quick mic opinion question

[mbuono]

How much better (if in fact better) is the AKG 414 then the following

Oktava 012's (AS DRUM OVERHEADS)

Rode NTK (AS A VOCAL MIC)

thanks

Please don't offer alternatives, It' not a matter of buying. I could have the option of using the 414 but at my school's studio which would just be more hastle. The other 2 mics I use at my home studio.

[mbuono]

anyone?

[dBHEAD]

I can't speak for the Oktavas but I do own both the NTK and 414. The NTK is a better all around microphone but I really do have a slight preference for the 414 on vocals.

I may have a slight personal bias: there is no question that I prefer the 414 when I sing. It just sits in the mix better, and my personal vanity won't permit me to lie to myself when it's my own voice. However...

The NTK is awfully close, and the NTK definitely sounds better on many instruments. If I had to buy only one, the NTK would be a better bang for the buck - absolutely no doubt about it.

[sdemott]

As a drum overhead, the 414 would be my choice over the Oktavas -- but I simply prefer large diaphragm mics for overheads so I have an admitted bias here. For voice...try them both. Grab a sesion & lay down a vocal at home with the NTK and then go and lay down another vocal at school with the 414 (assuming you can transport the session). Then A/B the hell out of them.

[where02190]

Comparing a 414 to an octava is like comparing an F-150 to a dumptruck. Both can ahul, but the dumptruck can haul a load, the F-150....and it't load....

The 414 is a far superior microphone in every aspect, pattern choices, frequency response, and quality of manufacturing.

The NTK is another story. While it is a vastly different type of microphone, it yeilds excellent results for many things, including vocals, as well as acoustic instruments, speaker micing, reeds, and drums. IMHO, the NTK is one of the best bang for the buck mics on the market today. Will it sound like a 414...no. will it sound good? Definitely!!!!!!

I've got 3-414's and 2-NTK's My typical vocal mic the NTK.

[tele_player]

there are several different 414 models in current production, and they were different in the past.

Of the current 414 (TLII or BULS), which is preferred for vocals? for all-around?

[sean shannon]

There are also several different Octava "012"'s. Different capsules available, and a "C" and a "K" version.