 Seriously…thanks! Really Great review. You can tell this review took some time to do! Appreciate it! This will definitely be my first xlr shotgun mic to use for video projects. Sounds like it has great performance at an amazing price
Thank you! I was getting a little itchy not getting pulled over by the TH-cam Police today! 🤣 It is an awesome mic!!! It has definitely made me want to try out even more Small Diaphragm condensers! Thanks for your support Mike!
I own the Oktava the two biggest issues I've had is it picks up handing noise like nobody's business. I had it on a wide unmanned camera and you touch anything even the tripod leg and you will hear it without a proper shock mount. The other issue it is super sensitive to wind, whether that is plosives from speech, central air, boom movement, and outdoors (forget about it without serious wind protection like a blimp). Otherwise you can't beat sound quality to value ratio.
The MK 012 is a smooth warm sounding mic that seems to slow things down a bit no matter how fast we speak. I really enjoyed the review and comparisons.
I've always wondered why Oktavas aren't more highly regarded in our corner of the audio world. They seem to punch well above their weight in terms of sound quality. Some of them (the MK 101/102/104 and the bottle mics) are also pretty snazzy looking.
I was wondering that same thing!apparently they were a pretty big deal with some popular artists (Sting, U2, Iron Maiden, Marilyn Manson and Radiohead) but just never got super popular. It might be related to accessibility. They just aren’t carried by many retailers… I wish at least B&H, Sweetwater, or Adorama would carry them!
@@AudioHotlineProbably due to their national origin as it's a Russian company. Edit: I personally have no problem with that. In fact, I have wet dreams about Soyuz mics. I've learned not to hold a government's actions against the people it claims to represent. After all, I live in a country whose government is constantly starting wars and stirring up shit in other countries and regions.
From Wiki: "Between 2009 and 2017 Oktava was integrated into the Ruselectronics-Group. Since 2017 Oktava is directly controlled by the governmental conglomerate Rostec, which makes 87% of their turnover in the military sector."
@@ellisgl ya know I don’t like war, at all. Not a hot take at all 😂. A long time ago I realized I have zero say in any of the crap our country does or that other countries do, so I just care about what I can control… Like getting awesome sound quality! lol I am an audio guy not a world politics guy. I can tell you I don’t pay attention to any of that, most people that do just drive themselves crazy thinking and talking about it yet still making no difference in the result and I am already nuts so I don’t need any more help 😂. Some people enjoy learning about the ins and outs of our country and other countries, which is fine. If that’s what you like, cool but I found what I like and I submerge myself in it to block out all the other noise… you could say I love cardioid dynamic mics for that reason, block out the world’s bs 😊
This is ridiculous. If you don’t buy, you are making the life of this russian manufacturer even more miserable and it’s not his fault that his country is ruled by someone you don’t like.
But you know that by supporting Oktava, you support Russia's aggression in Ukraine? Oktava equips a criminal army with equipment. Shouldn't we be in solidarity with those Russian producers who had the courage to protest against the war?
I can’t even tell you how much I don’t want to entertain this comment. I am an audio guy, I live my life very separate from politics and all the crazy stuff in this world. I know I can’t control anything that happens in this world so I control what happens in my small little world and block out all the noise. Inside the United States right now is Oktava USA (in Iowa) they’re open and shipping out orders. You’d think the United States government would shut them down if it made that much of a difference. I specifically say go through Oktava USA in this video. Those people live in the US, they have a job, they have families… to me, that matters more than any of the other noise.
@@AudioHotline You have the right to "block out the noise." I'm watching your video in Europe, next to me is my adopted dog, which was evacuated from a bombed shelter in Kharkov. The house where I live is also inhabited by two families from Ukraine whose cities were razed to the ground. That's why your argument about "people who have families" doesn't make sense to me at all. I too would gladly reject the madness of the world. I can do this at a low cost - by making a choice and supporting those who do not support this madness.
@@adwil8175 Does Okatava support this madness or do they even have a choice in the matter ? I'm sure when the government knocked on the door it was either do it our way you will find yourself in Siberia chopping firewood. Please continue to make blanket statements about how other people should conform or not to your wishes especially when they have to directly face the consequences and not you.
@@dag221 The Nevaton example shows that it is possible. But my comment was not about Oktava employees (that's their choice), but about people buying products of companies supporting terror.
@@milesian1 This is of course what I meant. Why would I need 5 pencil condenser microphones? I already have an MK-012, but I don't have a cat, so obviously we know what's missing from the equation.
