



Oktava MC 012
Detachable-Capsule Pencil Condenser Microphone
The Oktava MC012 is a transformerless FET condenser microphone. It was originally designed at the Russian Scientific Research Cinema & Photo Institute (aka NIKFI) in 1963. The mic’s original name, MK 012, was changed to MC 012 when exported to the West.
The mic consists of a head amplifier and a series of detachable capsules. Currently, a variety of compatible small-, medium-, and large-diaphragm capsules are available from Oktava and other manufacturers.
What is the difference between the MC-012 and MK-012?
The name of the MK-012 was changed to “MC-012” in 1992-1993, at the request of Oktava’s UK-based importer, A & F McKay Audio Limited. The “MC” prefix stood for “Microphone Condenser;” the “MK” prefix stood for the equivalent phrase in Russian: “Микрофон Конденсаторный.”
In 2004, following the dissolution of the McKay brothers’ import agreement with Oktava, the manufacturer reverted the mic to its original name, MK-012.
How has the MC-012/MK-012 circuitry changed?
The original 1963 design was changed 1983 (more details are forthcoming), and again in 1992. All mics labeled MC-012, and all the mics labeled MK-012 since 1992, use the same PCB and circuit design, pictured at right.
(PCB photo credit: Ashley C. Styles / Saturn Sound)
For additional MK-012 circuit history, see the MK-012 profile.
Did all MC-012 microphones have serial numbers?
Oktava began stamping serial numbers around the circumference of the XLR end of the microphone body in 2001. MC-012s manufactured between 1993 and 2001 had no serial numbers. MC-012s manufactured between 2001–2004 did have serial numbers.
The MC-012 shipped in a variety of configurations, but the most common included a metal mic clip, a detachable -10dB pad, and a detachable small-diaphragm Cardioid capsule.
Note that most, perhaps all MC-012 microphones showed the distributor’s “A.S.M.” logo below the factory logo on the microphone body.
Find a schematic for the MC012 / MK012, with suggested upgrades, within the ZAPNSPARK folder of the Yahoo “Micbuilders” group file archive (here).
The Oktava MC 012 is also known as: MC 012-01, MC-012.
The mic was released in 1992.
Specifications
Compatible Capsules | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pads & Filters | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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300 Ohms (Low) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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85g (3.00oz) | 123mm (4.84'') | 23mm (0.91'') |
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Power Specifications |
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