Back to Mic questions. LOL

[malcolm123]

I have been asking in another forum how to achieve a certain sound from Vox.

Here is a link to the other post https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90493

Anyhoo,, I was thinking about trying the bright condenser approach. Since I do not feel like my current mic collection has any as you would say " Bright Mics" ,, whats the difference in having a mic that was designed for brightness in regards to taking a somewhat neutral mic and boosting the higher frequencies with a EQ?

Have :
V67g
SM57s
ADK 51
Sure bg 5.1 ( I think )
Senn something ( looks like a 57)

Just ordered a B1

Any thoughts welcomed

Thanks

Malcolm

 

[Fab4ever]

I'm not sure I can answer your question, but I had the same sort of quandary. My vocal mics were V-67G and SP B1 - neither known for being particularly bright. So... I purchased a Marshall MXL V-93 (same as 2003) from Muscisians Friend for $89. I just got it and haven't plugged it in yet, but if they're still going for that price at MF, seems to me it's worth the plunge. You could always sell on eBay, probably for close to $100 (they are commonly $150 new).

Fab

 

[malcolm123]

I'm not sure I can answer your question, but I had the same sort of quandary. My vocal mics were V-67G and SP B1 - neither known for being particularly bright. So... I purchased a Marshall MXL V-93 (same as 2003) from Muscisians Friend for $89. I just got it and haven't plugged it in yet, but if they're still going for that price at MF, seems to me it's worth the plunge. You could always sell on eBay, probably for close to $100 (they are commonly $150 new).

Fab

Ill take a look at the V-93 for that price.
Even if it doesn't give me what im looking for,, for 89 bucks Im sure I can use it for something sooner or later.

Thanks

Malcolm

 

[chessparov]

At least two other important factors;

1) Having the same engineering know-how as on that record.
2) Ideally having a singer who can sing "bright".

More important than just getting another microphone IMHO.

Chris

 

[chessrock]

To get that effect, it's very common to boost between 12-15 khz -- or a high shelf starging just above the singer's sibilant range, usually starting aroung 10-12 khz. The amount of boost will usually be anywhere between 2 to 4 dbs, depending on the mic, the singer, etc.

As far as brighter condenser mics go, the Studio Projects C1 has a lot of "built-in" air, as will most any Rode mic. I see you're also looking at the mxl v93. Yup. That's a bright one, too.

The trick is to boost the air without exaggerating sibilance and harsh consonants. For that, you'll have to rely on the singer's technique . . . or familiarize yourself with the joys of the multiband compressor (Waves C4, TC Finalizer, etc.).

Good luck.

 

[malcolm123]

Thanks All

Chess, I agree that getting another mic is probably the lesser, but I have heard of a few tricks that are used to achieve this sound. They are all different, but as I think about each one, they all kinda makes since from a mixing perspective.

The new mic would just be a good (cheap ) addition to my mic collection.

And yes, this vocalist can do it, I think a bright mic would really help the mixing process to be a lot easier while Im trying to figure out how to do it.

I will save the C4 for last. LOL If I cannot get it on the console , then I will reach for the plugs.


Thanks
Malcolm

 

[chessparov]

Malcolm, you may find it interesting to do some research on the higher end enhancers/exciters like the SPL Vitalizer.

If you would like to learn about Motown's "Exciting Compressor" technique, let me know and I'll look up my notes-if you liked that
"sound" (don't really listen much to Mariah's stuff).
It did sell a "few" records too though!

Chris

 

[DigitMus]

I would go with a brighter mic, rather than using EQ or other tricks. For one thing, boosting the high end EQ will increase the amount of noise as well as play with the phase response of your track. Also, brightness isn't purely a function of the frequency curve of a mic; a faster transient response can contribute greatly, and cannot be "EQed in" if it ain't there in the first place.
JMHO

Scott