A couple housekeeping notes:
The MK-012 preamp is a modular system. There are multiple capsules, pads, and accessories on Okatava’s website that this is compatible with, I didn’t list all of them in this video! I mostly just wanted to focus on the “Movie Kit.”
Also, the pricing for these seem to be a little all over the place depending on where you look. Personally, I would probably buy straight from Oktava to avoid any headaches regarding returns and QC issues.
Having many small diaphragm condensers , I’ve got to stop buying em. I mean, I don’t do reviews… it makes no sense. I’m living in crazy town, taking crazy pills. But… thanks for the video!
@BadChizzle I live in that same town!!! I am actually running for mayor! 😜 thanks for watching!
To my ear the Oktava is right in-between the MKH50 and the 416 in tone. The 416 is thinner and brighter and has that "tubular" sound shotguns always have. The MKH50 is boomy like a broadcast mic in that lower 100Hz - 200Hz range, which can be nice, but also isn't as technically accurate. For me when booming overhead the Oktava sounded the most natural as if you're in the room with it. It had that weight on the bottom, but it wasn't "boomy" when overhead, and it has a nice bright articulate top end but nothing as scooped or thin as the 416. I did rather like the Rode NTG3 as well, as it sounded less like a shotgun than other shotguns.
*Incredible* comparison video. Well done, sir!!!
Me, who only uses his mics for Discord, is trying to tell myself that I need an MKH 50.
You definitely do!!! Upgrading gear is just too much fun! 🤣
@@AudioHotlineenabler award granted. 😂
literally me
Ahaha er….
Careful mentioning Soundspeeds. If you say his name 3 times he turns up at your house. Ask Podcastage !
That was probably one of the best reviews of the oktava. I own this mic since 4 years and it's incredible!
Thank you! I appreciate that!
I have a Michael Joly mod MK-012 w/ Rycote baby ball. My go--to for indoor interview boom.
It works well for it's price range, but if you are going to use it on a boom pole and handle/move it around, then make sure you get an excellent shock mount, as the MK-012 is very susceptible to handling noise. This video did not show the microphones in use with handling, just on a fixed mount. Good for a sit down interview, but watch out if using on a boompole for narrative film. While a shock mount is essential for any microphone on a boom pole, microphones like the MKH-50 handle movement way better, and hence why it is a go to for a lot of high budget movies.
Excellent review, and best Kitty Purr Test ever!
I was a bit shocked at how bad the Deity sounded in comparison to the others, even with earbuds.
Right?? It weirded me out when I was putting the comparison together! I don’t remember it sounding like that.
I actually had a little clip where I said “I could listen to that all day, that might be the best kitty purr test ever!” but when I was trimming the video a little bit I took it out.
Thank you for this detailed review! I was on the verge of buying this microphone as an indoor boom mic since there were many positive reviews about it but after doing an extensive research I went for a pair of t.bone SC140s which are amazing for the price. If you would have a chance to review one of those it would be great to watch! Pair of them goes for 120 euros from Thomann. They sound quite neutral and self-noise is extremely low. As I know they are on the market more than 15 years mostly used for drums but sounds very good for voice as well.
The SE7 (and SE8) sounds good, nobody is using it as indoor boom mic on set probably because of the cardioid pattern. With a super/hypercardioid capsule would be a great cheap alternative.
Hi! Came to this video after seeing Tom Buck's recap of the NAB, you were mentioned amongst the bunch of nice people I already follow, so I'm following you as well now. You're very knowledgeable and the endless flow of comparizon audio clips was very inspiring and definitely informative in this particular video. I own a matched pair of Oktavas MK-012-01 and I'm using them in a X pattern in front of my acoustic guitar when livestreaming, I did exactly 100 of those. The mics are aprox. 6" away from the instrument as you also pointed out was the good distance, and I like the overall sound in the outgoing audio of the livestream. But my tests with this mic gave me a significant noise when gained up higher - which I needed if I was to use it on my voice as my overhead mic at some 10" away. I'm using a Rode Caster Pro II. So I was using Shure MV7 in the beginning instead - yes, as my overhead mic outside the frame, it was quieter, but wouldn't work in the long run because it was losing me if I moved a bit sideways.
