Funny you should ask about the C4's, I too was debating between these two sets and ended up going with the Oktavas, probably for the plain fact that most folks here on TS had been using them successfully, and I couldn't find much feedback on the C4's other than what you will read below. The following are two review links to Mojo Pie for both of these mics, and below that is info I got from a dealer on the web who, in his own words, compared the two microphones.
I hope this is helpful.
peace,
Keith
P.S. I bought my Oktava's from Ken at Recording Services via eBay, who also does matching of the MK012's:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2375170040&category=15198MK012:
http://www.mojopie.com/mk012.htmlC4:
http://www.mojopie.com/c4.htmlHi Keith,
The consistency from mic to mic with the Studio Projects line is really impressive, and definitely unlike most of the Chinese-manufactured microphones for which the reputation exists.
Matched pairs, are indeed matched based on relative output levels... they are not based on scope matching as is the case with certain higher end brands such as AKG C451B's... this being said, overall, the mic to mic consistency with the Studio Projects mics is certainly superioir to the Oktava mics. Unless something has chnged in the last several months, the only matching available on the microphones tends to me hand matching available fom individual resellers (not something even offered by Oktava).
Additionally, the Oktava mics have been plagued with defective microphones, poor quality control, and intermittent problems. All of this being said, the Oktava mics do sound very good but definitely loose in clarity against the C4's. And clarity is often the key criteria in determining the quality of small diaphragm mics. "Warmth" as some refer to it is often due to apparent muddiness and lack of clarity. If you are looking to go with a pair of small diaphragm microphones, you should be looking for clarity and detail. If you are thinking that rather you are loking for warmth and color, large diaphragm mics are probably a better bet (although significantly more money in most cases).
My opt would be for the studio projects C4, but either way you go, assuming you get a pair that works and stays working, I think you'll be satisfied (of course something more likely if you go with the Studio Projects C4 in the first place!)
Hope this helps,
Todd
Sound Pure