Help me up-grade please....

[rdozz]

I want to take the next step up in quality and not go sideways or down. Here is a list of equipment in my very modest collection:
Mics:
2) AT4050s
1) AT4047
1) AT4040
2) MXL 603s
1) MXL 69
1) EV RE-20
2) sm57s
2) sm58s
1) AKG D112
1) sm81
Preamps:
1) GR ME-1NV
1) RNP
1) Sound Craft M8
Compressors:
2) RNC
1) MDX 2100
Multi track recorders:
2) AW4416 linked for 16 track and 32 play back
Software:
Cubase SE
UAD 1

I am trying to decide between microphone addition:
TLM 103
AT4060
Blue KIWI (used)
Blue Dragonfly Deluxe

Or preamps:
Grace 101
The brick
Avalon M5 if I wait awhile longer to up my budget.

I would love to hear many more suggestions -- I bought most every thing on this list from reading this board.....Oh yea budget aprox $1000

Thanks in advance....
Rob

 

[Warhead]

The AT4060 might make the most noticeable difference, but you have a decent mic collection and other good pres etc.

I dunno, the AT4060 is a very nice tube mic and you're lacking in that area.

War

 

[Henri Devill]

The AT4060 is a good bet...Also check out a AEA R84 or a Royer R121

 

[distortedrumble]

modest my ass....I'm jealous

 

[rdozz]

I was afraid I was getting too AT heavy? I love the AT4060 also..........

Rob

 

[OneRoomStudios]

Then how about a Soundelux U195?

I always wanted one....

 

[Dot]

Rob, what kinda stuff are you recording? What quality would you like to be getting in a piece of gear that you think you're not getting?

Just some thoughts so far: With the pres you already have the Grace 101 and Brick would be a sideways - and even sort of downwards - movement.
Do you actually need more channels or are you looking for a different quality of pre than the GR NV and RNP?

 

[rdozz]

A different flavor, like the KIWI -- I auditioned that mic through my RNP -AW4416 and was blown away by the clarity in the upper mids and highs without getting harsh. That mic is $1500. I don't currently have that clarity with my current setup. The AT4047 through the RNP is the closest. I was wondering if I should add a tube pre of some kind. From what I have read it seems the TLM103 through the GR would be sweet? To sum it up, I want to add a "brightness" option. My room is 21ft X 23ft with a 10ft ceiling and lively with 7 hand made (703) bass traps. My monitors are JBL4208s, I got rid of a pair of Tannoy reveal actives because I was so used to the JBL sound. It was going to take a year to translate what I was hearing to what I wanted the mix to sound like (slow learner). I am stumped....!

I record all types of music, but as you can imagine living here in N GA I get mostly southern rock and blue grass...I am in heaven.....

Thanks so much, you guys rock....

A special thanks to DOT, your WEB site has been so informative and entertaining over the years.

 

[ljmaxx]

I'd like to suggest you listen to an ADK Hamburg which can be bought in a matched pair new on ebay for $499. If you tend to sing more popish sounding vox then check out the ADK Vienna which sells for the same price and would add the brightness you are looking for IMHO. You then could take the remaining $500 and pick up a used AT4060 which would give you three nice mics to add to your already impressive collection. As always trust your ears regardless of what anyone advise's you to do. Good luck.

 

[rdozz]

I am kind of surprised no-one would recommend a TLM103. I wish I could test one for about a week. Does anyone know where I could rent a TLM103. I normally do business with Humbucker Music Jake may be a little higher than e-bay but He lets me test drive the mics before I buy. So Jake gets my business, but he does not carry Neumann.

Also if someone would be interested, I would trade any of my AT mics for a TLM103 for a week. That way we both could get the benefit of testing different mics. Oh yea, the "trade person" would need to have a solid rep, and been around for awhile....

What do you think....crazy idea?

Rob Doss
Ringgold, GA 30736

 

[rdozz]

I have narrowed down my choices to 3 mics:

AT4060 - $650 aprox....thanks (Warhead and Henri Devill) never heard
Blue Dragonfly DELUXE - $750 heard the kiwi
TLM103 - I would pay no more than $600 never heard


I am a little AT heavy. Jake at Humbuckers Music is letting me test the GT brick, and so far it is soooo sweet with the AT4047 and the AT4050. Real warm and fat. I think I am going to keep it. I have bought everything I own from the great advice I have gotten from you guys. Please help me one more time.....HR---rules

Thanks,
Rob

 

[rdozz]

last bump....I am a puss and can't make up my mind.....

Forgive..please...I prostrate myself before the HR gods,
Rob

 

[DJL]

last bump....I am a puss and can't make up my mind.....

Forgive..please...I prostrate myself before the HR gods,
Rob

I drew lots for you and you're getting the AT4060.

 

[oldseed2]

a neumann is a neumann...

not sure how an AT would be an upgrade.

i'd say get the tlm103. if it doesn't work out, sell it on ebay. you'll lose $10-20 or so. on the other hand u might gain an awesome mic.

seed

 

[Big Kenny]

With that impressive collection of mics, save up and get the Kiwi. You know you want it, you'll get something less and say its okay, but it won't be, will it?