Rode NT5 vs Oktave MK-012 for overheads/acoustic guitar

I'm trying to decide between the nt5's and the mk012, mp.

I need something that I can also use on acoustic guitar and overheads, and some day I'll get a better SDC for acoustic guitars etc. But for now I need something that will work well with both.

I heard the nt5's are a bit harsh on the high end, and I don't like a lot of high end on mics but for overheads this might be better than the mk012's. But is that high end too much for acoustic guitar?

In a perfect world I wouldn't have to worry about it but for my budget I do for the time being.

Also in a perfect world I could spell Oktava correctly...sorry about that.

 

Assuming you are talking about drum overheads, I've not had a lot of success getting two (Russian-made) Oktavas to sound sufficiently similar to use them as an overhead pair, although others may have a different experience. I would avoid the Chinese-made ones. The Rodes, on the other hand, are usually well-matched, even ones bought not as a pair.

I would seriously advise you to consider a pair of the Rode NT55s, as, although they are basically the same as the NT5s, the interchangeable cardioid and omni capsules along with the body pad switches give hugely greater flexibility. Use the pad when placing these as drum overheads. I have no qualms about putting one (or two) NT55s in front of an acoustic guitar. As with any good mic, you get the best results in a good acoustic environment, particularly watching for reflections off the floor.

What type of pre-amp or interface would you be feeding these into?

 

As a "grab 'n' go" mic for both acoustic guitar and OH's, the NT5's are a pretty good value, and the NT55 is even more so with the swappable capsules. Bright, but not harsh.
There are certainly fans of the Oktavas' here, but they all complain that the QC of that mic is hit or miss, and that is certainly proven by the cottage industry of Oktava modification "gurus" out there...but that's more money, plus the down time of shipping them off to get made right...you choose!

 

Drum overheads for sure. Forgot to mention that as well.

I'm going to be using either a profire 2626 or motu 8pre...leaning more towards the m-audio. That is to start off with. Right now I have a mackie onyx1220i and like it, but I need more mic pre's and ability to add as I go.

Thanks for the information, it really helps out.

 

That makes sense. Every rode mic I've had experience with has been great. I've always felt like I've gotten a "natural" full tone from rode. I'm looking at some LDC's of theirs as well.

 

I have both the 012s and the NT5s and have used both for acoustic and drum OH. The Rode's definitely have a more pronounced high end, but it's not anything that can't be tamed. However, there are just so many contingents to consider as well....your room, the guitar/drum/cymbals being recorded, which micing configuration you're using, etc.
Ultimately, because my room is a bit 'snappy', I ended up using the Oktava's as my OH and just keeping the Rode's handy for acoustic. I also wanted to just keep my OHs in place all of the time too rather than take them down whenever I wanted to record acoustic guitar. Another thing I might add though is that I got the Joly mod on the Oktava's and they're much smoother in the mid and high frequencies, but they're still not as pronounced as my NT5s.

Given the hit and miss of some of the Oktava mics with some being Russian and some being Chinese (as that seems to be a concern for many people), you may have less to worry about if you just get the NT5s. At the end of the day though, either will serve you fine.

Best of luck.

 

Hey, guys - I'm currently considering both mics in questions right now, so I was pleased to find this thread. One thing that is definitely siding for the Rødes is that I'm having a hard time finding a Oktava retailer that looks 100% trustworthy. For those of you who have Oktava mics, where did you buy them?

Thanks!
wigwammer

 

I picked mine up from a local seller. Friend of a friend situation.

 

The Rode NT5 mics will have a brighter top end than the Octavas. The 012's are a bit more dark sounding in my experience. Good for sharp sounding cymbals or if that is what you are looking for with an acoustic guitar. IF you can get a matched pair they usually are fine and they have a good option of different capsules. In the world of sdc's I would also look at Shure sm81's or AKG C451's if you can afford them. They are both really good mics.

 

I use MXL 603's through a RNP as my primary method for overheads, but MK-012s with a -10 db pad makes toms sound AMAZING, even just going through my M-Audio 2626. I have also had success with MK-012's on acoustic guitar, accordion, and hi-hat / ride cymbal as opposed to overheads.