Oktava MK-103

I'am making music for 25 year and recording for 20 ... I'am using Sonar DAW. I'am guitar and bass player also vocalist.
I got six professional mic (three of them are tube mic)

I got electro-harmonix 12AY7 tube preamp and the Edirol FA-101 soundcard for solid state pre amplification.

I am mounting this Oktava mid-sized capsule (condenser) on a "mini tube" preamp. (pencil size)

I bought this one because I wanted a "warm" microphone for voice with more punch compared to the other large diaphragm mics I already got.

I got quite intrigued by these russian devices when I opened its wooden box. All accessories and look was quite "seventies fashion" and "eastern" but still cute. Also the dedicate power supply was very essential , but still rendered an aspect of professional look.

Its timbre was still more surprising , because this tiny pencil-sized device renders instead a "solid" timbre.

Usually you expect a a clear "trebly" sound from a pencil (small capsule mic) this one instead , maybe for the mid-size capsule , maybe for the tube preamp , is not trebly at all.

But it still manage to be not "mellow" ...high ends are just moderate as well are the very-low-bass frequencies. The mid bass frequencies are very well "calibrated" on the male voice , making it solid while not boomy. The timbre it renders is very suitable for some rock genres that request punch and not "cristalline" timbre. Still retaining a good "presence". It is a good choiche for who already own (like me) other microphones , because it is alternative to all them I think!

Now I'am very happy to own it even if it isnt very versatile it is unique anyway. I think the best application is male vocals or electric guitar, when you wish a "robust" les-paul type voice with full low ends (not really for background sounds).

This mic is very (too much?) sensitive to breath "wind"... you must necessarily use the wind screen. This is the price to pay for a punchy mic for the rest!