Topic: Modding Oktava 012

[sunjan]

This goes way back to 2003, and there were previous threads here on the same topic:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,6603.90.html

I noticed there's a guy selling the components on ebay, with some pretty detailed specs. The seller made some changes to the original mod and upgraded a few components:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280333468989

Perhaps you can just print the list and get the components from your local rat shack, if the mod is still worthwhile to do?!

[vanark]

I have a set I would do the mod on, but I simply don't have the skills to do it myself.

[rePat]

Check out http://www.oktavamod.com/ $89 seems a little steep, but better than frying your mics.

Pat

Edit:typo

[tapinfool]

i had a pair modded and i have to say the results were nothing short of amazing

$150 for busman audio to mod a pair

do it...you won't be sorry 

/not paid by busman audio for endorsment or sponsoring busman audio, the best in field audio, in any way

[sunjan]

i had a pair modded and i have to say the results were nothing short of amazing

$150 for busman audio to mod a pair

Didn't know Busman worked on Oktava's.  The ebay guy charges $98 + return postage for a pair, but we don't know anything about his skills. I'd say go with Busman!

[F.O.Bean]

Yeah, I have heard some SMOKIN' Modded Oktava recordings actually. GREAT mics for the price! Theire pretty good/decent even stock, but the MOD opens them up SOOO MUCH! They really come alive after the mod. And for the price of a pair, plus the $150.00 to get Busman to MOD it and change out all of the CHEAP COMPONENTS inside of the stock Oktava's, and put in HQ COMPONENTS so they are transformed into a completely different mic, w/ faster transients as well I believe. Better capacitors ans stuff like that I believe, correct Kevin

I have often thought about getting another pair of mics just to have, and MODDED Oktava's are actually pretty high on the list. Best bang for your buck IMO!

Kevin, how much are a new or used pair of stock Oktava's

[caymanreview]

how much are a new or used pair of stock Oktava's

NEW: http://www.recordingservices.net/oktavamicrophones.html

ive been eyeing them myself untill i found some 460s

[vanark]

You can find used pairs on ebay for $200-$300.

[illconditioned]

You can find used pairs on ebay for $200-$300.

Check source.  Some copies (well a split from company made them I think) from China vs. Russian models.  Also, check quality control/matching of pair.  Maybe they've gotten better, but some early ones were reported to have quality control problems.  Or Ebay folks may be passing off lesser quality ones.

I've never tried these myself, but I am curious how good they sound.

  Richard

[intpseeker]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but Mike Joly, Oktavamod, Springfield, MA, does an intriguing mod on, of all things, a CAD GXL3000 that I may just have to try...and he's not my brother, or paying me to fluff his stuff.

[cybergaloot]

Perhaps you can just print the list and get the components from your local rat shack, if the mod is still worthwhile to do?!

Don't get the components from Rat Shack. Go with a better dealer.

[cybergaloot]

Check out http://www.oktavamod.com/ $89 seems a little steep, but better than frying your mics.

He also has a mod for the MXL 603s mics that supposedly brings them up to the level of Neumann MK 184 mics. I happen to have a pair of the MXLs and am going to try it myself in a month or so. The biggest hassle I see in the project is where he reduces and bevels the front of the capsule. I'm still trying to figure out how to do that best.

[raymonda]

i had a pair modded and i have to say the results were nothing short of amazing

$150 for busman audio to mod a pair

Didn't know Busman worked on Oktava's.  The ebay guy charges $98 + return postage for a pair, but we don't know anything about his skills. I'd say go with Busman!

If you are looking at Bill Silter doing the mod you can rest assured that he will do a great job at a great price and with a fast turn around.

Ray

[sunjan]

The ebay guy charges $98 + return postage for a pair, but we don't know anything about his skills. I'd say go with Busman!

If you are looking at Bill Silter doing the mod you can rest assured that he will do a great job at a great price and with a fast turn around.

Sorry, I didn't know the ebay seller's name! So it seems that Bill Sitler is a pretty respected mic modder; I found his web site and ordering page, plenty of info there too:
http://www.billsrecording.com/BSRS/Mod012.html

[bdasilva]

Is it worth it?? Hell yes.  (If you have good sounding capsules.. all this Oktava gear is all over the map)  Radio shack doesn't have what you need. Best to go with someone that has the parts and knows what they are doing... (our very own Busman) or at very least to buy parts you know are correct and WILL FIT IN THE CASE. Its not all that difficult soldering wise and the guy on Ebay includes good detailed instructions.