Absolutely beautiful! So excited to get to know some alternatives that I had no idea existed. The Oktava blows me away, both for piano and guitar - so warm and musical.
Rode NT5 is the best mic in this video because it is the quietest mic, and it gives all details well. Especially se electronics and others should resolve the noise problem because it is so important in terms of acoustic sound. Rode have been satisfying customers for years because they know how to make a mic and they are honest when they give information about their products :) NT5 is quieter than se58. opss.. If you don't prefer Rode NT5, you're going to be regret like those who didn't prefer Rode NT5. I know, se58..etc have attractive boxes, interesting advertisement, new technology so you may think they are quality products, but their performances are not as good as NT5 :)
I am about to return my se8 pair for the nt5. I will do a direct comparison of noise levels before I return the se8 though, and report the results. The se8 I hear a lot of hiss noise...not too impressed. I mean yeah, they sound really nice, but polluted with background hiss is no good. Se need to have an official complaint filed on their misleading advertisement of the noise levels. This is not the only post/video where people are reporting the se8 being noisy.
@@mamad504 No. I had the se8 but returned them. Way more self noise than advertised. I got the Audio Technica 2022s, they are almost totally silent and live up to their 13db self noise claim.
@@mamad504 I sold Rode NT5 to buy NT55, but I was very content. There is no problem Rode mics in terms of noise. If you want to be convinced, I used Rode NT55 for my new song on CZcams. DON'T FORGET!!! The most important difference between Rode NT55 and Rode NT5; Their performances are the same, just patterns are different. Shortly Rode NT55 has Omni Polar and cardioid pattern for one mic but Rode NT5 has only cardioid. Rode is really noiseless bro it is like dead people :) there was that se8 in someone else's studio and se8 was like at a concert too noisy. Trust me, Rode is better...
I know it’s an old post, but just adding my two cents that I own a stereo pair of sE8 (cardioid and Omni capsules) and mine don’t have any self noise/hiss issues mentioned but they definitely do let me hear any hiss or noise in the room. I’ve also used a lot of Røde (including NT5) over the years and actually went with the sE8 pair because of the higher noise floor of the NT5. NT5 is a beautiful mic too though. Just too noisy for orchestral recording vs the NT5 for me. 16dB vs 13dB self noise. 3dB does make a difference in that setting. As a nice bonus, the sE8 pair came with a metal case, nice stereo bar and more importantly the mics have built in high pass and pad built in. I hadn’t used sE before and bought these as an alternative to one of my favorite mics historically, Neumann km184 (also 13dB self noise) that was just way too much money without noticeable performance beyond the sE8.
Thanks for a nice test video. If priorities are details, dynamics, and clean and neutral sound SE8 is a clear winner. It goes for both cardioid and omni. The Oktava is charming and has a good balance between pure sound, and a certain amount of harmonious distortion. A good microphone to make reasonably finished sound without quality outboard equipment, and with the super cardioid capsule still my favorite mic for HH (I've used the Oktavas in the studio with Schoeps, Neumann, AKG, Sennheiser, Gefell (and of course Shure SM 57) microphones for 20 years). The midrange emphasis of Røde NT 5, which is cool on guitar, seems to be inspired by KM 84 (and KM 184). But Neumann does it much better (For a significantly higher price, I know). In my opinion, the lack of detail and nothing else to offer disqualifies the Studio Project C4 for use in the studio.
Thanks M.I. Anderson, I'm a big fan of the sE8, so you accurately aired my sentiments and described what I heard, especially that part about the NT5 and KM184. :)
@@aeproducedbyequiano2216 I just ordered a set of sE8 plus a set of omni capsules after watching the fine video, your other videos are also really good. And you're right about the NT 5, with its significant treble lift, it's closer to the KM184 than the old KM84, but I just think the Neumann sounds a lot more present and musical than the NT5.
Very cool comparison video, thanks for doing this, really helpful in buying a decent small diaphragm condenser mic. Tip: you might want to include tags with time codes for each mic in the description. Cheers!
