Help: choose V67G, SP-B1, or NT1000?

[aznwonderboy]

After reading many comments and recommendations on this forum, I ordered 3 mics: MXL-V67G, Studio Projects B1, and Rhode NT1000 for vocal application (soft rock and pop).

I tested them on my Studio Projects VTB-1 preamp, but I can't seem to find any major difference on the sound.

I can only keep 1 mic (for budget reason). In addition, I hate the fact that every time I record vocal, I have to test out 3 different mics . It's time-consuming. I don't even have much time to mess around with all the possible combinations of EQ, FX, and Reverbs for one mic, muchless with three.

QUESTION: Which one should I keep so that when I mess around with the EQ and FX, I won't have to wonder if the other 2 mics could have given me better sound?

-My voice: probably in the range of a tenor. (However, I want the microphone that's good for all voices.)

 

[ozraves]

The thing about cheaper preamps is that all mics tend to sound alike. The VTB1 does a better job than other cheap preamps but depending your converters and your ears the differences may not be apparent to you.

Why don't you post some samples so we can hear how you sound through each mic?

 

[Gus]

Thats odd. I own a nt1000 , SP C1, and a bunch of v67s. I use the v67s for the body and capsules I change the electronics to tube or SS. The NT1000 is built like a tank but I could not stand it stock so I upgraded some caps. I left the C1 alone. I compare the microphones to a Brauner VM1 and a TLM103 as a ref.


I have not heard a B1 or b3 but I do like the 3 micron 797 capsule I have heard.

 

[alanhyatt]

QUESTION: Which one should I keep so that when I mess around with the EQ and FX, I won't have to wonder if the other 2 mics could have given me better sound?

-My voice: probably in the range of a tenor. (However, I want the microphone that's good for all voices.)

If all the mikes work for you, then you either write a number from 1 to 3, put it in a hat and pick one, or track with all of them recording the same passage on voice, then have a friend mix up the playback of each track to do a blind test.

Many users do not have the hearing abilitites others have spent years tuning into. To many users, it does sound the same, and this may be the case for you, but don't feel bad about it... Obviously, you wish to get down to business and have some fun recording.

The mikes you are using do sound different. The RODE and V67 may work better for vocal, but the B1 will also give you a good recording of vocal as well, but it is more of a utility mic, in other words good on everything, but not dedicated to any one purpose.

So, here is my offering to you. and just my opinion. The NT1000 is very bright, the V67 is very dark, and the B1 is, well in the middle or more neutral, but not known as a dedicated vocal mic, but can be used as one.

If you can not hear the difference on any of them, then get the one that costs the least, so this way, you will have more money as you develope to buy more mikes and mic amps...

I have to disagree that all low cost mic amps sound the same. They don't, just like all low cost cars don't perform the same. The engine(design) in the VTB-1 is descrete, and it sounds different than a mic amp that uses a chip design.

My 2 cents....

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group

 

[DJL]

After reading many comments and recommendations on this forum, I ordered 3 mics: MXL-V67G, Studio Projects B1, and Rhode NT1000 for vocal application (soft rock and pop).

I tested them on my Studio Projects VTB-1 preamp, but I can't seem to find any major difference on the sound.

I can only keep 1 mic (for budget reason). In addition, I hate the fact that every time I record vocal, I have to test out 3 different mics . It's time-consuming. I don't even have much time to mess around with all the possible combinations of EQ, FX, and Reverbs for one mic, muchless with three.

QUESTION: Which one should I keep so that when I mess around with the EQ and FX, I won't have to wonder if the other 2 mics could have given me better sound?

-My voice: probably in the range of a tenor. (However, I want the microphone that's good for all voices.)

If you can't hear a difference between the V67G, B1, NT1000... keep the cheapest one.

 

[Flatpicker]

Re: Re: Help: choose V67G, SP-B1, or NT1000?

If you can't hear a difference between the V67G, B1, NT1000... keep the cheapest one.

That would be my suggestion as well.

 

[ausrock]

Am I seeing things or did DJ just agree with Alan.

That is nice to see.

 

[aznwonderboy]

The NT1000 is very bright, the V67 is very dark, and the B1 is, well in the middle or more neutral, but not known as a dedicated vocal mic, but can be used as one

Now that I pay more attention, the differences are there. Each mic has its own characteristic. I usually associate bright with "treble". NT1000 has some treble. V67 is dark for sure. B1 has less treble than the NT1000, but it's considered to be the neutral one of the three.

Thanks everyone so far for contributing your opinions and wisdom.

Arghhh...now I guess I have to make a decision in picking one...maybe I should keep all for future uses. If you were in my situation, what would you do?

-----

BTW, I am using Cool Edit Pro to do all the recording and editing. I use Dynamic Processing (VocalComp or VocalLimit) to compress the vocal track. Then I add on QuickVerb (Outdoor Venue) and Multitap Delay (18% feedbac Simple Echo) for a nice echo.

 

[DJL]

Am I seeing things or did DJ just agree with Alan.

That is nice to see.

Well, I wouldn't call the V67G a dark mic... but in this case, I do agree with Alan that wonderboy should keep the cheapest mic.

 

[DigitalDon]

Hmmmmm. Cool looking green mic with gold screen. Hmmmmm, which one to keep??? I have a couple of B1's and a V67G and like them both for their own reasons. Tip of the day - you can't have too many mics

DD

 

[chessrock]

As a tie-breaker, you might consider trying the mic out on some other sources: a guitar, some sort of percussion, your cat meowing, etc. If any of them seem really seem to catch your ear on something else, then put that in to consideration.

I'd also try and get an ouside opinion. Most of the guys who self-produce their own work don't have anywhere near the necessary objectivity to make a judgement call on their own material. If you've got a way to post samples, then do it.

None of us is likely to make a guess or draw a name out of a hat any better than you are.