Hey. My last options left. Store bailed.

[Yousef]

Hey, so I called the store they said they had the audio-technica at3025 but they didnt, and they dont have a shipment.
Right now credit-card/paypal/ebay/online purchases arent possible.
I really need to know which is a better microphone
the Apex 415 or the Audio-Technica At-2020
both are powered with a Tascam US-122
please let me know
p.s im recording hip-hop and rnb vocals in a closet enviroment.

 

[PhilGood]

Great. Another question about a "hip hop, r&b" vocal mic.

Why the **** does everyone think there is specifically a "hip hop, r&b" vocal mic?

I think we need to come up with a list of "hip hop, r&b" vocal mics. Oh, wait! There's no such thing!

How about if we come up with a list of "country vocal mics"? Oh, wait! There's no such thing!

How about if we come up with a list of "rock vocal mics"? Oh, wait! There's no such thing!

Good God! When will newbs understand that there are different types of mics for different voices/instruments, but no specific "genre" mics?

Why is it that no other genre expects this?!

 

[PhilGood]

By God! I think I could make a fortune by inventing a mic to cover all the "hip hop & r&b" requirements, but unfortunately I have no idea what would be needed!

I guess it would have to be cheap, able to sound good on every voice, every instrument, be good for spoken word, be good for singing voices of all ranges, but hasn't something already been invented for that?

Uh....NO!

 

[Shadow_7]

If by good you mean honest, then Yes. If by good you mean flattering to all, then No.

And there are certain expectations for some genre's. Like classical where DPA 4006, Schoeps MK21, or Senn MKH8040's seem to rule to roost. Anything less and you either got lucky, or have clients with low standards (according to others).

And then there's those expensive Neuman's and Pearlman's. If we could get those for $100, then a lot of the other options might disappear.

 

[MCI2424]

Great. Another question about a "hip hop, r&b" vocal mic.

Why the **** does everyone think there is specifically a "hip hop, r&b" vocal mic?

I think we need to come up with a list of "hip hop, r&b" vocal mics. Oh, wait! There's no such thing!

How about if we come up with a list of "country vocal mics"? Oh, wait! There's no such thing!

How about if we come up with a list of "rock vocal mics"? Oh, wait! There's no such thing!

Good God! When will newbs understand that there are different types of mics for different voices/instruments, but no specific "genre" mics?

Why is it that no other genre expects this?!

Can we at least come up with a list of Heavy Metal mics?

Thanx in Advance.

 

[up-fiddler]

I was kinda hoping they would start making mics that wouldn't record hip hop under any circumstance.

 

[Waffleness]

I've worked with beatboxers who will not use anything but SM58's. I offered them an e865 or e845, but apparently they cannot saturate and overpower the mic diaphram (?) in the same was as they can with SM58's.

This could (loosely) mean that 58's are beatbox mic's? As beatboxing is a derivation of hip-hop, sm58's are hip hop mics

 

[eyeteeth]

can we at least come up with a list of heavy metal mics?

Thanx in advance.

sm7...







1234567890

 

[Supercreep]

MSH needs to market a LDC or LDD specifically to HH/R&B.

Tired of your raps coming out flat and uninspired? Introducing the MSHXXX. The only mic designed from the ground up for Hip Hop vocals. The patented design allows for maximum articulation and focus for even the most unfocused and inarticulate. Words rhyme better, and syllabic transients align more uniformly for a smoother and tighter delivery. Plus, the gold-plated jewel-encrusted MSHXXX will look gaudy and completely out of place in the fucking closet where you spit mad freestyle. MSHXXX. The only choice for the serious Hip Hop artist and Producer. It's off the chain.

No?

Ok. I recommend an RE-20.

 

[stevieb]

Good GRIEF, the poor OP'er has got to wade thru no less than FIVE off-topic post before he gets even one answer worth a damn. I am no huge Hip-hop fan, but come ON, guys, stay focused!

 

[noisedude]

I really, REALLY want to add something on-topic, but for some reason the phrase 'closet environment' has me all of a titter. Teehee!

