Advice For Next Condenser

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pier Calacino
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Pier Calacino

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Hello all,

I currently have a MXL V67 that I use for vocals, and I would like to pick up another vocal mic that would provide another and different coloration.

Any suggestions on what mic would give me that other end of the spectrum/coloration as compared to the V67 ?

If it helps, I have a similar voice/style as Steve Perry (Journey) Peter Cetera (Chicago)

Thanks
Pier
 
Most other microphones will sound "different".
So...
What's the budget?
What kind of mixer or mic pre are you using?
Can you try before you buy, or use a dealer with a liberal return policy?

You may want to try condensers with a flatter response than the V67,
some different dynamic microphones, and ribbons-if you have a good
quiet pre with lots of gain.

Chris
 
Hi Chess,

Budget: maybe $500.00 (I could get more mic if I buy used)
Mixer: Soundcraft M8
Yes I can try before I buy and I realize each and every mic does sound different

I have an Sm58 and it sounds OK I guess?

I guess the real question is which ones to demo first?

I was hoping someone would say: Well lets see, you have a V67 and a SM58, and they sound like this, so I would try this mic because it sounds totaly different and would flatter a voice like Steve Perry or Peter Cetera.

Does this help?

Thanks
Pier
 
Pier Calacino said:
I was hoping someone would say: Well lets see, you have a V67 and a SM58, and they sound like this, so I would try this mic because it sounds totaly different and would flatter a voice like Steve Perry or Peter Cetera.

Well, let's see . . . you have a v67 and an sm58, which sound like ass and ass-squared.

Just kidding. :D

You have a v67, which I assume would probably sound pretty good on the guys you just mentioned -- as both voices are definitely in the higher registers (1st tenor, maybe even 2nd soprano). I can imagine that kind of voice actually benefitting from the exaggerated proximity effect and low mids that I find characteristic of that mic. My guess is that it would give a Steve Perry-type voice some extra balls without the mud it usually imparts on lower voices. Just a guess.

As far as the 58 goes, I would also guess that it would probably make for a decent match, as well -- but I would also presume that a higher voice might run in to the danger of sounding too nasal in the right (wrong) circumstances.

So what you have, in essence, is one mic that exaggerates the lows / low mids, and another that's somewhat on the midrangy side.

What it appears you don't have are :

a) A neutral mic, which would be my first choice for higher voices; ie - most women and/or Steve Perry. Choices: Shure ksm32, Blue Baby Bottle. Budget options: CAD m37, Studio Projects B1.

b) A "sheen" mic (boosted highs / high-mids). See Rode NT1000, NTK, Studio Projects C1.

The danger with sheen mics on higher voices is the inevitably exaggerated sibilance issues; and they can sound just plain harsh at times . . . although you never really know. This isn't an exact science by any means. :D

Good luck.
 
Agree with Chessrock on this one.

Although I'm not a 1st tenor like yourself, the "top" of my voice is bright. Usually a relatively neutral sounding microphone
seems to work the best on me, as otherwise sibilance starts becoming noticable. If you have a de-esser handy it'll expand your options, however, I don't like having to do the extra step.

Out of the dynamic microphones, the M88TG works very well on me. They generally sell for $200 or less on e-bay.
You could get a classic dynamic like that AND a nice condensor.
The M88 is known to work well with high (bright) tenor voices,
and you can use it for live performance. It has a much clearer mid and top end response than a '58, although you have to watch its
proximity effect more. Has a "ballsy" low end as a result.
Less of the massive presence boost of a '58 too, so it's smoother.

A real sleeper in the $125 and under (used) class, is the Peavey PVM 520i, a large diaphram dynamic. Brighter than the M88 though, yet still works very well on my voice. I lucked out and got
a mint one for $60!! (original street price was $300)
The other big sleeper is the Beyer Soundstar MKII that Harvey
Gerst clued me into. (thanks!)
Now you know most of my secrets! :)

Chris
 
Thanks guys,

This is all great info. I'll have to try the mic's you have mentioned.


Pier
 
If you want to stay with a LDC, I'd suggest trying the Studio Projects B1... they only cost $79-$85, but they're a great mic (I've got a pair of them) and sound much more expensive.

Sound-wise, the B1 is much smoother; no scooped mids or peaked highs, which should compliment the scooped/peaked sound of the V67. The B1 is also VERY quiet compared to the V67.

Also, if you've got a Steve Perry-ish voice, you probably don't need the scooped mids and extra sizzle on top.
 
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