Can anyone tell me where I might be able to hear the difference via sound samples between the modded vs stock oktava mk-012 on acoustic guitar? I swear I stumbled across an audio comparison once before, but I can't find it once again.

While most seem to laud the upgrade, I ran across a few who actually like the darker quality of the stock version better.

Thanks.

One assumption you may be making is that unmodified Octavas generally have one sort of sound, and the modified versions another.

In my experience, unmodified Octavas (012's) can sound very different from each other. Not only among pairs, but between pairs. When I got mine, I exchanged 2 out of 6 capsules. They were irregular in pattern and certainly had different amounts of noise.

So, I don't think generalities come so easily. Why not get the mic's, and then mod them if you want?

My unmodified 012's are the best pair I've heard. But, alas, one body is not working, so I'll probably mod's done to both.

I wouldn't really have any qualms about modifying them, I don't, anyway. And generally, I think the mic's are improved with the mod's.

This info about the variability of the oktavas is a bit disconcerting. I am aware of the chinese knockoffs, but to what extent are the russian made mics inconsistent from mic to mic? People have said that the soundroom is a good place to purchase from. Is this true?

Also, do you think the oktava is a good match for an all mahogany martin?

I have a pair of russian 012's I bought in '99 or '00 that sounded different from each other. one had less output than the other and the one with lesser output also had a little distortion no matter which cap I used with it. I had that one modded by Michael Joly and that brought it up to spec with the other one while adding a certain character of "quality" or "clarity" the unmodded one doesn't have. The difference isn't mind-blowing but it's there, and I find the gain in clarity to be extremely valuable.

I've purchased capsules from Sound Room and have to say their quality is consistent. If you have [or can acquire] hand-measured oktava pre bodies and caps then you're putting your hands on top quality mics you'll use for a very long time - and Sound Room hand measures everything. At the same time, Michael Joly at Oktavamod sells nothing but the best as well and both places stand behind the product they sell you. Joly stands firm behind his work and his mods and his service is impeccable. You're getting your money's worth at either place. I wouldn't sell my 012's or the caps I have for any price right now.

Thanks for the informed response. I have no hesitation buying from both after such a ringing endorsement.

Man,
I love my Oktavas...and I want to get them modded. Mike Joly took the time to email me sevaral times (within minutes) and even gave me preamp and other gear advice without hesitation. I can only imagine what his service is like when you actually buy something from him! I have heard the same glowing response from everyone that has used him...

I hope this helps...

Tear it up,

One more thumbsupthumbsupthumbsupthumbsupthumbsup for Michael Joly here! Top guy indeed! If you want to buy the things new and you're thinking mod, you might aswell buy a ready modded pair from him. That way not only do they sound the same, but have passed his QC. No, I'm not on his payroll, but neither have I ever experienced better customer service! Octava have used quite a lot of different components in these things over the years, so if you buy secondhand you'd be better of getting a pair....

012's love Martin's. They love my Martin anyway. I have an OM 16GT, mahogany back and sides with a spruce top and it takes no time at all to get great sound even from just a single 012 with omni cap. I've played the all-mahogany Martin and like it a lot.

The 012 is also a great match for the electroharmonix 12AY7 tube mic pre FWIW. I always get fantastic acoustic instrument tracks with that combo and great male vocal tracks with that combo (012 w/omni on vocals). I rarely have to EQ anything I track using that mic/pre combo.

The additional endorsements are definitely settling my mind on simply buying the modded version from Oktavamod.

I've tried recording my guitar with two mics before, but I've always preferred a single mic. Somehow it sounds more natural to me. I've actually only used a Groove Tubes GT55 and a Sennheiser dynamic. Still looking for the tone I hear in my guitar and in my head.

While talking about caps, would you recommend the cardiod, omni or something else if using only one mk-012? I also will likely record vocals and guitar simultaneously. I realize this may create special problems, but when I've tracked them separately, the finished product feels somehow mechanical to me. I can't imagine Nebraska was tracked separately, at least vocals and guitar.

Thanks again for all the input.

+1 here for Michael Joly. You buy the mod, he emails you the same day with the scheduled date for your mod and instructions on how to ship. He mods it the same day as promised and ships it right back. No waiting, no excuses, just great service. The MK-012 is a great mic for acoustic guitar without the mod, even better with it.

