4050 vs. Sm7?

[jbroad572]

Still trying to figure out what mic to buy next. I've got ES57's, V67 (will probably be for sale to afford the ones in question), and an RE20. They will be going into an M-Audio Projectmix (pres). This mic will mainly be for female R&B, Jazz, gospel vocals (warm, smooth), possibly vox (but the RE20 is good for that as well), sax (occasionally). It has come down to these 2 mics, because of their reputations, but I'm still open to other suggestions. Thanks!

[Rodger Hartlett]

SM7 is an awesome microphone. i would pick that up if you need somethng versatile.

[bcains]

If you can swing to a AT4060, do it. It's my go to mic for male and female vocals.
In saying that the AT4050 is still a great mic.

[pohaku]

Both are real good mics and I don't think you could go wrong with either of them. Since you already have an RE-20 which is somewhat similar to the SM7 soundwise (IMHO), I'd be inclined to get the 4050 or the 4060 (as suggested by bcains). I'm not familiar with the M-Audio Projectmix (pres), but you will need pretty good gain for the SM7.

[bigtoe]

a vote for the sm7 as i'm not a fan of the 4050. kinda metallic sounding...

i think an sm7 is a good complement to an re20...when one doesn't work try the other and it usually does.

Mike

[darrvid]

I can't compare, but I've used an sm7 for kick drums, and it certainly does the job.

Also, if you're looking to sell that v67 let me know, and PM me!

[jkokura]

I would go with the 4050...it'd be overkill to have 2 Large Dynamics and no Large Condensor - especially if you sell the V67. The RE20 and SM7 are often recommended in the same sentence around here and my opinion of the 4050 is that it's probably one of the better multi-pattern's out there, especially under 5-6 hundred...

Jacob

[kidvybes]

...or consider the new Heil PR-40 dynamic...many are saying it combines the qualities of a great dynamic (like the SM7/RE20) with some of the "openess" of a LD condenser...the difference in price (almost $100 less than the SM7) will allow you to keep your V67...the Heil is made in the USA and is quickly becoming a favorite option in place of the standard LDC mic...definately worth a look...read here:
http://www.heilsound.com/proline/pr-40.htm

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by jkokura

I would go with the 4050...it'd be overkill to have 2 Large Dynamics and no Large Condensor - especially if you sell the V67. The RE20 and SM7 are often recommended in the same sentence around here and my opinion of the 4050 is that it's probably one of the better multi-pattern's out there, especially under 5-6 hundred...

Jacob

Yea, that's what I was thinking. It seems as though it'd be better to have a good condenser and a good dynamic. The only thing is I hear the re20 is not that great on female vocals. I need warm and smooth for r&b. So, this mic is being bought specifically for female vocals. Just want the best mic for the job be it condenser or dynamic.

[pohaku]

Originally Posted by jbroad572

Yea, that's what I was thinking. It seems as though it'd be better to have a good condenser and a good dynamic. The only thing is I hear the re20 is not that great on female vocals. I need warm and smooth for r&b. So, this mic is being bought specifically for female vocals. Just want the best mic for the job be it condenser or dynamic.

FWIW, it works for Bonnie Raitt.

[kidvybes]

...if you're going to spend that kind of dough (the price of a new AT4050) for a multi-pattern, than give a look at the SP T3...same multi-pattern capabilities but with a bit more "body" than the 4050 (very clean but a bit thin sounding IMHO)...similar price range too...but the Heil is about to become a very hot mic...buzz all around the pro sites...do a little google search for the "Heil PR-40" and read the threads...causin' a stir...Bob Heil is one of the audio industry's highly respected design engineers...known for innovative speaker/mic/processor designs as well as the famous Heil "Talk Box" used by Frampton, Joe Walsh, Bon Jovi, etc...

[bigtoe]

i just used the re20 for female vocals. worked very well. ya may have your bases covered there.

good thinking on the switching up yer mic collection too...but man that sm7 sounds to me like exactly what yer looking for. the 4050 is good but AT mics are not "smooth" by nature though you can make em work. the 4050 is far smoother than the 4033.

Mike

[jbroad572]

I went with the SM7. Got a great deal on one.

[jbroad572]

Deal fell through... Back to the drawing board. I've been reading on the NTK, 404, 4047, ADK Hamburg.. too many choices. My budget now is about $450.