So I ended up looking for a new overhead mic and while that MKH50 is fantastic, it was a little about the price, I just couldn't justify the purchase, I needed other stuff in the studio more than a mic. Then I saw Curtis Judd's review of the Earthworks Ethos, and later on about the SR314... Now this mic is also a live application microphone as I noticed when looking up more info - and _that_ could be justified. I did need a new live microphone so the fact it can also be an overhead that's got a nice pick up pattern, _and_ it costs significantly less than the MKH50, I went and bought it. Now it's my golden combo - SR314 and a pair of Oktavas for livestreams and (soon) recorded videos for my little channel.
I can mention that I've used the Oktavas to record choirs during concerts in churches, at theatres, as an overhead for drums in live applications, so they are versatile and really sturdy.
Talking about the shock mounts I've bought these separately from Oktava and they're not really good. Prepare yourself to buy loads of rubber bands ro replace the ones shock mounts are coming with because - yes, the rubber bands are holding the mics hangin' in there. Cheers!
Hey! Thank you! I appreciate you coming and checking my channel out!
Tom and I hung out a bunch at NAB and it was a GREAT time! He seems like a really good guy in his videos, but he is even better in person!!! Such a genuine guy and just a joy to be around.
I feel like we have both been in the chat section of the couple's table before! I definitely recognize your name.
It's awesome that you have so much experience with this mic! I have heard other people talk about noise issues with this before. There do seem to be some quality control issues when it comes to Oktava. I actually just took mine to NAB and had it mounted as a commentary mic on my camera!
There was a reviewer (blanking on the channel name) who said their copy was pretty noisy. They sent it back, and the new one they received was way quieter. I wouldn't say it is a super quiet mic, but I haven't ever had any serious issues with mine.
The MKH50 is a special mic! It is pricey though!
Thanks again for checking my channel out!
Awesome review! Thanks for such informative content 👍
They sound pretty similar in this comparison, both Great sounding microphones
Thanks for the video. Have you try the AKG p170? how good is the se7 compared to the oktava? I know is in the video, but I still want to know. Thanks in advance
I did a vocal test comparison on the AKG p170 and the Deity S Mic 3S. The Deity sounded better with a fuller sound. I’m happy with the Deity and plan to use it for indoor dialogue. I’m curious as to how it will compare to the Oktava.
I have the Octave MK-012 with the three capsule and db pad filter and I think it was around $250-$300 US for a single mic. The double microphone sets do run around $700 or so.
Great video. And just in case it feels weird not to have another comment from the TH-cam police,
Your video is too clear and too crisp, you talk too much, almost the entire video is you talking about the product, your shirt is too dark, too many mics used in your comparison, and it took you nearly .0003 seconds for you to start talking in this video…way too long. And way too much great information was given in this review, dial it back a bit…more silent b-roll … less talkie talkie. 🤪😎
Seriously…thanks! Really Great review. You can tell this review took some time to do! Appreciate it! This will definitely be my first xlr shotgun mic to use for video projects. Sounds like it has great performance at an amazing price
Thank you! I was getting a little itchy not getting pulled over by the TH-cam Police today! 🤣
It is an awesome mic!!! It has definitely made me want to try out even more Small Diaphragm condensers!
Thanks for your support Mike!
I never came across this microphone before and ended up with the rode videomic GO ii, which regret. Might get on of these, when I get rid of the rode.
I own the Oktava the two biggest issues I've had is it picks up handing noise like nobody's business. I had it on a wide unmanned camera and you touch anything even the tripod leg and you will hear it without a proper shock mount. The other issue it is super sensitive to wind, whether that is plosives from speech, central air, boom movement, and outdoors (forget about it without serious wind protection like a blimp). Otherwise you can't beat sound quality to value ratio.
The MK 012 is a smooth warm sounding mic that seems to slow things down a bit no matter how fast we speak. I really enjoyed the review and comparisons.
I've always wondered why Oktavas aren't more highly regarded in our corner of the audio world. They seem to punch well above their weight in terms of sound quality. Some of them (the MK 101/102/104 and the bottle mics) are also pretty snazzy looking.
I was wondering that same thing!apparently they were a pretty big deal with some popular artists (Sting, U2, Iron Maiden, Marilyn Manson and Radiohead) but just never got super popular. It might be related to accessibility. They just aren’t carried by many retailers… I wish at least B&H, Sweetwater, or Adorama would carry them!
@@AudioHotlineProbably due to their national origin as it's a Russian company.
Edit: I personally have no problem with that. In fact, I have wet dreams about Soyuz mics. I've learned not to hold a government's actions against the people it claims to represent. After all, I live in a country whose government is constantly starting wars and stirring up shit in other countries and regions.
