LDC recommendation

  • Thread starter Thread starter andyhix
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andyhix

andyhix

:dank:
I need a mic right around $200, that would be well suited to my voice. I really was kinda zeroed in on the Studio Projects C-1, but then read another thread here which started me second guessing that choice a bit. If you'd like to hear an older recording to check out my voice (as shitty as it is), click here:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=169765

I'd suggest Mudman and Robotic Orange. I think I've become a better singer since then (and definitely a better recordist), but I suppose my voice is still similar. I'd only listen to the other tracks if you are a glutton for punishment. Thanks!
 
Search the forum for "vocal condenser" or "vocal mic" using 'Titles Only' in the advanced search features. You'll find a wealth of recommendations, however, in the spirit of actually answering questions (vs. some people here who will just flame you for askin the same ole thing), here's my two cents...

I upgraded pretty drastically from an MXL990 (69.99) to a Rode K2 (699.99), but as far as I have read, the Rode NT1-A is pretty good for vocals. I approve because the two Rodes I've used (the K2 for studio and the NT3 for live stuff), have both had next to no noise when used with even a dirt cheap pre (The Behringer Tube Ultragain), cranked pretty high.

I'm sure you will find plenty of other recommendations, and in the process, also hear from a lot of people that you should go out and test a bunch of different ones. I do believe that testing first is the best way to find what you need, but I know, there is nowhere in my area that will let you come in, set up 5-10 different mics, and test them all out. So, I've always been stuck with buying, testing, returning, and that gets old reaaal quick. The Rodes have always worked well, if you have any sort of halfway decent preamp, which you will need + phantom power if you do in fact buy a condenser.

I haven't used the C1 either, but I've read from many that it is a rather brittle microphone on the high-end, but some have also gotten what they consider good sound out of it. I don't know - if you can, try out the NT1-A at a local music store and see if it suits your voice. Its 199, so it won't break the bank, and its going to have decent low-noise, so that's alwaya a nice place to start.
 
*takes deep breath*

Yeah, man, I've read all there is to read here and more. I am fully aware that I will need phantom power. I will be recording through firepod pres.

To be honest, I'm not likely to go into GC and sing into a bunch of mics. That's just wierd, in my opinion. Plus that's only gonna tell me so much. Isn't it all about how it "sits in the mix." I might sound full and deep or bright and sizzly, and think it's great, but, well, you know, big deal.

Anyway, I'm not another "best mic for rap" poster. I've been around here a long time, provided a link to my voice for you or whomever to listen to, and have essentially asked "is this mic (the C1) a good or bad choice for me."

I've always been stuck with buying, testing, returning, and that gets old reaaal quick.
Click to expand...
This is precisely why I'm asking this question. Plus, most places won't let you return mics.

Sorry if I sound a bit snippy. I just thought your post, while somewhat helpful, seemed a bit patronizing. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, though. So no sweat.
 
Rode NT2a
AT 4040
CAD m179
ADK Hamburg (there's one in the classifieds here)
Or the C1 (Still a good mic for under $200)
 
What did you use

on the examples provided?

And also, what don't you like about what you've got?
 
Good question - I forgot to address that. Those samples were recorded by an ex band member with his mic. I don't honestly remember what they were...but they may have been behringers of some sort, a B1, maybe. :eek: I don't not like the sound of the samples, per se, but I also don't necesarily want to replicate them 100%, particularly if it involves buying cheap berry mics.
 
I understand, but

what I was getting at, was this.

Let's say you think the high end is a little crispy, and the upper mids a little thin (on the samples provided).

If you had used an SP C-1, or an AT 3035, it might be attributable to that.

If you had used an sm-58, then that's a different story.

It might help determine what direction to go in and how far is necessary.

But again, what do you want to change about the examples?

Another question, what are you going to be running it through?

A new mic may not be what you're really looking for, it might be compression.

Just a thought.
 
I listened to a couple of your songs ( R O & Mudman ) and I'm thinking you may want to try out a Tube LDC. There are a couple of tube mics in your price range or slightly above. I'd suggest a Karma K58 or a Cascade V55 although both are above your budget. The K58 is in the $350 range while the V55 is $499. You could probablly find a used one close to your budget.

Either one of the mics below would do a decent job on your vox IMHO.
Links are below.

Cascade V55
http://www.cascademicrophones.com/cascade_V55.html

Sound bite V55


Karma K58
http://karmaaudio.com/

Good luck with whatever mic you end up with.
 
4040

I just picked up an AT 4040. I'm still testing it out... I really like the overall sound of it, especially on vocals... Other guys have mentioned it, and it does gets recommended quite a bit. It may just be the ticket! :)
 
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