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paulstefano · Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 12:50 pm Post subject: need help with mic sound

Hello Everybody. I was wondering if I could get an opinion on sound difference, or lack thereof between 2 mics.

Here is one with my old mic, an AT 2020

https://soundcloud.com/paul-stefano-171654666/image-film-paul-stefano

And my new Oktava 319,

https://soundcloud.com/paul-stefano-171654666/1912-pike-paul-stefano

Any difference in Sound that you hear? Is it worth keeping one over the other?

Thanks,

Paul
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chrisvoco · Club 300 Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 380 Location: Local

Listening on quite average laptop speakers here, I don't detect any horrible hideousness from either. The 2020 has more emphasis up there in the treble, and a thinner sound; the Oktava is more mellow.

I'm loath to get rid of any equipment. Do you have to keep only one? Mightn't you need either and want to have both at hand?
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paulstefano · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:42 am Post subject:

I'm actually finding the Oktava difficult to use for other reasons. I have to max out my pre-amp to get proper volume out of it, and that creates more room noise.

Both being close to equal, I will probably just stick with the AT2020.

Also, things changed yesterday when I booked an audiobook gig based on my audition using the AT2020 setup. I don't want to mess with things now.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:06 am Post subject:

Note that Soundcloud compresses the audio so the sound is not full-quality.

I personally don't like the Oktava at all on your voice (as used). It is really harsh and nasally sounding to me...but it REALLY depends on how your are using it and what your room sounds like.

I would use the AT2020 and completely stop thinking about gear. Just learn how to use it, upgrade your room sound, and get better at your craft. When YOU can hear the difference and KNOW that upgrading would make a necessary increase in your sound THEN start messing with mics. For now, learn how to get the best sound possible from the AT2020 (or the Oktava...it would be a great lesson in using the gear). You can't know the capabilities of a car until you REALLY know how to drive.

It is way easier to just buy new equipment than it is to really learn how to use it.

paulstefano · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:18 am Post subject:

Jason, thanks. That's what I was hearing out of the Oktava too. Sounds even worse uncompressed.

I'm a fiddler, by nature. The kind of guy who has owned 10 smart phones this year! Always looking for better/different.

I think I am going to just stick with my AT2020 for now. Its good enough for my level till I get better, as you said.

With an actual job to do, consistency is key so messing with any part of the chain really, is stupid now., I am smart enough to know that (I think)
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Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:49 am Post subject:

Ditto what Jason said.
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todd ellis · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 2:35 pm Post subject:

the at 2020 is a solid reasonably priced mic. i still use one to travel with. don't crowd it & it will serve you well.
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paulstefano · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 2:41 pm Post subject:

I do love the AT2020 for my current budget and skills. I was really worried about perceived sibilance in voice so I bought the Oktava 319 because I heard it was helpful for that. Then in my other thread somebody said I don't have too much sibilance. Also as some said the Oktava sounds like garbage for my voice.

It's true that mics are a VERY personal thing

Thanks to all for the confirmation on what I was hearing
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vkuehn · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 3:36 pm Post subject:

paulstefano · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 3:42 pm Post subject:

todd ellis · Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:33 am Post subject:

another possibly is forgery. i'm not saying it's the case with your mic --- but there are a LOT of fake Oktavas out there - especially on ebay. here's some good information on how to spot a fake.
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paulstefano · Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 11:07 am Post subject:

Mine looks legit. It has the "NO" before the serial number and flat head screws.

It just doesn't work for my voice, which is not uncommon. That's what I get for buying blind. At least I have 1 mic that works pretty well for me.
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