Too long did not read : Oktava or SE8, then NT5, and no C4 mkii for me. Okay, I listened blindtest the 4 microphones with the wav download. I listened to things at random, took some shameful notes as the random player put the same mic twice in a row and I could "hear differences" lol, but after lots of tests on 3 different headphones something stood out a few times. In my notes I contradicted myself a few times on the mics so I guess this is subjectivity, and this isn't a high scientific test, I could be wrong, I invite you to have a friend rename the files and do the blind test yourself ^^ Overall the Oktava and SE stood out to me. The Oktava as something very sharp and "clinical" in a good way. The Se sounded not as sharp but a little more "fun/warmer". I liked them both for different reasons. But they stood out as my favourites. I consistently noted the NT5 to have less lows, sometimes I worded it as "something missing" or "EQed". and very sharp/bright, not in a bad way just "clinical". But it was very good. Just compared to the Oktava they were very comperable but the Oktava had that little more sharpness and lows to it. I wouldn't go for the C4 mkii (especially now I see the price) I noted a few times that it sounded "thin" or "sad", some recordings (the singing) had a electonic humm to it. Overall it was my least favorite. Now knowing all this and considering price / budget. NT5 for 300€ a pair aren't my favorite but they're the cheapest and hold up well, I shall go for them ;D Id forget the C4. If it was 260€ or 300€ maybe id consider them. The SE8 and Oktava are a tight choice. I think if they costed the same price, id go with the Oktava they cost 60€ more (430€ vs 370) but do come with more accessories. However considering the SE8 is cheaper, and I found the sound more enjoyable most of the times (even if not as "sharp/clinical"), I better go with what I find most enjoyable for cheaper. Does seem like you get what you pay for in either case. This is my subjective tastes and my experiences, I had a hard time hearing differences and all in all they all sound very good. I encourage you to listen to them all in a blind test with random playback and see for yourself which one you like most, and if you agree or disagree with what I said here :D Would love to hear if you experienced it differently ^^ Cheers.
Also if I had to justify why id go with the Oktava over the SE8 if price was equal despite preferring the SE8 overall. I don't do much stuff live, more of field recording or at home music, so I have time to sculpt sound behind the mic. Id rather have something "clinical" and add warmth to it. Rather than something "round and warm" out of the box that I can't be edited back to sharp.
very good demo. the demo would benefit from some aggressive playing. a lot of mics can't handle forte and fortissimo very well. both demos were gentle playing only. it's almost like the performers were babying the mics rather than challenging them.
good point! I'm aware of this and this shoot out confirmed my experience once again that loud(er) parts bring out the real character of a microphone. In hindsight I would've added some harder strumming parts to the video part to try to overload the mic and hit it with a ton of transients
was there something wrong with the studio projects mic? Serious buzz coming from the right. I hope thats not from the mics ground floor because I thought they stood their own really well
sE8 Omni. It has blown me away like no other SDC ever before/since. It's sonic properties are at the highest level - no compromise whatsoever. LOVE it on acoustic guitar, around the 12th fret, 1ft distance, maybe slightly up, depending on the type of guitar. A sound to die for...
let me put it like this: to my ears the SE8 omni sounds like a 1000-2000 mic, the Oktava omni more like 100-200$ mic. The difference blew me away in a way nothing has ever since. Resolution, dynamic range etc. are absolute figures, taste is not however, which is why I recommend you trying them out for yourself in your familiar environment (with your familiar pair of ears)! :)
The rode has an over exaggerated high mid to high freq which is quite piercing..The se8 is really in a class of its own. Sounds really amazing.. then the Oktava
@@joshmcdzz6925 months ago I Bought the Rode NT5 because I couldn't find Se in Melbourne but, I am very Happy with Rode. It sound Amazing and has a vintage style sound.
@@mentina80 the truth about it is all these gadgets contribute less than 5% of the overall quality of your production with 90% being the content itself and the remaining 5% to misc... any mic as long as it amplifies will do the job..
I have a good dozen of different Line Audio mics, and I have a lot to say about them, but in my opinion the recent CM4 are significantly inferior to the mics presented here. But as always ymmv
I just can hear the balance of se8 is more on the left channel and the rode is more on the right channel just because of the mic placement. No really different in sounds.
Cardioid Pattern - Sophie Romain
----------------------------------------------------
0:13 - sE8
0:46 - Rode NT5
1:19 - Oktava MK-012
1:53 - Studio Projects C4 MKII
----------------------------------------------------
Omni Pattern - Sophie Romain
----------------------------------------------------
2:26 - sE8
3:00 - Rode NT5
3:34 - Oktava MK-012
4:09 - Studio Projects C4 MKII
----------------------------------------------------
Cardioid Pattern - Xavier Equiano
----------------------------------------------------
4:43 - sE8
5:17 - Rode NT5
5:49 - Oktava MK-012
6:22 - Studio Projects C4 MKII
----------------------------------------------------
Omni Pattern - Xavier Equiano
----------------------------------------------------
6:57 - sE8
7:30 - Rode NT5
8:03 - Oktava MK-012
8:35 - Studio Projects C4 MKII
thanks man! I really appreciate it!!!
Absolutely beautiful! So excited to get to know some alternatives that I had no idea existed. The Oktava blows me away, both for piano and guitar - so warm and musical.
