Electrovoice mics ...

  • Thread starter Thread starter cjacek
  • Start date Start date
cjacek

cjacek

Analogue Enthusiast
Hi,

I was fortunate enough to pick up a mint in-box ev 635a and I really like it. Are there any "vintage" electrovoice dynamics out-there (eBay) that you'd wholeheartedly recommend I add to my recording arsenal ? (I like the 60's and 70's sound). I also have an sm57 and although it sounds good, I prefer the 635a for my voice and piano which I mic. It sounds more natural and isn't "honky" like the 57. Anyway, please let me know. Thanks so much! ---------Daniel
 
I think the PL series is really interesting. I have a PL11 and a PL95A. The PL11 is the best live sound mic for acoustic bass I have ever heard. It's very flat and has no proximity effect. The PL95A is pretty detailed but can sound harsh on some sources. It’s only draw back is that it has a very low output – almost as low as a ribbon mic. I think any of them are worth at least $50 if they’re in decent shape.
 
The 635A used to be a studio standard, and it's still very popular. Definitely making a comeback, because it's still such a useful thing to have around.

I've really been enjoying an Electrovoice 666 I picked up not long ago (from someone on this board, actually -- I forget). Chessparov kind of tipped me off to it (Where's that guy been, lately?) I think it's great, and I want about 100 more. It is a little honky / grainy like a 57, but what you really have to like about it is how smooth it is in the high end. I'm telling you, it's almost ribbon-like. Otherwise peaky esses and consonants just sound so smooth and clear -- even if you use some EQ to jack up the high end. Love it.

You should keep your eyes peeled for a used RE-15. Those are also really nice to have around. They do really well anywhere you'd otherwise use a 57 -- only with a much tighter pattern (better rejection, like an MD-441) and it will usually sound a little better, too.
 
I still find use for a PL-80 every now and then. Not bad inside a kick sometimes. Decent on vocals.
 
I picked up a 635a a while back and have yet to find a use for it. To my ear it sounds thin, boxy, cheap...I've read interviews with Don Dixon and Mitch Easter recommending this mike. What application do you guys use it for?
 
Thanks very much for the info guys! I will be keeping an eye out for the 666 and RE-15, and perhaps a second 635a ;) :) Say, would any of you know of a place where I could purchase a mic clip for my 635a ? I just bought a boom stand to mic a piano but the mic clip for my 57 is too large for the 635a .. :(

Thanks, :)

Daniel
 
TNO said:
I picked up a 635a a while back and have yet to find a use for it. To my ear it sounds thin, boxy, cheap...I've read interviews with Don Dixon and Mitch Easter recommending this mike. What application do you guys use it for?
Click to expand...

The "cheap" sound you mention is perhaps a lack of "proximity effect" that you're hearing ?? I did an A/B of the 57 and 635a and the only major difference is in the proximity effect and mid freq. The 635a has a kinda nice bright and a bit grainy, and certainly "vintage" sound to it. I was surprised how light it was tho and that it was less able to withstand handling noise than the 57. Still, I very much like the sound of the 635a. I think it's best suited to a baritone voice.

Daniel
 
If you check out some of my previous post you will see that I constantly preach about the Ev-635a as a great mic for distorted guitar. I own 2 right now and you can not beat them for the money. I record alot of metal and this mic seems to always beat out the rest of my collection for guitar.
As far as a clip goes, I have yet to find one that fits. If I knew where to get one I would already own it. Im using the old standby lol masking tape. Holds the mic in place and doesn't leave the sticky mess.
 
BTW TNO- since your 635a is so useless Ill take it off your hands for 20 bucks. Just send me your email address and the payment will be on its way.
 
Wireneck said:
BTW TNO- since your 635a is so useless Ill take it off your hands for 20 bucks. Just send me your email address and the payment will be on its way.
Click to expand...

Yeah, me want that one too! I'll fight you for it! :D ;)
 
Wireneck said:
Im using the old standby lol masking tape. Holds the mic in place and doesn't leave the sticky mess.
Click to expand...

Good to know, thanks!

Daniel :)
 
Ok guys, but how about some nice EV condensers, not too expensive, but that have a nice flat freq response and pretty much pick up what you hear ? I'm talkin' some "vintage" ones that can be had on eBay.

Thanks,

Daniel
 
Hey chess, that was me you bought the mic from. I scored 2 super clean ones here in KC at a pawnshop that actually had the cannon connectors.

You might also keep an eye out for a nice RE-16, which is the same mic as the 15, but with an improved windscreen desgn. From what I remember Chessparov saying, you can get that 666 sound from an RE20.
 
I agree with Wireneck - the 635a is great on a loud guitar. And if you don't like that, stick it down the throat of a howler and be happy. If you don't like that either, it's broken and you should give it away to someone who wouldn't know the difference. Like me.
 
freshmattyp said:
Hey chess, that was me you bought the mic from. I scored 2 super clean ones here in KC at a pawnshop that actually had the cannon connectors.

You might also keep an eye out for a nice RE-16, which is the same mic as the 15, but with an improved windscreen desgn. From what I remember Chessparov saying, you can get that 666 sound from an RE20.
Click to expand...

That's right. Damn memory. :D That's really turned out to be a nice mic. Cut a few vocal tracks with it where it just really did the trick. You can EQ tons of high end and it never sounds harsh. I've always liked RE-20's but this thing's got something unique going on.
 
Warhead said:
Hey Chess, isn't the RE-15 the mini RE-20 looking mic? I've got a buddy with like 4 to sell.
Click to expand...

Nope...
The RE15 kinda looks like an extended body 635a...
Great mics, as are the RE16s, which is essentially the same mic with a vocal screen...
The RE18 is a winner, too...
All of the above are great on amp cabinets, percussion, even certain vocals...

The mic that looks like a mini-RE20 is a PL10 (I think)....
(I'm looking for one if they're indeed for sale, BTW)...

Not to be confused with the RE10, which looks kinda like an RE15...

Confusing, ain't it??
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top