What capsule would be the best? at DVinfo.net

Martin Labelle · June 2nd, 2008, 12:32 PM

I want to buy the Oktava mk012a, but I don't know wich capsule would work for me.
Hypercardioid
condenser
or cardioid
they sell the oktava with separate capsule or a kit with omni& cardioid hypercardioid.
http://oktava.com/inc/sdetail/475
I do concert videos from punk to classical, indoor and outdoor from small bars to large amphitheater.Also street videos and interviews.
I work now with Rode Nt-3 but its big and heavy on my sony A1u.

Phil Bambridge · June 2nd, 2008, 01:35 PM

If you really can only get one, rather than the kit of three capsules, then the hyper will give you the most reach- but that's "most" out of "very little". You'll need to be up their nose to get good audio*.

I like my Oktava, but it's very sensitive, not just to direct handling noise (not sure I'd ever strap it to my camera), but also picks up the movement of air over the diaphragm caused by even quite slow boom movements. Subsequently, I had to spring for a Rycote Baby Ball Gag. On such a short mic, this leaves little room for a shockmount to hold on to, and makes it quite front heavy, tending to cause wobble.

So, you know...be careful.

*Just a, erm, phrase. I did once try lavving myself up the nostril, produced an interesting sound that was perhaps more in keeping with sci-fi though.

June 2nd, 2008, 12:32 PM	#1
Martin Labelle Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: montreal Posts: 170	What capsule would be the best? I want to buy the Oktava mk012a, but I don't know wich capsule would work for me. Hypercardioid condenser or cardioid they sell the oktava with separate capsule or a kit with omni& cardioid hypercardioid. http://oktava.com/inc/sdetail/475 I do concert videos from punk to classical, indoor and outdoor from small bars to large amphitheater.Also street videos and interviews. I work now with Rode Nt-3 but its big and heavy on my sony A1u.

June 2nd, 2008, 01:35 PM	#2
Phil Bambridge Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bristol, England Posts: 78	If you really can only get one, rather than the kit of three capsules, then the hyper will give you the most reach- but that's "most" out of "very little". You'll need to be up their nose to get good audio. I like my Oktava, but it's very sensitive, not just to direct handling noise (not sure I'd ever strap it to my camera), but also picks up the movement of air over the diaphragm caused by even quite slow boom movements. Subsequently, I had to spring for a Rycote Baby Ball Gag. On such a short mic, this leaves little room for a shockmount to hold on to, and makes it quite front heavy, tending to cause wobble. So, you know...be careful. Just a, erm, phrase. I did once try lavving myself up the nostril, produced an interesting sound that was perhaps more in keeping with sci-fi though.