Mic/Pre?

[jhag]

I have been scrapping and saving for a while now, and finally the woman is going to let me buy another piece of gear! Here's my question, I'm only recording vocals (my tracks are produced elsewhere). I have a tlm-103 and a AT4033 right now tracking through an A-designs mp-2. I'm considering either a new pre (Hardy m-1) or a new mic (charteroaks sa583).

I know peoples' thoughts on the 103 but check this out. I like the mp-2 but to me, it doesn't give my vocals an "upfront, big sound" like I have heard about other pre's (hardy). Also, I do plan on getting a tube mic sometime in the future (have heard great things about the charteroaks) and was wondering about tube mic through tube pre (mp-2) and compressed with a colored compressor (RNLA). Thought maybe too much color (since I'm wanting a fat vocal with lots of presence). What do you think? Sound off!!

 

[DonGraham]

I know peoples' thoughts on the 103

I have a TLM-103...I know people rip on it but I have always had good luck with it. Go with a new pre, your mics are good enough. If you can test them first with your gear, that is the way to go.


Good luck.

 

[fraserhutch]

You have to push the MP-2 to get a the tube flavour going.

I don't have first hand experience with this as I've never owned a TLM103, but I've heard that two pres go really well with it, a Great River or a Avalon VT-737sp. I'm not an Avalon fan, but I've heard that this is a great match.

 

[Soundmind??]

I have the Avalon 737sp and a TLM 103 and they work quite well together. The 103 is very quiet and clear, with the Avalon, you can tweak the gain controls to add tube effect to the 103. In essence, you can have a "tube" mic when you want it, or not when you don't.