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Hello from Michael Joly!
Here are some quick answers to popular questions.
Communication -
The best way to reach me is by email: Michael@oktavamod.com. In the past I was often able to respond to email within three hours. But due to the wonderful support of folks like you I often experience an "email avalanche" so there is a possibility your question might get buried for a business day or so, but I will respond as soon as practically possible. I try to prioritize bench work in order to ship client mics on the day they are scheduled.
Ordering -
You can place a secure order for modifications to existing mics or order new modified Oktava microphones on this site. When you place an order you will receive an immediate automated confirmation email. By the close of the next business day you will receive a personal email specifying your mod and ship dates.
Lead and Delivery Time -
We are generally booked about six weeks out for mods to customer-supplied microphones. Orders for new, modified Oktava mics are usually filled within one week of their order (these are modified from stock units on hand).
Your order will be modified on the date specified, burned-in for three days, retested then return shipped to you. Mics not in stock require an additional one to two week delivery time from Oktava.
Payment -
OktavaMod accepts major credit and debit cards via PayPal for secure order processing. We offer a courtesy mic purchasing service for our international clients - for example, we can source an Apex 460 for you and send you a PayPal invoice for mic, mods and shipping.
Shipping -
We use US Postal Service Priority Mail, signature required. It is very secure and the least expensive service. US domestic delivery takes 2-3 business days while international shipments take 5-6 business days. Typical shipping costs range from $10 for a US delivery of a pair of MK-012 mics to $65 for a European delivery of the heavy Apex 460 tube mic.
Warrantee -
All modified mics are warranted for two years. Ribbon mics include one no-charge re-ribbon service to the original owner only. In the unlikely event a problem should develop please contact michael@oktavamod.com to arrange shipping and repair.
Standard, Floating Dome, and Flat Top mods for the MK-319 -
The big jump in quality from a stock MK-319 to a Standard mod is followed by a more subtle progression in clarity from the Flat Top to the Floating Dome. If you are on a budget or unsure if a 319 mod is right for you, the Standard is a good place to start. If you are relentlessly obsessive about small details like I am you will want to consider the Floating Dome or Flat Top.
The Floating Dome and Flap Top have a more open headbasket than the Standard mod. In a stock 319 there are four parallel reflective surfaces (the upright bars on the sides of the headbasket and the sides of the capsules). When the bars are removed, standing waves are reduced - sound can exit the headbasket more freely. This is particularly important in mic'ing applications where a high proportion of off-axis sound reaches the microphone - drum OH and room mics. There will be less coloration of off-axis sound with the Floating Dome or Flat Top.
Second, removing these bars eliminates a source of mechanical resonance - these bars are somewhat like tangs on a tuning fork. So the Floating Dome and Flat Top offer an incremental improvement in clarity and freedom from mechanical resonance over the Standard mod. The MK-319 Flat Top and MK-319 Floating Dome are the worlds first microphones to feature single-layer, 360 degree low-reflection headbaskets. The AKG C12 had a very open, single-layer headbasket but still had side bars.
The difference between the Floating Dome and the Flat Top is largely aesthetic, though in theory a rounded top grille will reduce standing wave accumulation between the grille and capsule base. However, since my mods included a conical diffusive absorber at the capsule base, a rounded top grille is not a significant advantage. So you are free to make your choice between Floating Dome and Flat Top based on which look you prefer.
MK-219 vs. MK-319 -
Both the 219 and 319 use the same capsule and electronic circuit but have different headbaskets. The MK-219 has more lower midrange presence while the MK-319 is a bit more open sounding.
Mod'd Apex 460 vs. Mod'd TCM-1050 -
Again, once modified these mics use the same capsule and circuit though the headbaskets are different. This gives the TCM-1050 more of the lower midrange "Neumann-esque" push than the 460 which is a bit leaner.
Russian vs. Chinese origin of Oktava MK-319 mics?
There is a very rare, but extremely poor copy of an MK-319. This copy is bluish/grey in color instead of matte black, has a chrome XLR connector without serial number instead of a matte pewter color with serial number, different switches and poor LDC capsule that is easily identified by the absence of the characteristic perforated resonance disc in front of the diaphragm. Avoid this type of knock-off MK-319.
Mics Not Accepted for Modification -
I do not accept mics that have been previously worked. I stand behind my mods 100% and can only do this if I am the only person who has worked on your mic. If a mic has seen multiple modifications it is impossible to determine responsibility should a problem develop in the future. Also, I have seen a number of DIY mod jobs that have been quite poor in concept and execution - often omitting important steps.
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