Mic Locker

[jeff5xo]

I'm currently in the process of trying to build up my mic locker so I need some suggestions. I currently have the following:
4 SM-57's
1 Beta 52
2 GT-44's
1 AKG C3000
1 AKG C1000

I'm looking to buy a good vocal mic. I want quality, so I'm too interested in the Chinese mics. I have searched the threads and have done my homework. I can't afford a Nuemann right now, but boy would I love one. I need something that is going to produce pleasing results. I have 500-1000 to spend. I currently don't have awesome pre's, but they're adequate and I'm looking to boost my mic locker first.......THEN I'll get my RNC and RNP! This will be used for multiple voices, mostly all male. I've read good and bad things on the Rode NTK (chessrock and Richie) I know Richie really likes his AKG. I can't remember the model 415 maybe? or 451? Any thoughts on the Dragonfly? I know Sennhieser MD-441 is a great mic to have period and I want one, but on vocals?? Am I even going to get a mic worth having for under 1000.00? I want something that will be a permanent fixture in my locker. I know Nuemann sells the 903 for 999.00 (forgive me if model # is wrong, I'm terrible with #'s) but I've heard mixed results on that mic too. Chess, Richie, anyone else..........what would you do. Where should I start? What mics would you go and test out??

 

[scrubs]

Go try the following mics:

AKG C414 (there are several models, the BULS is the one I've heard is most versatile)
Shure KSM44
Audio Technica AT4050
Neumann TLM103
Electrovoice RE20
Shure SM7B
Sennheiser MD421/441
Rode NTK & K2
BLUE Baby Bottle

That should keep you busy for a while.

 

[jeff5xo]

I forgot to mention the KSM-44. How could I?? So all of the mics mentioned above are definitely keeper mics?

 

[In Tune Audio]

All of the mics mentioned by scrubs are very good mics in that price range, you just need to find the one that has the type of sound you like.

 

[rdozz]

here are a few AT mic samples including the AT4050...Female voice

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=145104

tracks #1 and #6 AT4050

Rob

 

[tmix]

I would second the KSM 44 and would add the Studio Projects T-3 tube mic.
I love my T-3!
It works very well on a majority of male voices

Tom

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

If you have the cash the Soundelux U195 is amazing. 1200 bucks though.

 

[scrubs]

I forgot to mention the KSM-44. How could I?? So all of the mics mentioned above are definitely keeper mics?

I think all of those are "keeper" mics. They are solid choices that find their way into many great studios and can be found on tons of professional quality recordings. You can certainly get a great mic for less than $1000.

Each mic has different properties, so you'll definitely want to audition them to find what works for your voice on your equipment. Keep in mind that the dynamics (sm7b, re20, 441/421) may require a great deal of gain to really perform their best.

I didn't add the T3 as you mentioned wanting to avoid Chinese mics, but, if I were you, I would definitely check it out.

 

[jeff5xo]

I knew if I said 1000.00 someone would come back at with me with someting just a little bit higher. Is this Soundelux an LDC? I'll google it and see what I can see. Thanks Cloneboy for making me think about spending MORE of my money!!! LOL!

Hey Scrubs, Studio Projects makes T-3?? I've only heard alot of nay sayers on the chinese mics. I know Harvey likes some of them. I want something with quality. I will search on it. Only problem is, I can't really audition this mic, can I??

 

[jeff5xo]

If you have the cash the Soundelux U195 is amazing. 1200 bucks though.

This thing has a FAT and NORM setting. Fat boosts the low end.................cool. You're going to get me in trouble with my wife Cloneboy!
So one question, does this mic have..............the HOTNESS???????

 

[scrubs]

Hey Scrubs, Studio Projects makes T-3?? I've only heard alot of nay sayers on the chinese mics. I know Harvey likes some of them. I want something with quality. I will search on it.

Yes it is made by Studio Projects. It is a multipattern tube mic that runs about $600. I have never tried it, but I've read it is a very nice mic (based on reviews by trusted members of this bbs).

Only problem is, I can't really audition this mic, can I??

Why not? If you live anywhere near a city with a decent music store (Kansas City?, St. Louis?), I am sure they would be happy to let you line up a few of these mics (with a pop/spit filter, of course) in the store and audition them. If they know you are planning on plopping down $600-$1000 on a mic, they should be very accommodating. You can probably get them to price-match an online retailer too, if you bring in a printout from the website.

 

[nuemes]

I just bought a Blue Baby Bottle ($560 out the door w/ pop filter & shock mount) and I've been entirely happy with it. Great for getting vocals up front.