 

[A.j.]

I agree with Stevieb.

In fact, the original poster's mention of rap/r&b was an informational aside ("p.s. im recording hip-hop and rnb vocals in a closet enviroment") to his honest question for opinions about two microphones. It's a real, fair question. Yes, there are some unfortunate typos. But he posted all the pertinents... kind of music (rap/R&B), application (vocals), acoustic environment (closet), and type of pre/interface (Tascam US-122).

What's the big deal here? Some bias against rap? Not my favorite form of music, but I respect it. Imagine if the question was phrased like this:

"I'm recording myself in a typical bedroom environment doing vocal overdubs for an acoustic folk record. I'll be using an API 512c into an Apogee Duet. What would you suggest over these two mics I'm considering (both within my current budget) - an AKG 414 or a used Neumann TLM 103?"

Same question really. But I'd guess we wouldn't hear as much comedy from the peanut gallery.

Aj

P.S. To Yousef - I've never used either of those mics, but I suspect you'd be happier with the Audio Technica, as I've heard many good comments about their budget line (which this mic is from). The suggestion for getting an SM58 is also a good one, although you won't really hear it's potential until you upgrade to a better microphone pre.

 

[up-fiddler]

Accept my apologies, please.

I was kinda hoping they would start making mics that wouldn't record hip hop under any circumstance.

But if I did AND I had a pre with a lot of gain then I would use an SM7. Otherwise I would use an SM58. Dynamic mics would seem to work better for what I have in mind as hip hop vox. Sorry for not adding substance to my wit.

 

[noisedude]

Yeah, why the hell not. Go for a dynamic like a 58. If you perform better with a handheld, like a lot of rappers do, it could work out well for you anyway.

 

[Supercreep]

Good GRIEF, the poor OP'er has got to wade thru no less than FIVE off-topic post before he gets even one answer worth a damn. I am no huge Hip-hop fan, but come ON, guys, stay focused!

/looks for mic recommendation in stevieb's post/

Your post is worth a damn how?

A high quality dynamic microphone has been suggested a few times.

 

[Supercreep]

I think the SM58 is a poor choice for studio work.

Any cheap chinese condenser can be eq'd to sound better than a 58.

 

[noisedude]

I think the SM58 is a poor choice for studio work.

Any cheap chinese condenser can be eq'd to sound better than a 58.

When I record rap I tend to do it with a Studio Projects B1 up on the stand behind the pop shield, and then give the guy a 58 to 'perform to'. As long as he doesn't stray too far you're OK, and a bit of compression will often even that out.

 

[pinkieandtherev]

When I record rap I tend to do it with a Studio Projects B1 up on the stand behind the pop shield, and then give the guy a 58 to 'perform to'. As long as he doesn't stray too far you're OK, and a bit of compression will often even that out.

bingo! Use the Studio Projects, or even some "cheap chinese condenser" as one poster mentioned for the actual recording, and a dynamic for the "feel"...a lot of rap is about the attitude, which might better be portrayed if you can actually roll WITH the mic and aren't limited to trying to stay on a stand-mounted condenser.

If you can, record both tracks; who knows, the mix of the two might be just what you need.

 

[noisedude]

If you can, record both tracks; who knows, the mix of the two might be just what you need.

I've never actually listened to the dynamic track, although I did record it once to telephone EQ for a couple of bits. Cool idea dude!

 

[Shadow_7]

+1 Dynamic

Given the closet studio thing. Unless it's a really good closet. Go cheap, Nady, or SM58, or expensive-ish SM7 / RE-20. And tons of other options. Condensers might pick up too much detail. Ribbons might be to prone to performance and other issues.

RAP as a context isn't very informative. Blonde did/does RAP, Linkin Park and others. Context would be here's what I sound like on a ???, recommend me a mic. I don't like this ..... about my current mic. I'd like to see this .... in my new mic. RAP in a closet could mean anything. Bubble wrap? Gift wrap? Rapping on wood with your knuckles, anything...