Recording Pipe Organ: DPA 4006A vs Oktava MK 012

A short video comparing two pairs of omnidirectional microphones - DPA 4006A and Oktava MK 012. Simon Lloyd improvises on the organ of the Carmelite Priory, London. There didn't seem to be a comparison like this on YouTube, so I made one in case it's of interest to anyone else!

The organ is divided between two cases in a gallery at the liturgical west end of the church (see final picture). The Swell is in the left case, the Great in the right, and the pedal divided between the two on the upper level. The microphones were set about 6m away from the organ, about 6m high and about 60cm apart (slightly angled AB configuration). The only adjustment was to match the output volumes of the two pairs (the DPAs require less gain to achieve the same output as the Oktavas).

The higher frequencies are more deftly handled by the DPAs, most noticeable on the Rohrflute example, and other stops have greater mid-range presence. While there are clear differences, the Oktavas stand up well to mics that are around 10x as expensive.

Further information about the 1965 Downes/Walker organ of the Carmelite Priory, London can be found here:
https://www.carmelitechoir.com/organ/
Although modest in size and somewhat quirky, the scheme is exceptionally cohesive and, helped by the Priory's wonderful acoustic, gives the impression of a much larger instrument.

http://www.simon-lloyd.com