Darker toned mic $200?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dickiefunk
  • Start date Start date
dickiefunk

dickiefunk

New member
Hi are there any good darker/warmer toned mics out there under $200? I already have a Rode NT1a and Studio Projects B1 which are nice mics but on certain vocals they can sound slightly harsh and piercing.
Are there any darker sounding LDC's in this price bracket? I've heard people say the M-Audio Luna is darker than the typical budget LDC's? Some other options I'm considering are a ribbon mic T.Bone RM700 or a dynamic such as the Shure SM57 or Sennheiser E840? I possible I'd like to still have excellent detail without the harshness. What would you recommend?

Thanks
 
I would definitely consider a ribbon. The Nady/Apex/Cascade/TBone/etc. are in your pricerange. I like the Nady RSM-2 for vocal work.

Not an LDC, but the Kel HM-1 is darker than your average condenser.
 
Thanks scrubs. I like the look of the KEL HM-1 but can't find where to buy it in the UK? I've also seen the Audio Technica 2020 which is also meant to be darker?
 
...and check out the info on the Karma K6 which happens to be on sale right now for $199...
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=244042

...ribbon mics tend to have a "darker" tone that works well on a lot of sources...the K6 is unusual in that it is phantom-powered, which heightens the mic's sensitivity...thus you get a bit more detail in the higher end than with a lot of the other inexpensive ribbon mics at that price point...and they ship internationally as well...worth a look...
 
I will second the Kel HM-1. I have two of them. I use them for overheads and vocal sometimes. They rock! I actually called the guy at KEL audio (I forgot his name) and he was very prompt and informative. He might ship overseas?

If it helps I have heard the Kel HM-1 is almost the exact same as an AT2020.

The KEL is a dark mic though :)
 
Look into budget ribbons or MXL V67. I used to own the MXL, and it did provide a dare I say "warmer" sound :D

I bet the Rode NT1a and Studio Projects B1 are a little "harse" on some vocals. The B1 was a little too crisp for my liking, but is a good general purpose tool.
 
I scored a used EV PL20 off of eBay for $220. It's definitely "darker" than most of the Chinese LDCs.

That said, the MXL V67g sounds more up your alley than say the SP B1. I have both and though I'm no expert, the MXL definitely sounds "darker" than the B1.

Best of luck!
 
Well this definatly isn't going to be something you're looking at but I've found it to be very dark and completely kick ass on screams and lower toned vocalists. Audix D6, yes a kick mic. For the longest time I told myself certain mics could only be for certain things and I'm glad I got out of that mindset. The D6 or probably most lower voiced mics(sm7, re20) seem to work really well on certain vocal types. You won't get any harshness out of this mic.
 
Thanks for all the replies so far guys! I'm leaning more towards the MXL V67 because I can get it in the UK from between £54-£79. I noticed that there are 2 different models 67g and 67i ? One has 2 switchable capsules for different sounds and one has 1 capsule. Which would you recommend?
 
dickiefunk said:
Thanks for all the replies so far guys! I'm leaning more towards the MXL V67 because I can get it in the UK from between £54-£79. I noticed that there are 2 different models 67g and 67i ? One has 2 switchable capsules for different sounds and one has 1 capsule. Which would you recommend?
Click to expand...


Well if you like options go with the i, but if you really want that dark sound and want to save a couple bucks go with the g. I have the g and love it. It's often my go to mic on vocals.
 
I read a review on the MXL V67 in sound on sound for 2001 and it was called the V67. Is the V67g and updated version? If yes then what changed?
 
dickiefunk said:
I read a review on the MXL V67 in sound on sound for 2001 and it was called the V67. Is the V67g and updated version? If yes then what changed?
Click to expand...

...earlier models had a black body..later they added the "g" which has the vintage (AKG) green body...no differences otherwise...
 
I also have a V67. I prefer the HM1 generally as the V67 is kind of muddy in the mids and tends to be a little more edgy at the same time despite it's reputation as being a dark mic. Could just be the one I have I suppose. YMMV.
 
dickiefunk said:
Thanks scrubs. I like the look of the KEL HM-1 but can't find where to buy it in the UK? I've also seen the Audio Technica 2020 which is also meant to be darker?
Click to expand...

Unless you're comparing it to mics that are overly bright, the AT2020 is not at all dark. It's a fairly precise SDC.

Ribbons can be dark, though aren't necessarily so.

If you're looking for dark, yeah, you might look for a used ADK Generis GT-2 like this one. They're pretty hard to find, and at least mine is quite dark.
 


V67--->ART PRO MPA--->ART PRO VLA--->M-audio 11010lt--->Reaper

Instrumentals by CD backing track, only thing I did was record my wifes voice and mix from there.
 
Last edited:
One of the main reasons why I need a darker mic is because I work with a pro mezzo soprano gospel singer (Aretha Franklin style) and I found the NT1a and B1 to be harsh and brittle on her wailing high notes. I've read that a lot of people prefer the V67g / i on male vocals?
 
I should listen to what I post, the above link has been updated, previous made it sound like she was gargling.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top