I bought the pair years ago & sent them to Michael Joly for his mod, then used them sparingly in my home studio, mostly recording acoustic guitars. They are excellent but I am rarely recording these days.

I bought more capsules so in addition to the cardioid I have the omni & the hyper cardioid as well, which, with the -10db attenuation pads, give a lot of flexibility in the studio.

Physically, they are in great shape, a few marks only on the surface, left by disintegrating foam, which has been replaced, in the aftermarket box. As shown in the photos, I also have the original plastic boxes.

One of the microphones has no serial, which dates it to the late 90s, the other comes with both a serial & its Russian passport, dating most likely to the early 2000s.

I haven't had a chance to compare them pre & post the Joly mod, so I will quote some online opinions:

"The Oktava MK-012-01 modified by Michael Joly (OktavaMod) is a premium upgrade of the standard Russian small-diaphragm condenser OktavaMod Oktava MK-012-01 - Gearspace. Joly's modifications replace stock electronic components to deliver a smoother, quieter, and more detailed sound often compared to a vintage Neumann KM 84 Oktava Mod MK-012-01 Microphone w/Michael Joly ... - Reverb. 

Key Upgrades & Sonic Characteristics

  • Component Upgrades: Replaces the stock circuit components with premium low-noise electronics to significantly lower the noise floor Oktava MK012 Joly mod vs unmodded - shootout comparison?.
  • Improved Transient Response: Renders pick and finger attacks on acoustic instruments with higher detail and eliminates "chirpiness" or harsh high-end sometimes found in un-modded units OktavaMod Oktava MK-012-01 - Gearspace.
  • Tighter Bass Response: Extends the low-frequency response while tightening the impulse response OktavaMod Oktava MK-012-01 - Gearspace.

Ideal Applications

  • Acoustic Guitars: Users on forums like Gearspace generally agree that the Joly mod shines for smoothing out strummed rhythm and fingerpicked acoustic work.
  • Drum Overheads: Provides excellent off-axis coloration and cymbal detail without the harshness of untreated small-diaphragm mics Oktava Mod MK-012-01 Microphone w/Michael Joly ... - Reverb.
  • Classical Strings & Piano: The lower self-noise makes it a fantastic tool for critical, quiet acoustic sources Oktava MK012 Joly mod vs unmodded - shootout comparison?."

These are vintage microphones with a great pedigree. You will not be disappointed.

Their sale is final. No returns.

Take a look at the photos & ask if you are interested in any other details.

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Listed8 hours ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • MK-012-01
Finish
  • Silver
Categories
Year
  • 1997-2003
Made In
  • Russia
Microphone Type
  • Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Wired/Wireless
  • Wired
Polar Pattern
  • Cardioid

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K’s Vintage Gear

Washington, DC, United States
Joined Reverb:2015

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