Mike suggestions for vocals.... please ?

[alba359]

Hi, I own 2-C1 mikes a few 57's and 2-c1000s mikes. I am now looking for another mike as an alternative choice for vocals. A dealer suggested either the Baby Bottle by BLUE or the NTK by RODE. My preamps are Pendulum Audio MPD-1 or the pres in an Allen and Heath Mix Wiz. Compressor is the RNC. My recordings will mostly be R&B or Beatle Rubber Soul type recordings. I would like an upfront vocal sound for under $450 if thats possible. Any suggestions on these or other mikes? Thanks, Don

 

[JohnyC]

How do you like your C1 for vocals ?

 

[alba359]

Hi JohnnyC, I'm not qualified to give an opinion Haven't been at it long enough. In fact in a blind test I picked na EV N/D dynamic over an AT4033! That's why I use the forums. These experienced guys can save you from making costly mistakes. Wish I could help you more but I wouldn't want to mislead you. Sincerely, Don

 

[chessrock]

I'd say a Rode NTK would give you some nice contrast to what you already own. Or perhaps a nice dynamic like a Shure sm7 or Electrovoice re20. The NT2 is nice, but it has a bit of a polished sound to it . . . definitely not "rubber soul".

 

[VOXVENDOR]

Hows about an AT 4033... My favorite vocal mic...


Joe

 

[LeeL]

alba359, its always nice to have a selection of mics to match with different styles and voice types. I really like the C1 for vocals and I also hear nice things about their TB-1.

But, you mentioned you haven't really had a chance to try the C1 for vocals. So I am not quite sure why you are ready to start shopping around when you haven't really given it a chance.

What kind of music are you recording ? Any particular type of vocalist you are working with ?

Lee

 

[alba359]

Thanks for replies. I'll probably go with the NTK, I can get either that or the Baby Bottle for just under $400. I like the Rubber Soul sound, to my ears it sounds like I'm in the same room with The Beatles. I think the Beatles used Neumans in the studio, way out my price range. For live performances they used Reslo mikes as I understand. Thanks, Don

 

[alba359]

Hi Leel, The reason I'm in a hurry to get another mike is because if my wife finds my little cash stash she'll wind up spending it something unnessasry. I'm a drummer, most of the bands and musicians I've played with have a Beatle, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fat's Domino, Beatle or Mardi Gras type sound. Opps my wife just walked in.

 

[alanhyatt]

Hi Leel, The reason I'm in a hurry to get another mike is because if my wife finds my little cash stash she'll wind up spending it something unnessasry. I'm a drummer, most of the bands and musicians I've played with have a Beatle, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fat's Domino, Beatle or Mardi Gras type sound. Opps my wife just walked in.

I think you would be better suited looking into a Joemeek VC6Q for your money, then looking into more mics. If you are looking for an up front sound, the Joemeek VC6Q will help you bring your vocals right upfront in the mix. Adding another mic will not pull your sound upfront in the mix. At best it will give you another sound, but then again, it may not be the sound you are looking for. The Beatles type sound is very typical of a Joemeek.

My suggestion is for you to look at the VC6Q, or even the VC1Q. Then, hoan your engineering skills a bit, or even look into better acoustic treatments for you room. The mics you have are fine. If you have not really used them yet, your money may not be well spent.

My 2 cents!

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group

 

[heylow]

I'd say a Rode NTK would give you some nice contrast to what you already own.

I'd like to echo this sentiment. The Rode NTK IS NICE and different than what you have. Alan made a good point to take into consideration as well, though. Different pre's could be what you want.....the Meek stuff is right up your alley based on the musical style you've described.

Then again....an NTK AND a Meek would REALLY kick some ass!


Gear, man



heylow

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

I haven't used the NTK, but there's a fellow who posts in the MP3 clinic that has the beatles sound down and he uses the NTK. Macle's stuff sounds killer - if any of his threads are still lying around in the clinic you might head over and have a listen to how the NTK sounds.

Take care,
Chris

 

[alba359]

Thanks for replies. I checked a few online stores for the Joe Meek British Channel, couldn't find any. The Joe Meek site says it's discontinued,soon to be replaced. The 1QS is more than my budget. I was hopeing that the price of the current Studio Projects Tube mike would come down when the New SP tube mike is realeased. That would give me a choice between the NTK and Studio Projects tube mike. With the price of the NTK below $400 it's hard to pass up as it seems to be a well reguarded mike. Thanks, Don

 

[alanhyatt]

Thanks for replies. I checked a few online stores for the Joe Meek British Channel, couldn't find any. The Joe Meek site says it's discontinued,soon to be replaced. The 1QS is more than my budget. I was hopeing that the price of the current Studio Projects Tube mike would come down when the New SP tube mike is realeased. That would give me a choice between the NTK and Studio Projects tube mike. With the price of the NTK below $400 it's hard to pass up as it seems to be a well reguarded mike. Thanks, Don

alba,

The T3 did come down in price by $200.00, because the TB1 at $399.99 is really darn good. I still love the T3 and at the price it is a good choice. The VC6Q is back!. It has been brought back from the dead zone, so I will have new stock soon.

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group

 

[Buck62]

I have to agree that the NTK would be a great addition to your present mic collection.
I have an NTK, and let me tell you... it's one hell of a "pro" quality mic. I compared it side by side with the TLM103 and liked the NTK better, so I bought it.

Always go with your first instincts!

NTK.... ALL THE WAY!!!!