I need a new vocal mic

  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg_L
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My vote is Shure SM58 (or 57) plus a UA610 pre.
If you don't have a sibilance issue (I do), then maybe the Shure Beta 57a or 58a (58a is brighter).

Just be prepared to smash it (compression), followed by mangling it (EQing).:)

If you're doing "sensitive" singer-songwriter stuff the Baby Bottle, and the Studio Projects CS series would be cool too IMHO.

You have a good voice (also suited for punk-as you know), and if a '58 is good enough for
lead vocals on London Calling...

Chris
 
For what you do, SM7B.

If not that, then find an MXL V57M. I tell everyone that...
 
For a cheapo I really like my MXL V67g ...... nice sounding mic and it's cheap.

For more money ...... welet me know 'cause I never have more money.
:D
 
Greg_L said:
So many choices. Mics suck.
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There aren't really that many different choices, there are just a lot of players in the market. But most are highly similar within their class, so just shop by class:

quality dynamic: SM7B, MD441 (or MD421), Beyer M88, EV RE20. Pick the one you think looks coolest. These are cheap enough and generally useful that if one doesn't work on your voice you'll find a use for it elsewhere.

midrange large diaphragm dynamic: AT4047, Baby Bottle, KSM44. None of those are too bright; the KSM is the brightest on that list and the Baby Bottle is the darkest.

the weirdos: M160/260/500 (ribbon), KSM32 (about the same diaphragm size as your AT2020, but probably flatter).
 
I just grabbed a used Mojave MA-201fet for a great price on eBay. My previous LDC was/is a Rode NT1000, but there always seems to be something a little off in the high end with my particular voice with that mic. After reading reviews of the MA-201fet that described it as a little warmer and more natural than most sub-$1000 LDCs I decided to give it a shot. If I get some time I will post some comparisons between it and my NT1000. I'm still debating if I should keep the Rode, or sell it and try to get another dynamic like an SM7b or an EV RE20 instead to have more options. Greg, that would be my advice to you. With your style of music, and based on what you always hear about it, it sounds like the SM7b would be a good fit, but you never know until you try. Maybe pick up one of those and another LDC to try and use for different applications?

Anyway, good luck. I would agree with your statement that mics suck, but I would probably amend it to say that mics suck when you have to choose one and you have a budget!

Best Regards,

Dave DeWhitt
 
Nobody has as yet asked Greg what you have for preamps!
This may or may not be a factor with your microphone choice.
It is often suggested that you have a good hefty pre to put the Shure SM7b through but this is only a consideration if the 7b is the microphone that you choose.
~ this is sounding like a day time game show on TV. Will you choose microphone number 1 or number 2 or will you go with what's behind the curtain? :laughings:








:cool:
 
Shure sm7b arrived today....haven't had a chance to do anything but connect it to the p.a. ....guess I'll find out this weekend if the pre-amps in the Tascam 2488 mk ll are enough or if I'll need to use a pre-amp between the mic and recorder.....anyone here using an sm7 into a Tascam without a pre-amp?
 
mrmoe said:
Shure sm7b arrived today....haven't had a chance to do anything but connect it to the p.a. ....guess I'll find out this weekend if the pre-amps in the Tascam 2488 mk ll are enough or if I'll need to use a pre-amp between the mic and recorder.....anyone here using an sm7 into a Tascam without a pre-amp?
Click to expand...

Nope. 7b into a TNT or Joe Meek TwinQ sounds the balls though! ;)







:cool:
 
Greg - if you want to borrow any of them that you see in the list in the otherdog link in my sig, let me know. We're not too far from each other. I'm thinking one of the dynamics, like Shure SM7b, EV RE-20, or Senn MD-441.
 
antichef said:
Greg - if you want to borrow any of them that you see in the list in the otherdog link in my sig, let me know. We're not too far from each other. I'm thinking one of the dynamics, like Shure SM7b, EV RE-20, or Senn MD-441.
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That's a hell of an offer, Greg. Maybe it's time to come out of your cave and let some of the other hermits help you out. There's no substitute for plugging the real thing into your gear in your space. What the hell? I know it's scary, but you might make- a friend.-Richie
 
dewhitt said:
I just grabbed a used Mojave MA-201fet for a great price on eBay. My previous LDC was/is a Rode NT1000, but there always seems to be something a little off in the high end with my particular voice with that mic. After reading reviews of the MA-201fet that described it as a little warmer and more natural than most sub-$1000 LDCs I decided to give it a shot. If I get some time I will post some comparisons between it and my NT1000.

Hi Dewhitt,

I have found the Mojave MA-201 fet to be much as you described as being warmer and more natural on the high end. I suppose it would depend on the preamp and the singer. I usually run my Mojave MA-201 fet through a
Drawmer MX60 and it seems to work fine. I was tempted to consider the Mojave 200 (Tube), but I have an AKG Solid Tube which some like and others definitely do not. So, I am pleased that I settled with the Mojave MA-201 fet.

I believe your comparison between the Mojave and Rode mics mentioned would be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks!

Best wishes,

Lloyd
Click to expand...
 
lmf said:
dewhitt said:
I just grabbed a used Mojave MA-201fet for a great price on eBay. My previous LDC was/is a Rode NT1000, but there always seems to be something a little off in the high end with my particular voice with that mic. After reading reviews of the MA-201fet that described it as a little warmer and more natural than most sub-$1000 LDCs I decided to give it a shot. If I get some time I will post some comparisons between it and my NT1000.

Hi Dewhitt,

I have found the Mojave MA-201 fet to be much as you described as being warmer and more natural on the high end. I suppose it would depend on the preamp and the singer. I usually run my Mojave MA-201 fet through a
Drawmer MX60 and it seems to work fine. I was tempted to consider the Mojave 200 (Tube), but I have an AKG Solid Tube which some like and others definitely do not. So, I am pleased that I settled with the Mojave MA-201 fet.

I believe your comparison between the Mojave and Rode mics mentioned would be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks!

Best wishes,

Lloyd
Click to expand...

Hey Lloyd I have 4 of the Drawmer MX60 for live work and just love them.









:cool:
Click to expand...
 
moresound said:
lmf said:
Hey Lloyd I have 4 of the Drawmer MX60 for live work and just love them.









:cool:
Click to expand...


Henry,

I am pleased that the Drawmer MX60 has given me several years of use without trouble. Assuming that you have four of them, they must be working well for you, too. I was a newbie when I bought it and I have come to appreciate the unit more than I did then. It has been money well spent. :)

Best wishes,

Lloyd
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