Mic for Lenny Kravitz style vox?

  • Thread starter Thread starter doriangrey
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doriangrey

New member
Hello everyone,

This is my first post here. I read some interesting threads here so far. I have a question for you experienced sound engineers and home recording experts.

First off, I *think* I have a lower mid range voice. My vocals are very comparable to Lenny Kravitz, Jim Morrison and Ian Astbury from the Cult. I can also nail Gene Simmons ( think Dr. Love ). I enjoy singing blues as well.

What microphone is best suited for this style? What is a good mic pre for me to use? I am currently using a PreSonus TubePre and a Shure Beta 87a, but I am not happy with the sound of my vocals I get from my home studio.

I am using the compressor that comes with the Cakewalk software which seems to work fine. I am more worried about finding the right mic and mic pre. Right now, my budget is under $1500. The future will be wide open to upgrades and I always have the option to rent.

Here are some sound clips below of me singing in a rock vein from a professional studio recording I did a few years back. I forget what mic they used on me. Maybe these sound clips below will help you better distinguish my vocal style and what would suit me best in my home studio.

Please listen to both:

One Night Stand

Delirium


Thanks for the help and guidance!

Derek Neece ( dorian )


-------------------------

My home studio consists of:

Pentium III 2.5 gigs with 512 MB of RAM / 80 GIG HD
Audigy 2 soundcard
Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro

Korg Triton LE

Shure Beta 87a
PreSonus TubePre

PRS Artist III
Fender P Bass
Ovation Custom Legend

Mesa Boogie Mark IV
Marshall JCM 800 2404
Fender '65 Blackface Bassman
( and a ton of modulation and overdrive pedals )
 
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Well from what i'v been learning in my music recording technology class the Neumann u87 (i think) is pretty much the industry standard and from what i gather it's quite possible that he used that mic to record with. From what I have heard from it, it sounds really good. Not sure how it would translate to your style.
The Neumann is also about 2500 i think. More than what you said but maybe worth the price.

I'm way too new to give an answer i feel 100% confident in.
 
Well... Lenny has a mic collection that is probably comparable to the value of "East Coast Real Estate"... in other words, you're not getting there today... you're definitely not getting even close to the neighborhood with that Presonus box from hell... a brilliant unit if you're into the "Bose school of marketing" [better sound through marketing], a total piece of crap if you've ever experienced real mic amps.

Here's how I might approach the project, and only go a smidgeon over buget. I would highly advise a Soundelux U-195 microphone [about $1,200]. By manipulating the "fat" switch, sometimes in conjunction with the "lo cut" switch you can really tailor the vocal tone to be larger than life without getting tubby, while being smooth through the upper midrange without getting harsh. Couple this with a Groove Tubes "Brick" mic pre [$400], and you should be stylin' big time.

Best of luck with the project.

Peace.
 
Fletcher said:
Well... Lenny has a mic collection that is probably comparable to the value of "East Coast Real Estate"... in other words, you're not getting there today... you're definitely not getting even close to the neighborhood with that Presonus box from hell... a brilliant unit if you're into the "Bose school of marketing" [better sound through marketing], a total piece of crap if you've ever experienced real mic amps.

Here's how I might approach the project, and only go a smidgeon over buget. I would highly advise a Soundelux U-195 microphone [about $1,200]. By manipulating the "fat" switch, sometimes in conjunction with the "lo cut" switch you can really tailor the vocal tone to be larger than life without getting tubby, while being smooth through the upper midrange without getting harsh. Couple this with a Groove Tubes "Brick" mic pre [$400], and you should be stylin' big time.

Best of luck with the project.

Peace.
Click to expand...


Soundelux U-195 and GT Brick sound around my price range and look impressive. I will certainly look into it. I really appreciate that feedback Fletcher :)

Derek
 
wang191 said:
Well from what i'v been learning in my music recording technology class the Neumann u87 (i think) is pretty much the industry standard and from what i gather it's quite possible that he used that mic to record with. From what I have heard from it, it sounds really good. Not sure how it would translate to your style.
The Neumann is also about 2500 i think. More than what you said but maybe worth the price.

I'm way too new to give an answer i feel 100% confident in.
Click to expand...