Not sure where the modded vs. un-modded clips are but thought I'd throw out the opinion that the modded mics, aren't necassarily "less-dark' than the modded versions.

The mod doesn't clean up the mics, but does repair some of the phase problems with the mics. Hearing this phase can translate into a kind of 'muddiness' of the sounds recorded, but I'm not sure it's fair to say that the mic gets 'brighter' once it's modded.

The low end on the modded version of the mics is still HUGE, actually.. almost too large.
Something about the mic, modded and un-modded is 'soft' sounding to me.. which helps hi-hats, acoustic guitars sit where I need them to a lot of times...

Well-said. It's not that the "sound" of the mic changes after the mod; it just gains clarity across the spectrum, which is [of course] very desirable.

...and that 'soft' sound you refer to is one of the reasons I think people love the 012 on toms.

Please, please. The Chinese "version" is not a "knock off." These are a result of Ok(c)tava's consistently flawed business ethics over the years. The Russians have consistently made and violated contracts over the years, leak microphones, and continue to do the same thing.

As to how the (Russian) mics are inconsistent: The electronics are a separate story, but you will find greatly different levels of noise coming from the contaminated and not always well made capsules, and you may find patterns that don't resemble much of anything-hence my exchanging 2 out of 6.

They certainly could be. I wouldn't know as they've never answered the phone and never returned phone calls. Over quite some time, a year or two or four. I really haven't heard anything bad about them, though.

Great thread guys. I've been thinking about buying a pair of these from Michael Joly.

Already spoken to him. Seems like a good guy

But interesting to hear about the application preferences

Cheers

Sean Kenny

Ten21 Recording Studio, Home Page

The Jolys' service is top-notch. Great communication and delivery as promised. And, they just come across as good folks.

I like good folks.heh

I have 6 012's, they are all different, and all sound different, one arrived dead. They all work well now. I have modded them all to one degree or another.
It is important to note that the mics have to be checked after they are done.
The mod is really an upgrade since the circuit itself doesn't change.
Once it's done, you can compare the mics to an un-upgraded version, I did.
The upgrades vary to component type and material construction.
There is a guy named Bil Sitler that wil send you a kit to do it yourself. I got one of his kits too. So far it is the best component selection.

Comparison to stock:
It sounds more defined, clearer, more controlled without getting thinner, in fact, it sounds beefier. Dramatically.
Kinda scooped sounding in the mids without actually being scooped, just clearer highs and punchier lows, and no mid smear. Very nice on my Taylor acoustic.
I can only imagine that a Martin would sound awesome with all that midrange tone they can pump out.

If Mike Joly does as good or better than that and you can't do it yourself, you should buy his version.
I have done no business with Joly because my mics were dead or already upgraded to some extent. He doesn't work on previously worked on or dead mics.

As far as contaminated capsules, I have a Russian made 319 with a lump of something tiny inside the capsule pushing out. MOST of my 319's don't have a problem but may have at one time.

Don't be swayed by the quality control, if you get one from Sound Room or Mike Joly @ region the mod guards car at octavamod.com you'll be in fine shape. You'll be beyond impressed.

You gotta be smokin' something I'd guess... Joly is VERY easy to contact.

I think you are saying that you're unhappy with his service, and while this may be true... I've found him quick to contact me back and offer solutions with anything I might be slightly unhappy with. The guy is flat out willing to work with you unless your demands are completely unreasonable... actually, my demands are often nearly unreasonable and he still contacts me back?!!

Not sure of your situation... but if you're looking for one of these mics, it's painfully obvious: Joly is the king.

I've never used Mike Joly's services, but just about everybody on here has good things to say about him, his services, and his results.

When I decided to mod my 012's, I chose to order the kits for doing it myself. I'm a tinkerer, so what the hell? It worked out great, and I really like they way they sound.

If you don't like to tinker, then send the mics to Joly. His reputation speaks for itself. If you do like to tinker, the mod kits from Bill's Recording worked out well for me.

Can anyone confirm if the new MK-012 have been upgraded to include many of the mods out there?