Need Advice Please: New Microphone or New Interface?

[iammikeo]

Hello everybody,

The story is this: With my current set up, my vocals in my opinion, don't sound very warm and very tinny. I don't add too many effects-just some compression, EQ and tape delay. The microphone I use seems to be kind of harsh on the highs unless I'm just deaf (LOL). Quality I am looking for is warm and full.

My current set up: Bluebird Condenser Microphone, Presonus Firepod Interface, iMac recording into Logic Pro

My Budget: For a microphone and interface, I'm really not trying to spend over $300 unless it is really worth it.


Thank you everybody in advance for your advice and tips. I look forward to hearing from you and to start being a part of this community.

 

[Backyard Record]

My personally opinion is the microphone is your first input in your signal path and as such it is important.
The bluebird condensors are a pretty good microphone but just like icecream, everyone has their preference
If you are interested to purchase a new mic you might want to look at the following:
SE x1 (about $100-$200)
AKG c214 (about $250-$450)
Behringer B2 (not everyone cup of tea but can sound 'warm' - $130-$200)
MXL VG series ($70-$150)?

WIthout knowing your recording 'technique' you might want to forget spending money and try different ways of recording your voice...eg...use a pop filter, recorder slightly off axis, sing up close for the proximity effect, Try a different room (sometimes smaller rooms can sound more 'boomy' because of a greater build up of lower standing waves) put some blankets on your room walls to soak up some higher frequencies that might be creating a more 'brittle' sound..

Anyway, give it try! I find you can effectively record and usually get around ANY issue without spending MORE money. Try different things, be patient and creative. If after all these things, you may choose to buy a new mic with a different 'flavour'. All the best!

 

[Bobbsy]

I'd also go for another microphone. Transducers (mics and speakers) have a much bigger influence on how things sound than pure electronics like an interface.

Beyond that, there's no such thing as a single, universal microphone. Professional studios (and even most of the Home Recording gang) own multiple microphones and choose which to use based on the sound they're trying to achieve. Some things want warmth, others want clarity a detail. A choice of mics in the cupboard help you to achieve this.

 

[moresound]

Hope your not looking for a microphone to add warmth - for it's at the source that it should come from.
You may be looking for a microphone that can add proximity effect - like an SM 58 would when your right up on it.

 

[iammikeo]

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I was just about to replace my firepod with a focusrite saffire 24. Guess ill check out anther mic. Will take a look. Any other suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Justsomeguy]

Just to add mic options;

Avantone CK6
Apex 460 (although i've heard some rumours about the newer stock being less than ideal)
Possibly even the Apex 205. As a ribbon mic it's very warm and smooth sounding to start with but is does need a lot of preamp gain that i'm not sure the firepod will do. i've got a firestudio mobile that is ok with it but, as i have to crank the gain, it gets noisy. Also, it does need a healthy amount of EQ to get the most out of it. however, it does take to EQ like a dream.