I am aware of the status of the U87. They are very expensive. I think that is what they used on me in those recording clips I put up.

I think I could find a place that rents them out for a weekend. They have *used* U87's on Ebay for half the amount they retail new.

Do you think a used Neumann U87 be a wise move?

Derek
 
Fletcher said:
Well... Lenny has a mic collection that is probably comparable to the value of "East Coast Real Estate"... in other words, you're not getting there today... you're definitely not getting even close to the neighborhood with that Presonus box from hell... a brilliant unit if you're into the "Bose school of marketing" [better sound through marketing], a total piece of crap if you've ever experienced real mic amps.

Here's how I might approach the project, and only go a smidgeon over buget. I would highly advise a Soundelux U-195 microphone [about $1,200]. By manipulating the "fat" switch, sometimes in conjunction with the "lo cut" switch you can really tailor the vocal tone to be larger than life without getting tubby, while being smooth through the upper midrange without getting harsh. Couple this with a Groove Tubes "Brick" mic pre [$400], and you should be stylin' big time.

Best of luck with the project.

Peace.
Click to expand...

Should I invest in a good outboard eq using the Soundlex U-195 or is it good enough to use without an eq?

Derek
 
slobbermonster said:
youmight want to check these guys out.

http://www.korbyaudio.com/kat4.html
Click to expand...

Thanks! Are these mikes good for recording lower midrange vocals like mine, or are they good for all around general purpose as well?

The page is interesting, but I found no price quotes. I couldn't find any on Ebay under the keyboards, "KAT 4" or "korby audio".

Do they sell them at retail stores?

Thanks,
Derek
 
You'll probably have to contact them, i doubt you'll find any on ebay. it's probably out of your price range but i believe a vocalist should get the best recording mic possible just like guitar players should get good guitars.
 
I might be being stupid, but why would anyone sell a fully working U87 on ebay? Surely if you have one it's worth more to you in your studio than in your bank account?
 
noisedude said:
I might be being stupid, but why would anyone sell a fully working U87 on ebay? Surely if you have one it's worth more to you in your studio than in your bank account?
Click to expand...

Believe it or not, I have seen U87's for sale on Ebay. I saw one a few weeks ago going for $1200 with 1 day left.

Derek
 
depending on which u87 you're discussing that's about average pricing.
 
slobbermonster said:
You'll probably have to contact them, i doubt you'll find any on ebay. it's probably out of your price range but i believe a vocalist should get the best recording mic possible just like guitar players should get good guitars.
Click to expand...

Totally agreed. I spent $5,000 on my PRS Artist III and at close to that on my small amp collection. It certainly does pay off.
 
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slobbermonster said:
depending on which u87 you're discussing that's about average pricing.
Click to expand...

Is there a particular U87 I should be looking for, or do they all perform equally?
 
Ok, this is what I have established on this board so far....

There is NO particular mic suited especially for lower mid range vocals. A very good vocal mic, like the U87, are going to perform miracuosly on lower midrange vocals as well as other vocal ranges. Am I in the right direction?

Buying the right mic is a very difficult task. The good ones are pricey. If I am going to make this investment, I want to know for sure that I will have a lifetime relationship with it. It's not like you can walk into any music store and start laying down test vocal tracks on $3,000 microphones before you buy.

Thanks for the input. If there is more info I should know regarding this subject, please let me know.

Thanks!
Derek
 
no, your conclusion is not so correct.

in short, there no one mic for everyone.... your job is look for the mic that suit your voice the most....

I recommend you do a studies on this board and get a list of recommended mics here: ie, AT40xx, StudioProjects, Rode (not the NT1 please!)...etc
then try them out to see which one sounds best with your voice...

I heard your song and voice, pretty good... for your style, personally I'll look for a good dynamic mic, like Shure SM7, RE20...

For condensor, maybe a brighter mic.... I think SP C1 will sound good on you....

Then get yourself a nice $1000 mic pre. :) use the $500 for mic.

my 2cents
 
An upgrade worth considering also, would be your Audigy soundcard. Have a look at the M-Audio range.
 
good catch, I did not notice that...

definately upgrade the soundcard first buddy.... :)
 
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