$1000-2000 range for Voc/Acoustic Mic ??

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Parker

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My budget has finally allowed me to make the next 'step' up in microphones. I currently am using NT-1, 4050, 4033, SM57s and matched Earthworks TC30 for overheads and distant room miking. I think it is time to get a better vocal mic, one that would also work well for nylon guitar (or acoustics in general). 1000-2000$ is quite an investment for me so obviously I want to make a wise decision. :/

I read earlier a recomendation to buy a used U87 mic (for 1kish) then have it suped up by Stephen Paul.

1) Is the U87 a wise choice considering the mics I presently own and area I am trying to enhance?

2) Any idea how much the modification costs and is it easy to get in touch with Stephen Paul?

3) Any other recommendations or info?

Thanks, ~Parker :)
 
A decent used Neumann U87 goes for around $1300US.

1)Well let me see... Yes!

2)I have not a clue but I read somewhere that a "complete overhaul" (whatever that means) on a U47 ran around $1600US back in '97 (wouldn't be suprised if it's twice that now). But if I remember correctly, there are different things he can do to the same part of the mic (for example the capsule) all depending on how much money you want to spend.

Stephen Paul Audio
13741 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-3023
USA
818-905-9952

I have his e-mail address too but I think it would be better to call him for business inquiries. By the way, you won't talk to Stephen himself unless the person on the phone can't answer your questions.

3)You might also look into tube mics since I don't see a tube mic in your list. If you need some suggestions on that for your price range, just ask.

Contact Stephen Paul Audio and at least look at the options and prices. Then, let us know what they are.
 
With that kind of dough I would probably get a AKG 414 before a U-87.

Ed
 
Maybe... But I was trying to get a little bit of diverity in his large diaphragm condensers when I suggested a tube mic.

Maybe not a tube mic afterall. Whatever it is, I think maybe something which doesn't exaggerate the high-end.

Then thinking again, it will be an all-around vocal mic... Maybe a 414.

Maybe a :

*Lawson L47MP http://www.lawsonmicrophones.com
*Soundelux U99 website?
*Microtech Gefell UM92.1S, M 990 http://www.microtechgefell.com
*Josephson C610 w/KA22S cap www.josephson.com

If he can scrap and save just a little more, I'd most definately suggest:

*Brauner Valvet www.dirk-bauner.com http://www.transaudiogroup.com/brauner/valvet.html
*Manley Reference Cardioid http://www.manleylabs.com

And don't let some of these prices on the websites fool you.
 
Thanks for the advice. I have decided that since this will probably be treated as my 'end all, be all' of mics I am going to save up another month or so to increase my budget. I know it is nice to have variation so that you can choose the mic that is best suited for the particular singer or instrument, but for what I do I feel that I can get away with using one very nice silky-smooth mic for 90% of my micing needs (single source).

An older friend of mine who has been listening to mics alot longer than I have mentioned that the Brauner is a great sounding mic and compares to the U87.

My question now is: if I can get a U87 (including mods) for 3kish, should I really even consider spending the money on a brandnew mic like the Brauner or Manley? How CLOSE do these mics really compare? If the modified U87 is in a league of its own, well then my choice seems clear.

I wish I could hear the mics myself in an A/B comparison, but that is not an option where I live.. I would have to fly somewhere or nag the only big time sudio on the island to let me in. :( Gathering info and recommendations from ppl that are immersed in the world of mics every day is my best bet.

~Parker :)
 
Parker:

I really suggest you contact Stephen Paul Audio and discuss your delemas with them. They'll give you the "real-scoop". I think you'll know exactly what to do after talking to them; whatever that maybe.

Then come-back and do us all here a favor: What'd they say? Huh? What'd they say?

Ric:

You know a good mic when you see/hear one don't you?

For whatever reason, I always forget about B.L.U.E. I don't know why either. Maybe it's because I've not had very many experiences with their products, but what I have had has been finger-lickin' good!
 
I haven't used or heard the Rode Classic II myself; so I should keep it in my suggested list of considerations for this price range of a tube mic; I just forget about it.

Most likely because I have heard the original Rode Classic and I personally like the ones I mentioned above quite a bit better.

I do think the original Classic beats-out the GT AM62 and others I can't think of right now; it's early, I'm go'in to bed.
 
I just got in touch with Steven Pauls office and asked them a few general questions.

1) How much do the modifications run for the U87? They start around 1400ish and run up to 3500.

2) Does the first $1400 modification offer significant results? Yes, that is the big one in terms of sound quality improvement.

3) Do you sell used mics that are already modified? No, but we are usually in touch with ppl that are willing to sell their mics and have been able to find what ppl are looking for before the modification process.

I forgot to ask them about the average legnth of time it takes to finish a mic once it is recieved. In the meantime I am going to continue looking into new mics like the AKG 414 and the Blue Mouse (2kish), but if I stumble across a great deal for a used U87...

If anyone has any good recs or info, or even sees a nice Neumann for sale, pls let me know :) mpr3@hawaii.rr.com
 
Thank You for letting us know what Stephen Paul Audio had to say... please keep us posted.

Whatever you decide, I have a feeling you won't be disappointed with any of them. You seem to be looking in the right direction.

Here's something to think about though:

What pre and cable are you planning to use with your new microphone? Your planned pre should also be a factor when selecting your mic; depending on how the pre and mic characteristics are.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>a nice Neumann for sale<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have a bud who I think at this moment has (3) original U87's. I believe he's looking for 2k ea. He also has a U67 for around 4k...

But I'd really check out BLUE Mouse though.
 
Hello again

The mic pres I am currently using are Focusrite Red 7 and Presonus M80 and they both sound great to me (remembering my mic limitations). Would a tube mic help balance out all these transistors?

About the Blue Mouse, can anyone who has heard this mic tell me their impression? Since I am going to be using this mic primarily in acoustic settings I am worried that if the coloration is too strong (even if it is desirable) that the naturalness of the source might be compromised. Having a relatively honest frequency curve seems to mean that the mic has a better chance of sounding good on most instruments; maybe that is not true though... and the Mouse sounds good on both classical and 12string.

Any comments or info on this subject would be great. I appreciate the help and feedback thus far, thank you :)
 
Hey Parker. Are you still around. Where are you at in your mic decision? Just curious.
 
Maybe you should consider and test out the new Equitek E-350 or VSM tube microphones? These are both fabulous pieces and do a great job on vocals, acoustic guitar or anything else I have tried them on. Great stuff and very affordable as well as top-notch quality!
 
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