AT4033 for male vocals (baritone)

[wes480]

Ok, I have 2 mics that I use for my vocals right now, the SP C1, and a Rode NTK.

I like them both basically, but, not *quite* what I am looking for on this project.

I want a nice transparent "rock" sound..

the C1 sounds a little too smoothe and polished..

the NTK so far is giving me to much "air".

How do you guys think the AT4033 might work out? That's the next mic I am considering trying...or, other suggestions are welcome.

It's just that I've heard so much good stuff from and about the 4033 on other things I think I will get one anyways, even if it isn't the best for my voice...so, hopefully it would be good.

=wes

 

[chessrock]

If you're getting too much polish and air with your current setup, I'm afraid another condenser will just wind up being more of the same.

I think what you're looking for is one of these:

http://www.bswonline.com/prod_item.asp?item=RE20


Or maybe something along these lines:

http://www.bswonline.com/prod_item.asp?item=SM7B

I think if you're looking for a straightforward rock sound; aggressive, no-polish, no-bullshit, then a quality dynamic mic will deliver the goods. Trust me on this one.

 

[stonepiano]

HEY CHESS,

you recommended a similar large dynamic to me too. They idea is intriguing to me and I'd like to see what these sound like.

Do you know where I might try the electrovoice in Chicago? I don't recall seeing these at GC or at Gand in Northfield. BTW, I'm on the north shore currently but will drive over town if there's a good mic shop I don't know about. What about mic/mic pre rentals?

thanks for the help.

stone

 

[wes480]

ok chess, you've convinced me.

a 4033 and an re20 are the two mics I have been wanting to get...

(also a Sennheister MDU414)...but you think re20 over the 414?

please respond quickly if possible...i am going to order an re20 before i head for work with your go ahead

-wes

 

[chessrock]

Hey Stonepiano,

I'm assuming you are probably only a stone's-throwing distance (pun intended) from Gand Music in Northfield (847-446-4263).

I would give them a call. They carry all the higher-end stuff. If they can't help you, I'm sure they can direct you elsewhere.


Wes, the 414 may/may not be an exception to the rule. I can't say, since I have very limited experience with it. The RE20 is just another monster altogether . . . if you don't love it on your voice, you will find something you love it on -- kick drum, bass, horns, guitar amp, etc.


oops. I just noticed, Stone, that you mentioned Gand already. Not sure who I'd direct you to. I know I've seen them at the Guitar Center on Halsted. I'd call and ask for Shawn. He's very helpful and accomodating when it comes to trying out mics (not your typical nimwit Guitar Center weasle), as long as it's not a busy day.

 

[wes480]

the only other question i have is, i have seen you say before that the SM7 is very dependent on the preamp you are using....as to whether or not you get a good sound.

I am probably going to do an RNP...or if not that something else in the near future...but for now I am just using the preamps on my Aardvark Q10.

Something like a Mackie XDR pre....how do you think that would work on an RE20?

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Originally posted by wes480 Ok, I have 2 mics that I use for my vocals right now, the SP C1, and a Rode NTK.

I like them both basically, but, not *quite* what I am looking for on this project.

I want a nice transparent "rock" sound..

the C1 sounds a little too smoothe and polished.

=wes

Wes, before you rush out and buy another mic, try running the C1 track thru a distortion box. I use the SansAmp TRI-O.D., adding just a little distortion to the clean sound.

Sometimes, that's all it needs for the vocal track to sit right in a mix.

 

[stonepiano]

oops. I just noticed, Stone, that you mentioned Gand already. Not sure who I'd direct you to. I know I've seen them at the Guitar Center on Halsted. I'd call and ask for Shawn. He's very helpful and accomodating when it comes to trying out mics (not your typical nimwit Guitar Center weasle), as long as it's not a busy day.

Yeah. I worked at Gand for about a year....Selling mics...
It's funny how I'm way more prepared to sell gear now that I'm now working there...

 

[chessparov]

"distortion box"

J-o-e M-e-e-k, that's how I spell distortion box!

Thanks Harvey for the great idea.
Wouldn't the "tube blend" on a VTB-1 also be another possibility?


Wes, how about also checking out a Meek compressor?
Try them out, you may like one.
I have a MC2 for "dirty" and a Fmr. Audio RNC for "clean".
Although the Meek is pretty transparent when you don't push it,
and it adds "balls" when you do.

You could also try a small diaphram dynamic you already have too.

Chris

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Re: "distortion box"

Thanks Harvey for the great idea.
Wouldn't the "tube blend" on a VTB-1 also be another possibility?

Chris

It's not quite the same thing. On some rock vocals, you need some "grit" in there, and it needs to be the right kind of "grit".

With the SansAmp. I like the "Tweed" setting and then I just start cranking up the "Drive" control till the track sounds right.

Sometimes the British setting (read Marshall) works better, but either way, you don't need much.

It's kinda amazing, really. You don't actually hear the distortion as much as you just get a sense of the vocal finally sounding "right".

 

[Dot]

wes, from what you're describing, a 414 could be a logical conclusion to consider.

Also, you might give an SM57 a shot if you have one around.

 

[chessparov]

Another worthy dynamic microphone consideration is the Beyer M88 or
M88 TG. My recently acquired M88 TG has been giving excellent results
on rock style vocals. The signal chain has been;
M88TG>VTB-1>Joe Meek MC2 (mild compression)>RNC>recorder.
I picked the TG (Tour Group) model because the way its built is more
robust than the standard M88. The resulting sound is thicker than the
Shure SM57 I've also been using.

Chris

P.S. I think Wes was referring to the Sennheiser 441, as there is is no
"414" model with that company. Haven't used the 441, however,
the M88 is somewhat similar in sound according to Bill Parks at
www.prorec.com, one of the pro engineers who frequents there.
And yes I've "heard" of the AKG 414! (and sung through it)

 

[chessparov]

Correction, meant to say "Bill Park" at www.prorec.com

Chris

 

[wes480]

thanks for all of the input guys...

i think i will look into a joe meek a bit more.

you can't get just a meek compressor can you? just preamp?

for some reason a while back i thought meek was going out of business.

but, I think I will go with an RE20...i know it will be great on kick drum and bass at least.

 

[chessparov]

Wes, the Joe Meek MC2, SC2.2, and SC2 are all "just compressors".
There are no "pre-amp only" units in their product line.
For more info, check out www.joemeek.com
I bought a "demo" unit from Alan Hyatt, and he has some left.
It was in superb condition BTW.

Chris