Classical Dramatic Baritone Voice microphone recommendations

  • Thread starter Thread starter GoblinInventor
  • Start date Start date
G

GoblinInventor

New member
Hi all,

I'm looking for a good mic for recording a classical/music theatre baritone voice.

Here's a reaaaaaaalllly bad recording (soundwise, and not enough practice in the second case) via my little Flip Camcorder

Art Song: The Vagabond by Ralph Von Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0geddynPr0

Musical Theatre: Stars from Les Miserables
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKXbGOQCDAw

Musical Theatre: Oh What a Beautiful Morning: Oklahoma!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPPWzwR--RQ

Any suggestions?

A tend to fall a bit flat because of the nature of the background recordings or lack thereof :(
 
To give some examples of what I'm currently looking at for microphones...

C-3
Shure SM58
Shure 58 Beta
Rode NT1A Vocal Condenser Microphone
MXL MXL 4000 Multi-Pattern FET Studio Condenser Microphone
MXL 990

Any suggestions on good/bad with regards to these mics?

I'm looking in the range of under $400, preferably under $300.
 
I've never heard of the MXL 4000, so I can't say anything about that.

None of the rest on your list would be in my top 20 for baritone vocalists. They're all too bright except the two 58s which are too dull.

Assuming the singer isn't sibilant, I'd probably try something like an ADK Hamburg (or perhaps its replacement, the Hamburg Mk8).
 
Thanks for the advice!

Just to be even more specific as to range...

I have a three octave total range, low bass C to high tenor C
My tessitura (really strong range) is from the low E to the high F# (possibly G on a good day).
The material I sing uses that entire range (combined I mean, any one piece will usually only use an octave and a half).

Gob

PS: Will submit recordings once I get the equipment, so whatever mic I get can be evaluated (don't know if it'll help anyone, but I figure that might be helpful)
 
Of your list, I don't think the NT1 is a terrible choice. Sure, it's bright, but that's not always a bad thing for a baritone. It is detailed and quiet, but sometimes overly sibilant.

The total opposite choice would be the Shure SM7B. It will cost you around $300, or so. None of the 'exciting sheen' of a cheap condenser, but far more versatile.

I'm a baritone and own both of these mics. Either can work well, given the situation. I like the NT1 for up-close, whispery vocals. For belting it out (theatre-style), the SM7B might be a better choice, imo.
 
I deeply appreciate all the advice.

I have changed my mind somewhat unfortunately. Well, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

I am considering buying three > $150 mics, because I will be working with multiple people, including soprano's, tenor's, basses'. and may be working with some instruments

Currently I've chosen the following

CAD CM217 Small Diaphragm Condenser
Sennheiser E825 Dynamic Super Cardioid
Studio Projects B1 v2 Condenser
Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardioid

The total cost is... $350

Is there a better use of this money considering my projects listed above?

Many Thanks!
Gob
 
GoblinInventor said:
..I am considering buying three > $150 mics, because I will be working with multiple people, including soprano's, tenor's, basses'. and may be working with some instruments..
Click to expand...

At the same time? If not how about just putting all that toward one (or two for stereo) good versatile mics. It's not as much 'this is a tenor's mic and, this is a bass's mic'. If the resources (options) are there, yeah you would likely try different mics to custom match to sound marginally better for a given individual and within a song style/mix context, rather than defined by 'group.
Also, if you're talking about natural tones for recording (you did say 'clasical?) -i.e not live, loud, close miced- Loose the 'live ball mics.
 
That's a very strange choice of mics; I don't think I'd recommend any of the mics listed there, though I can't really comment on the Sennheiser.

Are you saying you need three simultaneous vocal mics plus something usable for instruments? Or are you saying you need a good vocal mic that works well for multiple singers? Those are two very different questions.

Three vocals at a time: maybe three CAD M179s.

One vocal at a time: AT4040 for vocals and a pair of Naiant omnis for instruments.

Regarding those specific mics, the AT2020 is a SDC, so it isn't all that great for vocals---usable, I guess, but not great.

The CAD SDCs... are turds. Frequency response up to 13 kHz? Seriously? I can't think of any useful purpose for these except maybe overheads for a drummer with really cheap, harsh cymbals. :D

Studio Projects B1: pretty bright mics. They work for some singers, but for others, they can be unpleasant---even harsh.
 
Thanks all, this is more of an "I haven't a clue what I'm doing", so thanks for being patient.

I'll look into all these suggestions and consult any information I can find.

Thanks!
 
Oh, and yes, I'm only recording at most 2 singers at a time, usually doing one singer and a midi accompaniment. If there're any considerations to be made with regards to female voice vs. male voice, let me know.

By classical I mean operatic/art song, I also work with musical theatre.

Thanks!
 
While I haven't used any of those four mics (I have used the original Hamburg), most if not all of those have been recommended by a number of folks whose opinions I trust. Given what you seem to be doing, I'd say a pair of 4040 mics would be a great choice.

Also, if you're looking for a colored mic (I think the Bluebird falls into that category), you might also look into the CAD M9 (one of my favorites for tenors, also should be good at taming soprani). Maybe that and a 4040.

So many possibilities. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top