Microphones "Oktava": features, model overview, selection criteria

Among the companies producing musical equipment, including microphones, one can single out a Russian manufacturer, which began its activities in 1927. This is the Oktava company, which today is engaged in the production of intercoms, loudspeaker equipment, warning equipment and, of course, professional-grade microphones.

Oktava microphones enable sound recordings in anechoic, muffled chambers. The membranes of electret and condenser models are sputtered with gold or aluminum using a special technology. The same sputtering is found on the electrodes of the microphones. A charge is applied to the fluoroplastic films of electret microphones using a new technology. All device capsules are made of soft magnetic alloys. The diaphragms of the moving systems of electroacoustic transducers are subject to automatic pressure testing. Winding on movable electroacoustics systems is made according to a special combined system.

Microphones of this brand are popular due to affordable price and good quality. The products have gained prestige not only among the Russian consumer, but also went beyond the borders of Europe. Currently, the main consumers of the products are the USA, Australia and Japan. The company's sales volume is equal to the sum of the sales volume of all other microphone manufacturers in the CIS.

Let's consider the most popular Oktava microphones.

The model has a light weight of 400 grams and dimensions of 56x158 mm. The capacitor type of the device features a wide diaphragm, which allows reproducing high quality sound with a low noise figure. The model is made in a stylish design, the protective mesh is covered with a layer of gold. Recommended for recording drum, saxophone, trumpet, strings and of course singing sounds. The microphone is supplied with a shock absorber, a hinge and a modern case. On request, it is possible to purchase in a stereo pair.

The model has a cardioid type of sound reception. The offered frequency coverage for operation ranges from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The free field susceptibility of this model at a frequency of 1000 Hz must be at least 10 mV / Pa. The set impedance is 150 ohms. The model has a simultaneous transmission of audio signals through its wires and 48 V DC, XLR-3 connector.

All-round sounding condenser model, equipped with toggle switches for switching low frequencies and has a 10 dB attenuator, which is designed to for work with high sound pressure values... Since the model is comprehensive, the scope of its use is quite wide. The model is suitable for amateur and specialized recording studios, for audio recording of drums and wind instruments, as well as speech and singing. In a set with a microphone - mounting, shock absorber AM-50. Sale in stereo pair is possible.

The microphone has a heart-shaped diaphragm and only receives sound from the front. Estimated frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Installed impedance 200 Ohm. The indicated operating resistance is 1000 ohms. The unit has 48V phantom power. Equipped with XLR-3 type input. The dimensions of the model are 52x205 mm, and the weight is only 550 grams.

Comprehensive, narrow-diaphragm condenser microphone model. Equipped with three interchangeable capsules with different sound pickup rates. Recommended use for work in specialized and home studios. The model is perfect for sound recordings where the sounds of percussion and wind instruments prevail. Often used for recording performances of a musical nature in theaters or concert events. The kit includes an amplifier that increases the weak signal to a linear level, the attenuator protects the preamplifier, mounting, shock absorber, carrying case from overload.

The estimated range of operating frequencies is from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The microphone's sensitivity to sound is cardioid and hypercardioid. Installed impedance 150 Ohm. The highest sound pressure level at 0.5% THD is 140 dB. This 48V phantom power model is equipped with an XLR-3 type input. The microphone measures 24x135 mm and weighs 110 grams.

The microphone is a tube model and has a rather high cost - 42,279 rubles. It is used for work in specialized studios, for recordings of announcers and solo instruments. The set with the microphone contains a shock absorber, a power supply unit BP-101, a clamp for mounting on a stand, a special cable 5 meters long, a power cord to a power source, a wooden case for carrying. It is possible to purchase the device in a stereo pair... The nature of the susceptibility of sound is cardioid.... The frequency range for operation is 40 to 16000 Hz. The dimensions of the device are 54x155 mm.

The model is a ribbon, dynamic version of the microphone, in which the boundaries of low frequencies are clearly defined. Recommended for recording male singing, bass guitar, trumpet and domra. The set includes: connection, wood cover, shock absorber. The unit only receives sound from the front and rear, side signals are ignored. The frequency range for operation is from 50 to 16000 Hz. Installed load resistance 1000 Ohm. The microphone has an XLR-3 type portal. Its small dimensions are 52x205 mm, and its weight is only 600 grams.

Tube condenser microphone "Oktava MKL-100" used in studios and equipped with a wide 33mm diaphragm... Due to the fact that this model has a roll-off in the low-frequency range, the area of ​​their application is very limited. These microphones are used in combination with others to obtain good quality recordings.

All microphone models can be roughly divided into two categories. Some are for recording voices, others for recording instrument sounds. When choosing a model, you need to clearly determine for what purpose you are purchasing a microphone.

• By device type, all microphones are divided into several groups. Condenser models are considered the best. They are designed to transmit high frequencies, are distinguished by the transmission of high-quality sound. Recommended for sounding singing and acoustic instruments. They have a compact size and better qualities in comparison with dynamic ones.
• All microphones have a certain directionality type. They are omnidirectional, unidirectional, bidirectional, and supercardioid. They all differ in sound reception. Some take it only from the front, others - from the front and back, others - from all sides. The best option is omnidirectional, as they receive sound evenly.
• According to the material of the case, there can be plastic and metal options. Plastic are of low cost, light weight, but more susceptible to mechanical stress. Products with a metal body have a durable shell, but also a higher cost. Metal corrodes at high humidity.
• Wired and wireless. Wireless options are very convenient, but it should be borne in mind that its work will last for a maximum of 6 hours, and the maximum range of operation from the radio system is up to 100 meters.Corded models are more reliable, but the cable is sometimes inconvenient. For long gigs, this is the most proven option.
• If you want to purchase an expensive model with professional characteristics, but you do not have the necessary equipment to connect it, then without such additional equipment, it simply will not be able to work. Indeed, for its full-fledged work, it still needs preamplifiers, studio sound cards and the corresponding room.
• When purchasing a budget model for home use, look for dynamic options. They are less susceptible to breakage, do not require additional power supply. Their job is very simple. You just need to connect to a sound card or karaoke system.

See the following video for an overview of the Octave microphone.