Vocal mike poll

[dickiefunk]

Hi. I've been looking for a new vocal mic to add to my Rode NT1a and Studio Projects B1. Which mic would you recommend as being the best addition to my collection. My budget is £200 / $350
You can view the pres that I'll be using in my sig.
Thanks

[nukeitout]

I haven't heard anyone knock these yet, I have one and like it. If you can, try out one of the akg perceptions. I have the 200, but I would have been just as happy with a 100, since I never use the db cut or low filter on the thing. the 400 is the dual capsule model. I tried a NT1K and the perception side by side in the store and picked the perception (before i realized it was a bit cheaper even).

I'm not saying it's better, I just liked the sound better when I sang through it.

[scrubs]

I know these are quite a bit more expensive in the UK than in the US, but I would suggest the Shure SM7B as a compliment to what you already have. You have a bright mic in the NT1a and a slightly less bright mic in the B1. What you need is a neutral mic that will cover a lot of other bases that those two don't. The SM7B, or even a ribbon mic would be a logical next step.

Of the mics you've listed, I'd pick the CAD M179, but not specifically for vocals. I like it's neutrality for background vox, but almost never use it for lead vox. It has many uses other than vocals.

[dickiefunk]

Thanks for your help so far. I would like to use the mic entirely for lead vocals.

[mrmoe]

I have to agree with nukeitout....I like the AKG Perception 200 for vocals.....I wouldn't go with the 100, since I occasionally use the low filter when using it for acoustic guitar....

[mikeyp62]

I'll second the sm7b. It might just be the best mic under 500 bucks, period. Besides, you're already covered in the cheap condenser mic area. Why not spend the money on something that is actually great quality and can be found in just about any studio in the world. There's a reason studios are filled with dynamic mics that sell for 100-400 bucks, but the condensers in that range are mostly found in basements and spare bedrooms.

I don't get it. A dynamic mic won't really pick up the room sound either, so why are people mindlessly buying a mic because it says "condenser" on it? I hear that sound on home recordings all the time. Silibance, muddy mids and lows, reflections(with reverb added on top). I'm not saying you can't get great sounds with these mics, because you can. However, something like an sm7 will make it sooooo much easier. I'd pick having the right mic over being an eq wizard any day. Well, maybe not actually. If you're charging hourly it might be nice to have to spend an hour trying to de-turdify a lousy mic.

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

Thanks for your help so far. I would like to use the mic entirely for lead vocals.

OK, but the problem is, the mics in your poll aren't going to add much beyond what you already have in terms of sonic character. The AT4040 and CAD M179 are probably slightly "better" mics that what you have, but not really too different. That's why I think you should get a dynamic/ribbon. That will give you an entirely different flavor that may work better for some vocals than the LDCs. If you're set on an LDC, save up until you can buy something in the $1000 range.

[twostone]

I agree with OP's the shure sm7 probably one of the most versatile vocals mics on the market because it's specifically designed for vocals

[dickiefunk]

Hi. The mics that I have I've found great on certain voices but a bit harsh and piercing on others. I would like a mic that would smooth off some voices. I'll check out the Shure and the AT4040. Keep the votes and opinions coming!

[dickiefunk]

It looks like the Shure SM7b is double my budget at the mo. Would the AT4040SM be a good choice for a smooth mic for getting rid of harshness?

[tarnationsauce2]

I would go for the CAD M177 if you're going to use it only for vocals. It's the same as the 179 except the 177 is only cardioid.
Unless for whatever reason you want fig8 or omni on your vocals then go for the M179.
Second place would be the AT4040.

[twostone]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

It looks like the Shure SM7b is double my budget at the mo. Would the AT4040SM be a good choice for a smooth mic for getting rid of harshness?

Too bad about the budget don't know what style of music you like to hear, but to hear it in action check out System of the Down ,Three Doors Down, Metallica, Michale Jackson are just a few to name that the SMB7 mic was used for vocals.

[dickiefunk]

242 views and 16 votes? Thankyou to those that have voted!

[recordingpro]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

242 views and 16 votes? Thankyou to those that have voted!

You need a "none of the above" button for more votes

[dickiefunk]

Originally Posted by recordingpro

You need a "none of the above" button for more votes

OK, what would you recommend within my budget?

[recordingpro]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

OK, what would you recommend within my budget?

a savings account for a awhile, maybe an extra part time job for a couple of months.

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

It looks like the Shure SM7b is double my budget at the mo. Would the AT4040SM be a good choice for a smooth mic for getting rid of harshness?

Yes, it most likely would.

And it would be a better all-around mic than what you currently have.

.

[Erockrazor]

Many people on this board love the MXL v67g. I have never used any of those mic's on the list, that why I'm not gonna vote. It would be deceiving for you if I picked a mic for the heck of it. Good luck finding your mic.

[qb2k5]

At4040 mic can be alittle bassy sometimes and lacks clean highs.

[dgatwood]

I haven't used any of those, but I've been really happy with the ADK Generis as a vocal mic. Nice tubey warmth.

[cusebassman]

I voted for nothing!

...because I like my Rode K2 with the 6922 replaced with a Telefunken NOS tube. Very natural sounding, but with a nice warmth on the bottom end - replacement tube cleared up any shrillness in the mic.

[warlock110]

isn't the cad M177 and M179 the same mic? the only difference is that the 179 can change it's pickup pattern. BTW if you compare the mic, i think the M177 is the cheapest out of the bunch listed.

[weezerman2002]

AT4040 works well on guitar cabs as well, a very versatile mic indeed.

[warlock110]

i'm a completely newby trying to learn, and i think i've read a theory somewhere that essentially all mic can "emulate" each other with EQ, after all each mic has it's own frequency characteristic, and i think we buy them for that. After messing around with my cheapo MXL 990 (very cheap mic), i was able to change it's sound characteristic by a little with plugin such as EQ and tube emulation. I went to soundfront.com and they sell a bunch of mic with clips of testing, and to be honest i can detect differences in them, but they all sound very very similar to each other. So i guess what i'm trying to say is mess around with a mic you have right now, just pick up a condenser ~ 100-200 and mess around with it till you can't do anythign else to it anymore, then buy a new mic.

[Seafroggys]

....yeah, okay.