From Wiki:
"Between 2009 and 2017 Oktava was integrated into the Ruselectronics-Group. Since 2017 Oktava is directly controlled by the governmental conglomerate Rostec, which makes 87% of their turnover in the military sector."
@@ellisgl ya know I don’t like war, at all. Not a hot take at all 😂. A long time ago I realized I have zero say in any of the crap our country does or that other countries do, so I just care about what I can control… Like getting awesome sound quality! lol I am an audio guy not a world politics guy. I can tell you I don’t pay attention to any of that, most people that do just drive themselves crazy thinking and talking about it yet still making no difference in the result and I am already nuts so I don’t need any more help 😂. Some people enjoy learning about the ins and outs of our country and other countries, which is fine. If that’s what you like, cool but I found what I like and I submerge myself in it to block out all the other noise… you could say I love cardioid dynamic mics for that reason, block out the world’s bs 😊
@AudioHotline found it interesting that it wasn't a government run from the beginning. 🤷♂️
Great comparison!
Thank you! 😊
The 875r makes your voice sound FM DJ. Interesting.
This is such a good video.
Awesome review thx !
Sorry sir, can u give a rate with bbsar rating fifine k678?
thank you for this video!
MKH50 is special
Can I recored Microphone into dbx 286s into zoom F3?
Yeah it should work well!! I am actually going to try that exact set up in my next pod!
@@AudioHotline Thank you! Can't wait to see it!
I bought the RUSSIAN made 50 and I love it !
Dude… its 2am…. Ill watch in the morning. Lol
You up? 😜
6:36 .. "Penises" 😅
Oktava sounds the same. Great video!
I know. It shouldn’t matter but with everything going on in the world I don’t want to buy something made in Russia right now.
I rarely mention where something is made but I did this time for that exact reason!
Don't judge the son by the sins of the father
This is ridiculous. If you don’t buy, you are making the life of this russian manufacturer even more miserable and it’s not his fault that his country is ruled by someone you don’t like.
A little less CNN news a tad more history reading and you will surpass the obstacles.
Cause China is so amazing right? I think we should stop buying chinese made junk too. We should start making iPhones in the USA
But you know that by supporting Oktava, you support Russia's aggression in Ukraine? Oktava equips a criminal army with equipment. Shouldn't we be in solidarity with those Russian producers who had the courage to protest against the war?
I can’t even tell you how much I don’t want to entertain this comment. I am an audio guy, I live my life very separate from politics and all the crazy stuff in this world. I know I can’t control anything that happens in this world so I control what happens in my small little world and block out all the noise.
Inside the United States right now is Oktava USA (in Iowa) they’re open and shipping out orders. You’d think the United States government would shut them down if it made that much of a difference. I specifically say go through Oktava USA in this video. Those people live in the US, they have a job, they have families… to me, that matters more than any of the other noise.
@@AudioHotline You have the right to "block out the noise." I'm watching your video in Europe, next to me is my adopted dog, which was evacuated from a bombed shelter in Kharkov. The house where I live is also inhabited by two families from Ukraine whose cities were razed to the ground. That's why your argument about "people who have families" doesn't make sense to me at all. I too would gladly reject the madness of the world. I can do this at a low cost - by making a choice and supporting those who do not support this madness.
@@adwil8175 Does Okatava support this madness or do they even have a choice in the matter ? I'm sure when the government knocked on the door it was either do it our way you will find yourself in Siberia chopping firewood. Please continue to make blanket statements about how other people should conform or not to your wishes especially when they have to directly face the consequences and not you.
@@dag221
The Nevaton example shows that it is possible. But my comment was not about Oktava employees (that's their choice), but about people buying products of companies supporting terror.
We should ban the use of the periodic table of elements and watching the Nutcracker, those are russian as well!
If I'm doing a close plosive test, I'm calling my hot girl to help me. Not once has shw failed the plosive test with 8 inches. Not one.😅
Transient response on the kitty purr test sold .me. I bought 5.
RIGHT? That kitty purr test was a good one. 🐈⬛
Five kitties? That would be my preference!
@@milesian1 that’s actually how many cats I have! We just adopted two within the last 6 months (found them in our back yard) and we had 3 before that.
@@milesian1 This is of course what I meant. Why would I need 5 pencil condenser microphones? I already have an MK-012, but I don't have a cat, so obviously we know what's missing from the equation.
@@BigDuckEnergyTM Yes, you need at least one kitty. They don't even need phantom power!