Just recorded all the vocals for this band with it:
http://www.myspace.com/downinthelab

 

[Richard Monroe]

First, let me deny that I said bad things about NTK. I use it frequently. Basically, the question is- how can you improve your mic cabinet best with a grand? First, I would ditch the 2 AKG's on ebay for whatever I could get. Then it get's dicey. New or used? There are some good deals to be had on the boards. I haven't been burned, but I've been singed.
I believe in getting good tools up front, but not going too looney. Basically, I would get one workhorse, one cheap workhorse, a good dynamic.
KSM44 or C414 (any type)- You can find B-ULS's for $600
AKG C2000B (The AKG's you have now will more than pay for that- it doesn't have all the doodads of the 3000B, it just sounds better.)
Then spring for either a nice SD, say SM81, or a good dynamic, SM7B or MD421.

That's plan A
Plan B- just one or 2 mics? Duh- the one that sounds good when *you* sing into it. My main vocal mic is B.L.U.E. Kiwi, but I use NTK, C414B-ULS, Baby Bottle,C2000B, D690, and SM7B. Vocal mics are like shoes, they either fit you or they don't. I guess the KIWI suits me, it's the best mic I own, but not the most versatile. I'd probably go for a C414 for a utility mic, and an NTK for a different vocal option. The next real step up is $1500-$2500, the likes of Neumann,Soundelux,Schoeps, Brauner, woo hoo. Get a couple of good solid respected mics that you can resell if they don't suit you. I bet you don't sell your C414.-Richie

 

[jeff5xo]

NO NO NO Richie! You misunderstood, or the way I wrote it came off wrong. I meant I heard good things from YOU and chessrock. Although Chess said something about sounding like Brittney And Justin!!!LOL! I'm glad you chimed in, I've been waiting for your response! Problem is I don't want a mic that just suits me. I guess what you're saying is I should maybe get a couple of the cheaper ones (NTK, AKG2000) for now so I have different options, as opposed to sinking all of that 1000.00 into one good vocal? Is that correct? If I have 2 mid priced vocal mics, I'll have a better chance at getting better vocal tracks between different singers? Is that what you're saying? Makes sense. Although now Cloneboy has me salivating over that Soundelux. Damn it! Why so many choices!!!!! UGH! I knew you were big on the AKG 414, I've seen your posts raving about it. It's a serious contender on my list, but then I'm stuck at just one vocal mic again!

 

[ljmaxx]

I'd listen to these mics:

Soundelux U195
Shure KSM44
SE H3500
Blue Dragonfly Deluxe
AT4050

The price range is from $300 to $1200 with the SE at the bottom and the U195 on top price wise. I have all of the above mics except the Dragonfly Deluxe and for vox I use the SE 90% of the time. Good luck and as always trust your ears before any of us.

 

[jeff5xo]

I've been waiting for someone to comment on the Dragonfly. It's on my prospect list, but I don't know much abouti it.........except it looks wierd! Does anybody have this mic??? How much is that SE H3500?? Am I making everyone mental with my inquiries?

 

[jeff5xo]

I just bought a Blue Baby Bottle ($560 out the door w/ pop filter & shock mount) and I've been entirely happy with it. Great for getting vocals up front.

Just recorded all the vocals for this band with it:
http://www.myspace.com/downinthelab

Hey Nuemes! I've thought about a Baby Bottle, but I've heard they can be real finnicky. But I don't mind working with mic positioning for periods of time to get a good sound. I actually enjoy doing that. That's a pretty good deal(560.00) Gc has them for 599.00.

 

[ljmaxx]

I've been waiting for someone to comment on the Dragonfly. It's on my prospect list, but I don't know much abouti it.........except it looks wierd! Does anybody have this mic??? How much is that SE H3500?? Am I making everyone mental with my inquiries?

I have a Dragonfly but not the deluxe. The Deluxe version use's the Kiwi Capsle
and since I have a Kiwi it made no sense to buy a DD. There were 23 DD's sold on ebay a couple of months ago for 600 bucks which was a deal. You may be able to find one for close to that price used on ebay.

The SE H3500 is excellent on vox and there is one right now on ebay with a BIN for $229. When the mic first came out it was selling street for around $399 and listed at $599. If you'd like to hear the H3500 on vox PM me and I'll send you a link. Good luck with your search.

 

[scrubs]

I knew you were big on the AKG 414, I've seen your posts raving about it. It's a serious contender on my list, but then I'm stuck at just one vocal mic again!

You could get a C414 and a Shure SM7B or EV RE20 for roughly a grand (especially if you buy used). That would cover a ton of voices.

 

[jeff5xo]

You could get a C414 and a Shure SM7B or EV RE20 for roughly a grand (especially if you buy used). That would cover a ton of voices.

I'm thinking I'm going to give the AKG a listen this weekend. I'd love to try out the EV but I don't know anyone in town who sell them. I'll keep looking. I want to thank everyone for thier input. I really appreciate it.