Rode NT5 is the best mic in this video because it is the quietest mic, and it gives all details well. Especially se electronics and others should resolve the noise problem because it is so important in terms of acoustic sound. Rode have been satisfying customers for years because they know how to make a mic and they are honest when they give information about their products :) NT5 is quieter than se58. opss.. If you don't prefer Rode NT5, you're going to be regret like those who didn't prefer Rode NT5. I know, se58..etc have attractive boxes, interesting advertisement, new technology so you may think they are quality products, but their performances are not as good as NT5 :)
I am about to return my se8 pair for the nt5. I will do a direct comparison of noise levels before I return the se8 though, and report the results. The se8 I hear a lot of hiss noise...not too impressed. I mean yeah, they sound really nice, but polluted with background hiss is no good. Se need to have an official complaint filed on their misleading advertisement of the noise levels. This is not the only post/video where people are reporting the se8 being noisy.
@@MarkShawMediahave you got the nt5? Do you like it more and how's the noise level compared to se8?
@@mamad504 No. I had the se8 but returned them. Way more self noise than advertised. I got the Audio Technica 2022s, they are almost totally silent and live up to their 13db self noise claim.
@@mamad504 I sold Rode NT5 to buy NT55, but I was very content. There is no problem Rode mics in terms of noise. If you want to be convinced, I used Rode NT55 for my new song on CZcams. DON'T FORGET!!! The most important difference between Rode NT55 and Rode NT5; Their performances are the same, just patterns are different. Shortly Rode NT55 has Omni Polar and cardioid pattern for one mic but Rode NT5 has only cardioid. Rode is really noiseless bro it is like dead people :) there was that se8 in someone else's studio and se8 was like at a concert too noisy. Trust me, Rode is better...
I know it’s an old post, but just adding my two cents that I own a stereo pair of sE8 (cardioid and Omni capsules) and mine don’t have any self noise/hiss issues mentioned but they definitely do let me hear any hiss or noise in the room.
I’ve also used a lot of Røde (including NT5) over the years and actually went with the sE8 pair because of the higher noise floor of the NT5. NT5 is a beautiful mic too though. Just too noisy for orchestral recording vs the NT5 for me. 16dB vs 13dB self noise. 3dB does make a difference in that setting.
As a nice bonus, the sE8 pair came with a metal case, nice stereo bar and more importantly the mics have built in high pass and pad built in.
I hadn’t used sE before and bought these as an alternative to one of my favorite mics historically, Neumann km184 (also 13dB self noise) that was just way too much money without noticeable performance beyond the sE8.
Thanks for a nice test video. If priorities are details, dynamics, and clean and neutral sound SE8 is a clear winner. It goes for both cardioid and omni. The Oktava is charming and has a good balance between pure sound, and a certain amount of harmonious distortion. A good microphone to make reasonably finished sound without quality outboard equipment, and with the super cardioid capsule still my favorite mic for HH (I've used the Oktavas in the studio with Schoeps, Neumann, AKG, Sennheiser, Gefell (and of course Shure SM 57) microphones for 20 years). The midrange emphasis of Røde NT 5, which is cool on guitar, seems to be inspired by KM 84 (and KM 184). But Neumann does it much better (For a significantly higher price, I know). In my opinion, the lack of detail and nothing else to offer disqualifies the Studio Project C4 for use in the studio.
Thanks M.I. Anderson, I'm a big fan of the sE8, so you accurately aired my sentiments and described what I heard, especially that part about the NT5 and KM184. :)
@@aeproducedbyequiano2216 I just ordered a set of sE8 plus a set of omni capsules after watching the fine video, your other videos are also really good. And you're right about the NT 5, with its significant treble lift, it's closer to the KM184 than the old KM84, but I just think the Neumann sounds a lot more present and musical than the NT5.
For cardioid the Octava and the SE8 both sounded amazing. Hard to pick one. For omni, the SE8 is in a league of it's own.
I agree and was surprised by the natural character of the SE8 omni!
Very cool comparison video, thanks for doing this, really helpful in buying a decent small diaphragm condenser mic. Tip: you might want to include tags with time codes for each mic in the description. Cheers!
TBH, I can't tell the difference. I don't think that any of these mics are a bad choice.
it only doesn't matter because the room sounds nice, the recording chain if of high quality and the mics are not too close to the source :)
Too long did not read : Oktava or SE8, then NT5, and no C4 mkii for me.
Okay, I listened blindtest the 4 microphones with the wav download.
I listened to things at random, took some shameful notes as the random player put the same mic twice in a row and I could "hear differences" lol, but after lots of tests on 3 different headphones something stood out a few times.
In my notes I contradicted myself a few times on the mics so I guess this is subjectivity, and this isn't a high scientific test, I could be wrong, I invite you to have a friend rename the files and do the blind test yourself ^^
Overall the Oktava and SE stood out to me. The Oktava as something very sharp and "clinical" in a good way. The Se sounded not as sharp but a little more "fun/warmer". I liked them both for different reasons. But they stood out as my favourites.
