Oktava MK-012

Multi Capsule Studio & Sound Reinforcement Condenser 

Overview

The wide, flat response ensures that all sounds are captured with a high degree of accuracy. A -10 dB pad is included for use in high SPL environments. The capsules, which screw onto the microphone body, utilise a precision, integral connection system to ensure reliable electrical contact.

The MK-012 is suitable for use in any situation where an accurate sound is required, the size of the system makes it ideal for use in broadcast, sound for picture, installation, sound reinforcement and theatre situations as well as the recording studio.

In pairs, the MK012s are perfectly suited for coincident and spaced stereo miking techniques, and also overhead useage in live and studio situations. Factory matched pairs can be specially ordered.

The MK-012 has following options:

Technical specifications

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Oktava MK012 Capacitor Microphone
Sound on Sound

Oktava have created a storm in the microphone marketplace with the MK219. Now they hope to follow up their initial success with the MK012, designed for both studio and broadcast use.
PAUL WHITE dons his fur hat, converts some roubles, and gives it a spin...

Oktava's MK219 has caused quite a stir in the microphone world. It delivers a tonal performance to challenge mics which its own list price wouldn't even pay the VAT on, despite a standard of cosmetic finish that would make a Trabant engine casting look like a work of art. In that respect, Oktava's MK012 microphone couldn't be more different, being well-engineered and very conservatively styled. As tends to be the case with ex-eastern bloc microphones, the technology is largely 'borrowed' from the major mic manufacturers, but implemented in a slightly less refined manner.

The basic package comprises the mic body plus a stand clip, a 10dB pad and three individual capsules providing cardioid, hypercardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns. A figure-of-eight capsule might have been more useful than two cardioid types -- the importers tell me they're already looking into the possibility.

The capsules screw directly to the microphone body, where the thread-to-thread contact forms the negative signal conductor, and a central pin in the capsule mates with a sprung contact in the microphone body to carry the positive signal. If the 10dB pad is needed, it fits between the mic body and the capsule. Low noise, transformerless preamplifier circuitry is housed in the mic body, and can be driven from any nominal 48V phantom powering source. Unlike vocal mics, where the response is often deliberately coloured, the 012 has a nominally flat frequency response extending from 20Hz-20kHz -- though that's not to say that it isn't also a good vocal mic.

I heard this mic as part of a comparative test undertaken at the Gateway School of Recording in Kingston, where they have a grand piano set up in the middle of a large studio. Several mics were set up on boom stands about four feet away from the open piano lid, and positioned as closely together as was practical. We then repaired to the control room and scrutinised the various mics while someone played the piano. Though every mic produced a slightly different sound, the 012 stood up surprisingly well, delivering a clean, open sound with plenty of depth. Further studio tests revealed that the mic also works well with acoustic guitars and, indeed, it should suit any application requiring an honest, natural result. As you might expect, there's a reasonable degree of consistency between the sounds produced by the three available capsules. Two of these mics would make a versatile and affordable stereo recording kit, though M&S recording is not possible, because there's no figure-of-eight capsule.

Because this mic doesn't produce a coloured response, it would be fine for classical and choral work, as well as for recording smaller ensembles (for example, folk, chamber, or ethnic music). Its small size also makes this mic suitable for broadcast, sound-for-picture, installation, and theatre situations.

SUMMARY

Given the low cost, the MK012 is a surprisingly competent and flexible microphone, suited to virtually any application where an accurate sound is sought. In the project studio, it can handle vocals and all manner of acoustic instruments, and should also function as a top class sampling mic. A stereo pair would make great drum overheads or location recording mics, and their relatively high sensitivity means they could also be used for gathering sound effects on location, without noise posing too much of a problem.

There are plenty of professional mics already available which do essentially the same job as the MK012, but none at anything like the price. Traditionally, project studios go for large diaphragm capacitor vocal mics, but given its very attractive price, the MK012 makes a welcome and useful addition to the mic locker. The MK012 is optionally available with an elastic suspension cage, a phantom power supply, foam windshield and cable, all in a wooden case. Given that this costs only £50 or so more than the basic package, it adds further value to what is already a bargain.
 

EXHardware

Oktava Studio Microphones

Terry Kok

The Oktava MK-012

The MK-012 is the next microphone up on the list and is a compact, high quality capacitor microphone with interchangeable capsules to provide a choice of cardioid, hypercardioid or omni-directional polar patterns. This is our favorite multi-purpose microphone and we've successfully used it for miking instruments, drums (especially good) or anything else in particular. The reason behind this is the multi capsule design of the MK-012 which allows you to choose between three different polar patterns matching your application.

For vocals, the cardiod or hypercardiod patterns are often used but I found the omni pattern to be the most useful especially when recording acoustic guitars or stringed instruments (violins, cellos). The MK-012 is a full range design with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and comes with a -10db pad which is useful when used under high sound pressure levels such as when miking loud guitar amp stacks.

MK-012 In Use

As I mentioned earlier on, the MK-012 is my favourite multi purpose microphone, I've done many recording sessions miking everything from guitars to violins to drums and I've always been impressed by the flexibility of the MK-012. When used with vocals, I strongly suggest that you use a pop screen with it as the MK-012 is a rather sensitive microphone and tends to pick up a lot of pops in vocals if used without a screen.

If you're on a tight budget, I'd personally pick the MK-012 as it's flexibility allows novice home studio enthusiasts the flexibility of having a few mics cramped into one amazingly compact package. The MK-012 works very well with acoustic guitars and violins and because of the sensitivity of the mic. Like the MK-319 , it managed to capture alot of detail and if spaced sufficiently from the instrument, also records a very nice room ambience in the recording. Somehow though, I preferred the MK-319 for use with acoustic instruments because the MK-319 had warm sound which complements these stringed instruments which the MK-012 lacked.

The best application for the MK-012 I feel, would be a drum set. It worked exceptionally well on our Pearl kick drum because of the full range offered by the MK-012. It worked really well too at a snare or tom position as the sensitivity of the mic captured a very nice attack on snare beats. Overall, the MK-012 is an excellent compact and flexible microphone that is a must in any studio, especially if you're looking for a multipurpose microphone!

Conclusion

The three Oktava microphones (MK-319, MK-012 and ML-52) reviewed are amazing performers for the price. First up, we have the MK-319 which is magical with vocals and stringed/acoustic instruments. Then comes the MK-012 which is another amazing performer that is so flexible, it's like having a whole bunch of mics cramped into one compact design. Get a stereo matched set and have them setup as drum set overheads! Last but not least, the ribbon based ML52 proves yet again that ribbon mics should not be forgotten offering an inviting and warm sound. If you're looking for great microphones that offer an amazing value for your money, I would not hesitate to suggest that you give the Oktava line an audition. Highly recommended!
 

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