Best vocal mic under $2k

[muse93muse]

Ok, I am new to the forum but I searched for this and didn't find any specifics.(or maybe Im retarded, lazy or both)

Here is my issue, I run a studio and deal with many different styles of music. I currently use a Blue Mouse with a UA 6176 (610pre/1176comp). Maybe something is screwed up with my Blue but I think my old AT 4033 sounded better for most applications. The other issue is client perception. Many artists only know what is popular and don't think less popular names are as good (I have run into this issue because I use Logic 7pro instead of pro tools)

Besides bowing to this lack of intelligence, I'm wondering if I should try to spend a little more for a AKG C12 (which I have used many times before) or get something like a U87 or something else. Any ideas?!!!

[mcolling]

Do your clients want good records or bad records? Use what sounds best-- fuck brand names.

[ljmaxx]

First mic that comes to mind under 2K is a Brauner Phantom C which retails for $1800 and streets very close to retail with in a couple of hundred bucks. My next thought is if I were in your position I'd buy a used Neumann TLM103 and a new Soundelux U195 which will put you close to the 2K for both. That way you'll have a mic with the N on it for show and the U195 will bring in the dough. If you can scrape up another $400 you could also pick up an AT4050 which is another great mic to have in your cabinet. There is a seller selling new 4050's for $399 on ebay including shipping. Here's the link. Good luck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

[jonnyc]

what style of music do the bands that come in primarily record? I think having as many mics as possible is the best way to go because you aren't going to find that one go to mic that fits every persons voice I almost guarentee you there will be a time when somesones stading in front of a neumann or even the c12 you mentioned and says I dont like the way this mic sounds. I liked the Idea that was mentioned about picking up a couple higher quality lower cost mics like the tlm103. I've heard the mouse on many recordings, Trent Reznor uses it on his vocals, and I know a really popular Dave Matthews coverband in Chicago that uses the mouse and they seem very happy with it. So IMO building a great mic locker is more important than that one go to mic.

[wesley tanner]

get some mics that are going to cover a wide vareity of voices-- you need a nice dynamic like a shure sm7 or an EV re-20. This covers the extremely sibilant vocalists. A 414 can be amazing on the right voice, and is a great mic to have around for just about everything. It's a MUST in my opinion... Then, a u87 or other LDC will do you good. You could get a neumann tlm103 a re20 and a 414 for under 2k. THAT'S the route I would take, the only change I might make being the neumann.... but my clients love that I have a neumann, and it's a bit less bright than the 414, and is stellar on female vocals thus far, so I'd probably keep it. the RE 20 also works as a pretty damn nice kick and kills on guitar cabs.

wes

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by jonnyc

I know a really popular Dave Matthews coverband in Chicago that uses the mouse and they seem very happy with it.

Is that Trippin Billies by chance?

[jonnyc]

No I was referring to Crash. They recently went there seperate ways and the lead sing is supposed to be coming to my studio to start laying down some new tracks for his solo stuff.

[muse93muse]

Thanks all for the advice! I think the right idea here is a couple of different vocal mics instead of putting all my cash on one. I think I might still go ahead and find a good used U87 and pick up a 4033 or 4050 (if I can get that price) I will also probably get an RE20 as well, I've been toying around with that idea (I infact have another thread on it for as a Kick alternative to my D112) and I could use for vox as well

[junplugged]

Originally Posted by ljmaxx

First mic that comes to mind under 2K is a Brauner Phantom C which retails for $1800 and streets very close to retail with in a couple of hundred bucks. My next thought is if I were in your position I'd buy a used Neumann TLM103 and a new Soundelux U195 which will put you close to the 2K for both. That way you'll have a mic with the N on it for show and the U195 will bring in the dough. If you can scrape up another $400 you could also pick up an AT4050 which is another great mic to have in your cabinet. There is a seller selling new 4050's for $399 on ebay including shipping. Here's the link. Good luck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Is there any way to know if a mic that sells $200 below MF is the real thing?

[ljmaxx]

Originally Posted by junplugged

Is there any way to know if a mic that sells $200 below MF is the real thing?

They are listed as an Audio technica Dealer so I would assume the AT4050's are the real deal. If you look at the feedback find one that is on the AT4050 and ask the buyer if it was the real deal. You could also email the seller and ask if they have a website. If so check the price on the AT4050 and if it is the same as ebay get MF to match it. Good luck.

[treymonfauntre]

i wonder how boring of a life you must lead to be in a dave matthews cover band

[Dot]

Been using and testing a shitload of mics over the past couple of years. I think the best use of $2K for the most versatility would be to buy two mics: Peluso 22 251 and Peluso 22 47. The 22 251 is more neutral and bright, and the 22 47 is fuller-bodied with more robust mids and a softer high end. Both are multi-pattern tube mics, and between the two of them will handle almost anything you can throw at them. Seriously excellent mics.

To get an idea of the difference is these sorts of mics, check out this article... http://www.studioreviews.com/classicmics.htm

[wesley tanner]

yeaaah, get the re-twwweeeennnnnttttttyyyyyyyyyyy

[AllOrNothinEnt]

Yes, the AT4050 for $399 is legit, as I bought one roughly 2-3 months back for the same price, and an AT 3060 for $299 as well.