I consistently noted the NT5 to have less lows, sometimes I worded it as "something missing" or "EQed". and very sharp/bright, not in a bad way just "clinical". But it was very good. Just compared to the Oktava they were very comperable but the Oktava had that little more sharpness and lows to it.
I wouldn't go for the C4 mkii (especially now I see the price) I noted a few times that it sounded "thin" or "sad", some recordings (the singing) had a electonic humm to it. Overall it was my least favorite.
Now knowing all this and considering price / budget.
NT5 for 300€ a pair aren't my favorite but they're the cheapest and hold up well, I shall go for them ;D
Id forget the C4. If it was 260€ or 300€ maybe id consider them.
The SE8 and Oktava are a tight choice. I think if they costed the same price, id go with the Oktava they cost 60€ more (430€ vs 370) but do come with more accessories.
However considering the SE8 is cheaper, and I found the sound more enjoyable most of the times (even if not as "sharp/clinical"), I better go with what I find most enjoyable for cheaper.
Does seem like you get what you pay for in either case.
This is my subjective tastes and my experiences, I had a hard time hearing differences and all in all they all sound very good.
I encourage you to listen to them all in a blind test with random playback and see for yourself which one you like most, and if you agree or disagree with what I said here :D Would love to hear if you experienced it differently ^^
Cheers.
Extra note, I didn't test the omni.
Also if I had to justify why id go with the Oktava over the SE8 if price was equal despite preferring the SE8 overall.
I don't do much stuff live, more of field recording or at home music, so I have time to sculpt sound behind the mic. Id rather have something "clinical" and add warmth to it. Rather than something "round and warm" out of the box that I can't be edited back to sharp.
Thanks for sharing
@@OMG-KMB
very good demo. the demo would benefit from some aggressive playing. a lot of mics can't handle forte and fortissimo very well. both demos were gentle playing only. it's almost like the performers were babying the mics rather than challenging them.
good point! I'm aware of this and this shoot out confirmed my experience once again that loud(er) parts bring out the real character of a microphone. In hindsight I would've added some harder strumming parts to the video part to try to overload the mic and hit it with a ton of transients
SE8 seems noisier than NT5. Or is it just my ear?
was there something wrong with the studio projects mic? Serious buzz coming from the right. I hope thats not from the mics ground floor because I thought they stood their own really well
you mean in the youtube-video or in the downloaded files?
@@aeproducedbyequiano2216 on the youtube vid
@@joedeberker maybe its the youtube compression? Don't worry about the noise floor. All contenders performed well in this regard.
thx
For my ears the NT5 sounds absolutely cheapo. The others need different EQ, buu provide a nice base with the Oktava being my first choice.
Small, but significant update: the sE8 is currently being sold at the 200€ range
Hey, where is it being sold at that price? Thank you.
@@patrickwwallace89 price has always remained roughly the same. The sE8 sold at the 200€ range is the single sE8, not the matched stereo pair (380€)
0:13 vs 2:26
Which in your opinion is better - the SE8 Cardioid or the SE8 Omni?
sE8 Omni. It has blown me away like no other SDC ever before/since. It's sonic properties are at the highest level - no compromise whatsoever. LOVE it on acoustic guitar, around the 12th fret, 1ft distance, maybe slightly up, depending on the type of guitar. A sound to die for...
which one do you prefer with cardioid? OKTAVA MK012, SE8 or NT5?
for guitar? SE8 or if on a budget the NT5
Which in your opinion is better - the Oktava omni or the SE8 Omni?
let me put it like this: to my ears the SE8 omni sounds like a 1000-2000 mic, the Oktava omni more like 100-200$ mic. The difference blew me away in a way nothing has ever since. Resolution, dynamic range etc. are absolute figures, taste is not however, which is why I recommend you trying them out for yourself in your familiar environment (with your familiar pair of ears)! :)
I can't understand how the people said the se 8 is better than the rode. To be honest I can hear on the se 8 a lot noise. The nt5 is more silence
in a practical studio environment none of these mics will cause noise problems. They are all very quiet
The rode has an over exaggerated high mid to high freq which is quite piercing..The se8 is really in a class of its own. Sounds really amazing.. then the Oktava
@@joshmcdzz6925 months ago I Bought the Rode NT5 because I couldn't find Se in Melbourne but, I am very Happy with Rode. It sound Amazing and has a vintage style sound.
@@mentina80 the truth about it is all these gadgets contribute less than 5% of the overall quality of your production with 90% being the content itself and the remaining 5% to misc... any mic as long as it amplifies will do the job..
Line Audio cm4 :)
I have a good dozen of different Line Audio mics, and I have a lot to say about them, but in my opinion the recent CM4 are significantly inferior to the mics presented here. But as always ymmv
I just can hear the balance of se8 is more on the left channel and the rode is more on the right channel just because of the mic placement. No really different in sounds.