Akg 451e w/ck1 vs. Oktava mc012 output

[Leopold]

I recently recorded a string quartet and tried using my akgs as room mics and found that the output was really low even using my Syteks. I switched to the oktavas and the output was significantly higher. Is this normal? I would think the 451s were used for this application all the time.

Any info would help.

Thanks
Eddie

[dsw]

It is what it is.

Maybe you could have moved the mics closer to get more level?

[Nick Sevilla]

I recently recorded a string quartet and tried using my akgs as room mics and found that the output was really low even using my Syteks. I switched to the oktavas and the output was significantly higher. Is this normal? I would think the 451s were used for this application all the time.

Any info would help.

Thanks
Eddie

I have both, are your AKGs 451 EB or the newer B (non-changeable capsule)

When I get home I'll do a signal level test for ya, and see if mine do the same.

Cheers

[Leopold]

Mine are the original with interchangeable caps.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Eddie

I recently recorded a string quartet and tried using my akgs as room mics and found that the output was really low even using my Syteks. I switched to the oktavas and the output was significantly higher. Is this normal? I would think the 451s were used for this application all the time.

Any info would help.

Thanks
Eddie

I have both, are your AKGs 451 EB or the newer B (non-changeable capsule)

When I get home I'll do a signal level test for ya, and see if mine do the same.

Cheers

[cgarges]

The Oktavas definitely have a higher output than the original 451s.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[Nick Sevilla]

Hi,

I did a small test over the weekend with my AKG 451 B and the Oktava MK012.

I used both pairs that I own, and matched them with the same mic preamps on my board.

The Oktava do have a slight gain over the AKGs. I measured on mine, about 2 to 2.5 dB hotter. Perhaps your AKG 451 EB has a lower output level than the newer 451 Bs I have?

I did not use any pads or filters, just the mics in their default settings. The AKGs have the equivalent of the CK1 capsule, and I used the cardioid capsule on the Oktavas.

I used a test tone generator and a speaker at 3" from the capsules, feeding a 1kHz sine tone at 75db spl, and used the same mic preamplifier and mic cable, replacing each microphone, so the mic was the only item that changed during the testing.

I did use a caliper to ensure that it was always 3" distance from the speaker cone center to the mic capsule.

Cheers