Rick Reineke

As has been stated 'All Oktava 012s are not created equal due to the factory's quality control (or lack there of). Aside for the handing and wind noise, the 10mV sensitivity is a little lower than I prefer for dialog, which can also be an issue with low-cost noisy preamps. The 'Dorcey' type mods can alleviate the handing/wind noise somewhat but the sensitivity stays the same. I have a pair of Sound Room 012s that sound nice, but I use them mostly for music projects, drum overheads, acoustic guitar, ect.

As I stated elsewhere, "Use the F8 3.5mm sub out jack in (-10dB) line level with a SK100 portable Tx with a line-level plug config. (Ring=positive; Tip grounded to sleeve/shield). Otherwise I do not think the low voltage bias current of the SK100 would do any damage, though you should probably ask a Zoom tech."

AFAIK, The Sound Room does not do any modifications on the 012. They just hand-pick, test and match the best ones direct from the factory. The mod is definitely worthwhile, which lessens handling, wind and self-noise noise. It would not change the build quality or other imperfections.. or the sensitivity (10mV), which can be an issue when used in conjunction with the pre-amps found many low-budget portable recorders and cams.

Oktava 'had' a reputation for inconsistent quality control. I guess that may still hold true. I would ask for a replacement or refund. The SoundRoom was the go-to Oktava dealer for many of us, They thoroughly checked and tested each mic before sale. This increased the price a little, but was worth it IMHO. I bought a multi-capsule stereo set about ten years ago which sound very good, even without the "Dorcey" type mod. Though I rarely use them for production sound much these days There were also China made 'counterfeits' about for a while on eBay and such which were allegedly made for the Guitar Center, but that's another story. Search if that's of interest. BTW, that's Bill Stiller, who sells the mod parts kit, not Ben the actor.

Same as some of the above,"I hang them with a little weight and let them dangle for a few days". A little heat to cable can help as well..

Depends what frequency block the OP has. The 575297 replacement antena pretty much covers the Sennheiser A1 and A blocks (470-516 and 512-556 MHz ). OTOH, if the OP has the B block (626-668 MHz) I would assume performance would be compromised, not unusable but to a certain extent. Antena replacent is relativly qiuick and easy, four Torx screws and one solder joint.

Canare L-4E5C mini star-quad and the two conductor mini L-2E5. The two conductor mini is easier with the small TA solder cups. I can do XLRs almost blind-folded, TAs are not that hard with a small diameter cable, I've had aggravation with the Hirose HR-10 power plugs. I have not attempted a Lemo.. nor would I.

ListenTech does have a portable 72 & 216 MHz Tx. The "LT-700 Portable Display FM Transmitter". Addendum; Just like a 3.5mm TRS the input plug for a Sennheiser, the 'Ring' terminal is -10dB line level, The 'Tip' is mic. The red 'mute' switch only functions in the mic level mode.

Don't know of any websites with step-by-step instructions. Do you know how to solder? Both the typical audio XLR and a 3.5mm TRS (aka, 1/8" mini-plug) only have three terminals, You have to configure the XLR end for unbalanced operation (typically jumping pin-3 to shield) since the mini-plug connection will most likly be unbalanced. What signal will you be feeding via the XLR, i,e., stereo headphone output, unbalanced mic input, other? Lots and lots of examples of low profile right-angle XLRs here. FWIW, I got a bunch of very low profile right-angle TRS mini-plugs from eBay a few years age, which do the job.

I recall seeing those before, but don't recall if they came from a 788 or 3D printer. I'd like to get a set of those myself.

Thanks Pin , I must have misread the comparison chart. The F8n does have -10dB main output mode, which is perfect for feeding a line level SK100 Tx.

When I got asked this question, which happened frequently in music recording studios. I could not resist the "Pretty F_cking' Loud" response, Of course I always followed up with 'Pre Fader Listen' and its usage.

The F8's main output (1/2) is -10dB line or -40dB mic level. The F8n's main out is fixed @ +4dB. BTW, +4dB program audio will occasionally clip the input stage of a Sennheiser G2/3/4 SK-100 bodypack Tx (plug wired for line level), regardless of the sensitivity setting .. and it ain't nice sounding. Zoom's F8n - F8 feature comparison chart (PDF)

- Same here. Best bang-for-the-buck for sure. Made in the USA and A+ customer service. As an OST user since 2010, I have no real complaints, except the TL-40 has a 'lower the normal' max SPL spec, but that's rarely a problem with dialog. The 801 and 802 are the exact dimensions as the Tram TR50, even the mounting hardware is interchangeable. The 4mm round TL40 has a flatter response than the rectangular shaped 800 series. The HM-701 headset edition uses the TL40 element.

Interesting, Thanks Jeff. Yes Niel's pretty far out there. His hi-res digital 'Pono' player never caught on, and I did not think it would due to the high price of the player and music (in the Pono format whatever that was).

- I had similar experience about a year ago, this person (also a wedding photographer) went so far as to send me a fraudulent check (third-party) for COD gear. I think they got my name for the Mandy directory.Upon investigating, the wedding photographer's name he was using had passed away.. He also stated a semi-local production company, whom I notified, but they never had any contact with him.

"185 VHF systems still in operation". 1 here, 193.??? MHz as I recall, very seldom do I use it, but it still works. The VHS range is less crowded these days than when I bought it back in the 90s.

Ground = shield connection, (The 'S' in "TRS")

Been-there-done-that.. the SK-100 G2 Tx will work without grounding the plug tip. Howoever, the G3 input plug tip terminal must be grounded. I would assume the same for the G4 SK-100 Tx..

This group is primarily film sound pros who normally do not work with DJs or on weddings.You would be better off on other forums like Gearsluts and/or maybe DVi and DVX audio would be more appropriate. Aside from that, why even bother using cob job external power for the wireless since most rechargeable and even alkaline batteries will run a portable G series Tx/Rx for 10 hours.

"they recommended additional phantom box or ZOOM portable recorder.(H and F series)" This makes no sense. According to the specs, both the MixPre and F4/8 can deliver 10mA. I would try 24 v Phantom Pwr.. According to Earthworks specs, the QTC40 will work with 24v Phantom Pwr.

A lot has to do with the Tx sensitivity and the desired headroom.. If the Tx levels are hot, the Rx AF setting is typically lower or visa/versa. Set the Rx's AF adj. so the SD's input channel gain is around unity.

The SK100 bodypack transmitter has an input meter, so that should be self-explanatory. The EK100 portable receiver's AF setting at maximum gain (+12) does not output a +4dB nominal signal, so it's anemic for SD's line level. I would use a lower AF setting (0 or -6) on the Rx feeding a mic level input.

I'd click the Thumbs DOWN button

For use with a SK100 bodypack transmitter, I made a 15dB padded cable (easy L-pad). With a MM1, the SK100 Tx's input stage can be overloaded regardless of the sensitivity setting, even in the line level plug config..