Search results

IMHO get a SM58 (or SM57) and a MXL USB Mic Mate. Either of those mics will last a lifetime, and have good sound. The Mic Mate is a nice clean pre BTW. Chris

FWIW I'd start out by getting a Shure SM57, then see how that sounds with your mic pre FIRST. (even a Mackie <gasp!> sounds quite good on my voice, for example) Then the next step could be sending it off to www.mercenaryaudio.com to have it modded for around $100 IIRC. After that, if you still...

BTW the Beyer M69 sounds very similar to the M88 (less low end emphasis), and costs less. Both are also first rate. Chris

Hmm... Well they're both classic large diaphram dynamics. IMHO it's the 'ol "it depends" answer. On my voice for example, the MD421 sounds better compared with the SM7, until you EQ it. Then it's too close to call. (same goes for SM57 vs. SM7 BTW!) One nice thing about the 421 is it doesn't...

Don't laugh but... Give the SM57 a try, as they tend to sound particulary good on "spoken word" style vocals. I personally prefer it over the '58 as it has a bit more high end response. Chris P.S. Also put the Beyer M88 on your shortlist, BTW the M69 is similar without as much low end.

John Lennon had an old '57 that was cracked(!) that he liked to use for some of his studio vocal recordings. He brought it in one time and told the AE's to match it against their "best" and they were all shocked to hear how terrific it sounded on playback. Good enough for John, good enough for...

IMHO you'd be very happy with an Electo-Voice RE16. As you may know, it's also the same vocal mic Elvis used on his "Comeback Special". Very similar sounding to the RE15, just a slight presence peak compared to the 58. It has the "Variable-D" design though to minimize proximity effect ala the...

An excellent option is the Electro-Voice EV 635a dynamic omni. Used on many classical orchestral recordings during the 60's/70's. Run about $100 new/$80 used when I last checked a while back. A mainstay of musical TV programs also during this period. BTW you can check out old youtube videos...

Check out some old youtube videos with the 57 (Jethro Tull/Bad Company/Kansas etc.) and you may find they can sound terrific! Another cheapie vocal mic sleeper is the EV 635a BTW-lots of footage on that one too. Plus much less fussy as to which mic pre is used. Chris

Hey a '57 through a M-Audio DMP series or a (newer) Joe Meek pre is comparable to a Neumann U87ai/Avalon 737 combo (for my baritone voice) so sue me! Chris

IMHO rather than spending $200+ on a SM7, consider getting a nice parametric EQ, partly as most likely you'll need one to futz with the SM7 anyway. (Am a SM7 lover too!) And unless you need both a SM58 & SM57, you could ditch the '58 as the SM57 has cleaner top end response. If you try to...

I tried out the Mojave lately and absolutely loved it! But... Make sure, if you can, to also try out the Studio Projects T3. I'd really have to have a pro AE pick between the two on my voice-they both sound so good IMHO. BTW I find the Marshal V69 too "thick" for my tastes. YMMV. Chris P.S...

Per Bob Ohlsson... The two main vocal mics at Chess Records between 1967 and the early 70's were the EV 666 and RE15. (BTW I have both of these and love them) So you may not "need" a condenser. Another alternative would be to upgrade your pre's, get something like the Fmr. Audio RNP (under...

I had an opportunity to A/B the Studio Projects T3 (already love) and their CS5 (multi-pattern). Was surprised to find I actually prefer the CS series-which is relatively more neutral sounding than the T3 for vocals. Several pro AE's were listening at one point and they also agreed. FWIW was...

Have a AT2020 too. Nice vocal mic, but the Studio Projects B1 is smoother sounding IMHO. The modest bit of "graininess" on the AT2020 could be handy for stuff like R&B I suppose. Chris

FWIW in many radio broadcasting stations they deliberately use dynamic mics over LDC's because the dynamics DON'T hear the higher frequencies (ala bouncing off glass) as well. BTW an omni like the 635a is cool because you can record group harmonies easier on one vs. a unidirectional IMHO. Chris

If you're not planning on acoustically treating your apartment... Echoing Bob Ohlsson (former Motown staff engineer), you can cover the bases of getting a quality lead vocal sound out of getting an Electro-Voice EV 635a omni dynamic, to go along with your SM57. Both of these mics will greatly...

Regardless of the depth of the mic cabinet (if and when I do any studio vocals), would absolutely take my Beyer Soundstar MKII (and EV RE15) along-for at least the scratch vocals. Killer vocal mic IMHO... Chris

Cool. BTW I just posted a thread at Gearslutz about "eating" (super close-up) a '57 ala Ian Anderson, then asking how to EQ it. Some helpful info on dealing with the SM57... Chris

FWIW Bob Ohlsson is an active poster on www.gearslutz.com and www.prosoundweb.com IMHO it would be wise to also weigh Michael Joly's opinion on vocal mics at the highest level also. (I have great respect for Jim Williams also a pro AE/ mic modifier too) Chris P.S. I'm saving a spare "non-USA"...