Good General LDC

[JPXTom]

New Vocal Condenser...SPB1? AT3035?

I'm looking at getting a nice condenser for vocals(most important), acoustic guitar..anything else i can use it for...I'm looking for versatility, but more important it need to have a decent sound with vocals. I've been thinking either M-Audio Luna/Nova, Studio Projects B-1, AT3035, or maybe an MXL960...a decent vocal condenser with a little versatility is what I'm looking for here, any other suggestions within the price range of 100-250 would be nice as well. Ive heard some good things about all those mics, and im just trying to see which would be best for what i need it for.

 

[Paj]

Oh, you said " a little" versatility. I was going to suggest the CAD m179 in that price range but that has a lot of versatility.

I have a pair of SP-B1 (originals), like 'em, but, IMHO, they have their own definite character and I don't describe them as neutral and I definitely don't find them to be hyped in the high end. I often use it as a blend mic. I also have an MXL 960 and personally prefer it on vocals and guitar to the SP-B1. Of course, the B1 is easier to set up than the 960.

I don't have experience with the other mics you mentioned.

Paj
8^)

 

[prestomation]

I bought a AT3035 but i didn't seem like much of a step up from my SP B1. I took it back and got the 4040, which I like much better. I use it on everything, and i think it sounds best on vocals. If you can swing it, it's worth a look.

 

[HeyHeyMyMy]

Will you be the primary vocalist that you'll be recording? If so, why not try them all out somewhere and see which suits your voice?

I've used the SP B1 on acoustic guitar and it sounds all right. In that price range, the MXL V67g works relatively well on my voice, but that doesn't mean that you'll like it on yours. Anyway, good luck!

 

[sound125]

One of the smoothest mics for under $200 is the AT 3035, which I find myself choosing over the 4040 (another mic I like, but that's a little more expensive). The 3035 is bright, yet is not hyped on the top end like many of the mics today and has a tight low end that doesn't get muddy. Quite frankly, I think some of the best sounding condensor mics I've used over the last ten years are made by Audio Technica.

 

[Big Kenny]

Big fan of the CAD 179 or even the 177 in that price range, never cared for the 3035, like the 4040 or 4033

 

[JPXTom]

Will you be the primary vocalist that you'll be recording? If so, why not try them all out somewhere and see which suits your voice?

I've used the SP B1 on acoustic guitar and it sounds all right. In that price range, the MXL V67g works relatively well on my voice, but that doesn't mean that you'll like it on yours. Anyway, good luck!

well thats the thing...i will be mostly the main vocalist, but since i have people come to record here, i also want one that will suite a good amount of voices. I need a mic that can do a midrange-higher voices very well...thats my range, and most of my clients i guess hah. Like if anyone knows the vocalist Anthony Green..i'd like a mic that would be good for a voice like his(hes the singer of cirac survive)...and does guitar center allow u to try out mics hah?

 

[tone_aot]

You can pick up an AT4040 on ebay for about $230! I've seen alot of good deals on those lately. Wish i had the cash. I'd snatch one!

 

[homestudioguy]

The CAD M9 tube mic does a nice job on voice and acoustic guitar.
ABout $299 new but for less on eBay or used.
The sE SE2200A is nice for mid to high voices and nice on guitar as well.
They are also $299 new and less on eBay/used.
The CAD M9 has a little more sparkle that you have to dial in with the SE2200A.
BG/HSG

 

[jessesetsfire]

hahaha lolerskates

 

[jessesetsfire]

CAD M9 is good i use them

 

[cusebassman]

CAD M9 is good i use them

So what pre are you using with that CAD M9, running into your Tascam 424?

 

[JPXTom]

Alright i have another question...i hear a lot of good about the 3035, and also a lot of good about the Studio Projects B1...if you could pick only of the two, which would you? Cause i want either one or the other.

 

[homestudioguy]

AKG Perception 200 for $159.
http://www.eqmag.com/story.asp?storycode=18664

 

[lumbago]

Any of the Rode range will be useful for you.

 

[cavedog101]

Theres a lot of MoJo as well as quality build and very characteristic voicing in the ADK Vienna or the Hamburg. $300 will generally get you one of these. You really do want character in a vocal mic. Not everyones voice has that. The AT mics are great...Neither the 4040 or the 3035 is what I would call a vocal mic though theres nothing that says they wouldnt be perfect for you in your room with your gear....Thats the ONLY place you'll be able to properly choose from. The 4040 is like the swiss-army mic....good on much...Never outstanding, though small bodied instruments, ie: mandolin, bazouki, some twelvestring guitars, all the woodwinds, fiddle....instruments like these, are what this mic really shines on.

The reason is the LACK of built-in character. Its simply a fine reproducer of the source at hand. A LOT of people dont like to 'hear' their vocals straight-up and clear......I dont.

Unless you are recording through a very high-end preamp which allows you to dial-up some character, then you have to choose a mic that add some of its own while faithfully reproducing the source clearly and cleanly.


The ADK mics do this and I never hesitate to throw one up in lieu of the U87 or the other higher end mics I have available.

 

[JPXTom]

Hmm..thanks for the last 2 suggestions..i was listening to some vocal recordings wit hthat akg that sound good..i just need a step up from my MXL 990...its just not giving me what i need in vocal recordings. And in regards to the rode suggestion, how does the NT1-! sound with vocals(trying to stay within that (200-300 range..or less).

 

[JPXTom]

Theres a lot of MoJo as well as quality build and very characteristic voicing in the ADK Vienna or the Hamburg. $300 will generally get you one of these. You really do want character in a vocal mic. Not everyones voice has that. The AT mics are great...Neither the 4040 or the 3035 is what I would call a vocal mic though theres nothing that says they wouldnt be perfect for you in your room with your gear....Thats the ONLY place you'll be able to properly choose from. The 4040 is like the swiss-army mic....good on much...Never outstanding, though small bodied instruments, ie: mandolin, bazouki, some twelvestring guitars, all the woodwinds, fiddle....instruments like these, are what this mic really shines on.

The reason is the LACK of built-in character. Its simply a fine reproducer of the source at hand. A LOT of people dont like to 'hear' their vocals straight-up and clear......I dont.

Unless you are recording through a very high-end preamp which allows you to dial-up some character, then you have to choose a mic that add some of its own while faithfully reproducing the source clearly and cleanly.


The ADK mics do this and I never hesitate to throw one up in lieu of the U87 or the other higher end mics I have available.

Yeah i looked them up on ebay...250-300 for the vienna or hamburg...I know what you mean though about character of voice..and that is what im looking for. Thanks for the suggestion.