Advice For Next Condenser

[Pier Calacino]

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

 

[chessparov]

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

 

[Pier Calacino]

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

 

[chessrock]

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.

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.

Good luck.

 

[Pier Calacino]

Thanks Chess,

I appreciate your input!

Pier

 

[chessparov]

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

 

[Pier Calacino]

Thanks guys,

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


Pier

 

[kid klash]

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.