upper mid reange Mic Pre sugestions?

[Slowjett]

Hey guys I am trying to find a mic pre to finish up some recording. Currently using my firestudio pre's. I want something that going to be a little less thin for vocals. Im singing through an ADK hamburg and may consider getting an SM7. But Im trying to find something I can use on bass and vocals. Maybe acoustic guitar. I sing mostly singer songwriter/rock stuff.

samples:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/53136798005791ef/

myspace.com/joshnoone

Suggestions?

-josh

[kidvybes]

...save a bit more and go for one of these (incredible on vocals/bass as well as instrument micing):

http://www.frontendaudio.com/Safe_So...amp_p/1901.htm

...hangs with the big boys!

[Supercreep]

Why are you sure getting a different pre is going to make a difference? I'm not against some nice rack candy, but a mic is going to make a bigger impact on your sound than a pre IMO.

What's your room like?

[Slowjett]

That preamp looks nice, but the List price has increased quite a bit in the last few years. Gone from 699 to 999. The original list is less than it sells for now. It seems like it could really fit what im doing, I just dont know if i can afford it. If I was to get something at least a good step up from my firestudio pre's I could possibly get it used and unload it for about the same price when I upgrade.

-josh

[Slowjett]

Originally Posted by Supercreep

Why are you sure getting a different pre is going to make a difference? I'm not against some nice rack candy, but a mic is going to make a bigger impact on your sound than a pre IMO.

What's your room like?

I figured the hamburg for a decent mic. I have a few different mics.

The room is 13x15 w/ 10ft partially vaulted ceiling the has about a 6 wide foot flat spot about the center of the room running the length, basic carpeted bedroom. I treated the immediate area around me/mic for HF reflections. Its not the greatest room. Its what I have got though. I'm not getting the sense from my vocal takes that the room is the issue (i could totally be wrong). What would you recommend for a mic for a voice such as mine? I feel the thin-ness is a product of the pre-amp though. Im still relatively new to this though.

[Supercreep]

Before you buy anything, try recording a vocal in several places in the room. I have a feeling that the lack of bass response in your vocal mic could well be from uneven bass response in your room. I'm not an expert on this, check out the studio construction forum for more insight on why this happens and what to do about it.

Also, try getting a little closer to the Hamburg to take advantage of the proximity effect.

Mic choice is very personal. I have great things to say about the EV RE-20. It's my mic of choice to record my voice. Hamburg is a great mic, but may just not be a good fit for your voice. Maybe book a little time in a local studio just to try a few different mics.

In any case, room before mic, mic before pre.

[Slowjett]

I understand phase characteristics and they relate to mic placement. I guess I did not think of it as a lack of low end. While my room is not treated w/ bass traps I think its more of a lack of good harmonics that add to the glue of the vocal track. I certainly will try some different placement though.

[Supercreep]

Originally Posted by Slowjett

I want something that going to be a little less thin for vocals.

Originally Posted by Slowjett

I guess I did not think of it as a lack of low end.

Ok...


As for harmonic glue, maybe this: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Fatso/

Or this: http://www.mercenary.com/po502ttaemli.html

[bigtoe]

don't know that mic - but if it's of the crispytop end cheaper condenser variety - try singing into it at an angle...this will cut down the top and 'thinness.'

a good mic pre will always help. aphex 107, symetrix 202 (i think that's the number) are both good on the used market around 100-125.

if you have the bread - the best "cheaper" mic pre i've heard is the RNP. like 400 clams.

70 in cleveland two days after xmas,

Mike

[Freudian Slip]

Originally Posted by Supercreep

Before you buy anything, try recording a vocal in several places in the room. I have a feeling that the lack of bass response in your vocal mic could well be from uneven bass response in your room. I'm not an expert on this, check out the studio construction forum for more insight on why this happens and what to do about it.

Also, try getting a little closer to the Hamburg to take advantage of the proximity effect.

Mic choice is very personal. I have great things to say about the EV RE-20. It's my mic of choice to record my voice. Hamburg is a great mic, but may just not be a good fit for your voice. Maybe book a little time in a local studio just to try a few different mics.

In any case, room before mic, mic before pre.

+1

Recording vox in your average size untreated room is going to really effect the sound. I would get up on the mic as much as you can (use a pad if have to) and at least throw a comforter on the wall behind you. Back up to the wall as much as is comfortable and also center the mic to the side walls.
If you can hang another comforter in front of the mic, so much the better. Either way make sure the mic is set to the cardioid setting.

This will start to give you an Idea of what the mic actually sounds like and not the room. Untreated, the room is 75% of your overall tone. Take the mic into the nearest bathroom and record a couple lines. You'll see what I mean.

Room treatment before anything beyond basic equipment.


Good Luck

F.S.

[kidvybes]

Originally Posted by Slowjett

That preamp looks nice, but the List price has increased quite a bit in the last few years. Gone from 699 to 999. The original list is less than it sells for now. It seems like it could really fit what im doing, I just dont know if i can afford it. If I was to get something at least a good step up from my firestudio pre's I could possibly get it used and unload it for about the same price when I upgrade.

-josh

...how's $595 (or lower...make an offer)...
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...cked-more.html

[Slowjett]

Freudian Slip; the vocals were done pretty much like you outlined in your reply. I definitely will work on treating this room as well.