The Russian and Chinese Oktava MK012

So, could you hear the difference?

   Microphone A

is the Russian built OAO Oktava MK012. It's the black microphone in the photo.

   Microphone B

is the China built Oktava Ltd MK012. It's the silver microphone in the photo.

The differences between the recordings are quite hard to discern and it might well be possible to match one mic to the other by accurate placement or variation between individual mics. And, despite Oktava's reputation for variable quality, all mics behaved well during the test.

After concentrated listening its clear that the Chinese mic cardioid head is a touch brighter, more open sounding than the Russian. This is nicely in balance, I wouldn't describe the Chinese head as overbright or harsh. The Russian mic sounds slightly rounder and woodier when faced with the Contrabass. I can hear almost no other differences between the two mics using this cap. The vocal recordings are especially similar sounding. However, if there is a winner, it must be the Chinese mic for adding a touch extra sparkle on the guitar.

The Russian mic shows its class when one listens to the omni directional head. Whilst the cardioid caps were pretty similar the Russian omni has as distinctly defined low mids and a softer yet better rounded sound that the Chinese mike can't quite match. The Russian cap reveals more detail the more one listens, the Chinese microphone becomes a little nerving after repeated listening. OAO Oktava wins the contest of the omnis.

The shaker test, recorded at distance of 10" (25cm), seems to give the Russian Oktava a harder time than the Chinese mic. The Russian seems to break up a few times towards the end of the test. But neither mic impressed.

Summary

Frankly, the results were a shock. Let me own up. The emergence of Oktava as a successful Russian firm is inspiring and I expected their mics to be clear winners. The Chinese microphone, I thought, would sound thin and abrasive. Well, it didn't, although the omni capsule lacked a little finess. Since Oktava Ltd's mics have much to offer at a very low price, its a shame that the UK/China company is busily eroding its already less than glowing reputation and earning customer and retailer ill will.

To my ears, Oktava Ltd's claim that the microphones are acoustically very similar is largely substantiated.

The claims, abounding on the audio BBs, that Chinese mics sound like cheap fakes, do not hold up. The extra 6dB of gain from the chinese mic pre-amp is also not to be seared at.

If you bought the "fakes", should you send your mics back? I would say your decision should depend more on your feelings about the representation of goods rather than audio quality.

Disclaimer

Before you ask, I have no connection to Oktava Ltd or OAO Oktava or any of the suppliers, retailers, distributers and commentators mentioned in these pages. I have tried to be objective but, in the end, what you read is my opinion. At least you know nobody paid me to write it.

Posted by Aidan, Frankfurt, Germany, 21st May 2005