Topic: Oktava MK-012 or CMC-8's for stealthing?

[(Evan)]

Which of these microphones do you guys think would produce better results in stealthing situations using a Sony PCM-D50 (plus Denecke PS-2 if using the Oktavas)? I know the Oktavas are low end condenser microphones, but are low end condensers better than mini mirophones like the CMC-8's?

[acidjack]

The Oktavas are probably better sounding mics, but aren't they quite large (well, normal-sized, versus small like the AT933 aka CMC-8)?  That sort of makes them hard for low-profile recording, I'd think, unless there is an "active" option that allows you to separate the caps from the bodies.... I don't know if there is or not.

[(Evan)]

Thanks..I don't have any problem concealing them though. I've stealthed with AKG 414's before

[acidjack]

If your Jedi skills are that strong I think consensus would be the Oktavas then, in terms of purely sound quality.  But I'd listen to stuff on the archive and see what you prefer.  I have a recording up of the CMC-8 cards used in  mode (despite it being a band that allows taping) on the Archive.

[su6oxone]

Octavas sound better to me than the small mics like the CMC-8s.  If you can stealth them I would go that route.  I've stealthed Neumann KM184s in the past and they quite good...

[Chuck]

I know you can get black MK-012's now too. Black may be better for low profile work.

[(Evan)]

One more question - When you guys say the Oktava's would be better sound-quality wise, what exactly are the advantages? Will I be able to record louder music with the Oktava's vs the AT's without experiencing clipping? What are some of the specific sonic quality differences I should expect? Thanks