New vocal mic

[andycerrone]

Ok, well, I've got a Studio Projects C-1 for my vocal mic, but I'm looking to upgrade. The voices I usually record are tenor/alto, and I'm not sure whether I want to go with another condensor or if I would be better off going for a ribbon mic. Either way, I'm looking for a mic that will give me a semi-professional vocal sound. Suggestions?

 

[andycerrone]

Well. I figured what's the next "big step" in vocal mics after that level of vocal mics for that vocal range? I used the word vocal in that sentence too many times..

 

[jaykeMURD]

If you experience a lot of "airy" or "breathy" singers, a quality dynamic mic may be best suited. RE-20, SM7, SE2200; to name a few.

 

[SMC Productions]

Ok, well, I've got a Studio Projects C-1 for my vocal mic, but I'm looking to upgrade. The voices I usually record are tenor/alto, and I'm not sure whether I want to go with another condensor or if I would be better off going for a ribbon mic. Either way, I'm looking for a mic that will give me a semi-professional vocal sound. Suggestions?

How about trying a nice dynamic out.....Shure SM7, and/or Heil PR40!

 

[recordingpro]

how much money you want to spend??? It doesn't take much to upgrade from a C1

 

[andycerrone]

how much money you want to spend??? It doesn't take much to upgrade from a C1

I'm willing to spend up to around 600.

 

[soundchaser59]

If it's just for voices, for around $500 I would get the Beyer M130 ribbon, no question.....I always doubted the quality of ribbon mics, until I tried one. Now I wish everybody had one. Nothing else sounds like it.....

 

[Dogbreath]

How about the AT 4050?
Any place you can try one on to see if it fits first?

 

[andycerrone]

If it's just for voices, for around $500 I would get the Beyer M130 ribbon, no question.....I always doubted the quality of ribbon mics, until I tried one. Now I wish everybody had one. Nothing else sounds like it.....

Any links to sound clips? And just since I don't know (because I've never used a ribbon before), do they require phantom power? I don't wanna blow one up if I do get one.

 

[andyhix]

I'm looking to upgrade TO a c1, so if you decide to unload yours for a reasonable price, let me know.

 

[up-fiddler]

do they require phantom power? I don't wanna blow one up if I do get one.

Ribbons shouldn't have phantom power applied for fear of damaging them is the old rule.

 

[myhatbroke]

A ribbon mic is a dynamic mic but I'm not sure what else it makes it different from a regular dynamic mic.


I think there's a ribbon inside that makes it capture sound more "warmly"? I dunno

 

[kojdogg]

Ribbons shouldn't have phantom power applied for fear of damaging them is the old rule.

AFAIK:
There are some new ribbons that require phantom power including some Royers and the Karma K-6, among others.
My understanding (please don't quote me or, more importantly, act on this) is that older ribbons are generally much more vulnerable to this than newer ones, but still-- bad idea unless the design requires it.

A ribbon mic is a dynamic mic but omnidirectional but I'm not sure what else it makes it different from a regular dynamic mic.

AFAIK:
Ribbons are ribbon mics-- they use a ribbon to capture/transduce sound instead of a capsule. Many ribbons are figure 8, but some are cardioid or hypercardioid (and probably other patterns too).

 

[myhatbroke]

AFAIK:
There are some new ribbons that require phantom power including some Royers and the Karma K-6, among others.
My understanding (please don't quote me or, more importantly, act on this) is that older ribbons are generally much more vulnerable to this than newer ones, but still-- bad idea unless the design requires it.


AFAIK:
Ribbons are ribbon mics-- they use a ribbon to capture/transduce sound instead of a capsule. Many ribbons are figure 8, but some are cardioid or hypercardioid (and probably other patterns too).

yea i changed my wording

 

[kojdogg]

yea i changed my wording

cheater

Andy,
IMHO, if you've never heard or used a ribbon before, I'd try to hear some or test one out before making it your primary mic, if you're going to sink $600 into it and probably not have a chance to get another sweet mic for a little while.

 

[andycerrone]

Once again, any clips of stuff?

 

[kojdogg]

Once again, any clips of stuff?

Do some searches on specific models, or you can find some clips for electric guitar and male vox here:
http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/session2.htm
there are other links for mics/pres on other sources.

 

[yhomas]

You might investigate the MAudio Sputnik (presumably made by groove tubes). I am interested in checking this one out myself.

 

[Burnbox]

Ok, well, I've got a Studio Projects C-1 for my vocal mic, but I'm looking to upgrade. The voices I usually record are tenor/alto, and I'm not sure whether I want to go with another condensor or if I would be better off going for a ribbon mic. Either way, I'm looking for a mic that will give me a semi-professional vocal sound. Suggestions?

Audio-Technica AT4050 or Shure SM7. They are so useful, you'll never get rid of them!

 

[flatfinger]

If you were to go with say a SM7 or a ribbon, keep in mind that you will need some gain on tap to record softer stuff; The figure I keep seeing is at least 60 db. That is one of the advantages of one of those phantom powerd ribbons, they have a head amp in them. Can anyone comment on the karma k-6????