Renting Mics for next project which one?

[punkrocker]

Hey all I'm going to rent some mics for my next project. My current setup is MXL 990 into presonus firepod. Obviously not a pro mic. I would like advice to which microphone I should choose (it will be used for vocals only). I cant try them out first or I would. Also, do I need to rent a different preamp? I think the firepod sounds great but I havn't heard that many. The style of music is alternative/punk (myspace.com/themedicationband if you want to get an idea.) Here is the list I have come up with:

1. Neumann U47 (FET)
2. Neumann U87
3. AKG C414
4. Blueberry

Also think of these for piano/acoustic guitar:

1. SM81
2. AKG C414

Thanks for any input you might have!

 

[ittam]

Hi!
I´d succest U87 with a good preamp and 414 x 2 for the piano.
I did listen one of your your samples and feel the problem
might not be the mics but the mix, or the way of mixing ( or not mixing ? )

Matti

P.S. U47 fet doesn´t exist

 

[punkrocker]

Ok Thanks! Uhh... The place I'm renting from says it does exist and they have it?avastrecording.com. What is the problem that you hear with the sample (and which did you listen to) as I always like feedback! Do you have recommandations for acoustic guitar? Anyone else have advice? Thanks!

 

[ittam]

OK they have it -we others think U 47 as a rare tube ( not fet ) mic not manufactured for decades and when found in GOOD condition worth of lets say 15 000 - 20 000$ ?
The sample was the first the site offered

Best

Matti

now that you have rented 2 x 414 and an U 87 ( with the good pre ) you have all you need for guitar also ;-)

 

[drBill]

Out of your choices, the U87 all the way. The 47FET is GENERALLY not a go to mic for vocals. A tube U47 would be an excellent choice though for vocals, but don't be misled, although a decent mic, the FET is no U47 as far as vocals go.

The 87's been on a million records. The 414 is hit and miss with vocals for me. Mostly miss. Haven't tried the blueberry.

I would not choose either of those mics for piano, but if I HAD to, I guess it would be the 414. Which model of 414 (there's half a dozen) will make a radical difference in the sound.

I'd suggest widening your search a bit unless these are your only choices. Have fun!! Renting mics is cool cause you don't have to pony up huge amounts of cash.

 

[ittam]

Listen!

Matti

 

[punkrocker]

avastrecording.com/equipment.html is what i have to choose from if you see anything that looks better.

 

[ittam]

Hey they have about everything!
U48 (same as a U47 but with different polar patterns ) and M49 and u 87 with innertube -oh let me breathe -and Elam 251
If I saw those mics at the same time I would freece and could´nt record anything...
Ok: U48 or Elam for vocals through Neve 1073 and 2 x m49 for the piano and for the guitar when it´s his/hers turn
Not cheap stuff but worth the price!
But consult them, they know their tools

Best

Matti

 

[punkrocker]

ok mabye im stupid but i dont see the m49 who's it made by? So u48 is better than u87 ok. yes of course its not cheap thats why im renting lol! they also have a avalon 737 even though it isnt listed.

 

[ittam]

Uxx or Mxx etc are Neumann trademarks, but listen
to the Elam also wich a kind of a Telefunken version of AKG C12
ALL legendary mics never to be manufactured again.
If you rent this kind of stuff be sure to insure them!

Take care

Matti

 

[punkrocker]

ok thanks! Anyone else have input?

 

[ittam]

I´m sorry, I´ll continue this much:
U47 / 48 was ok for Frank Sinatra and The Beatles and...
and still used
Elam 251 was / is ok for example for Bruce Springsteen if I know
anything

Shit man, super mics!

Matti

 

[punkrocker]

so do you think though that they will be good for my style of music?

 

[ittam]

No, I mean they are legendary mics but they are only mics,
on the most expencive side though.
It´s the thing you do, not the pen you use

Cheers

Matti

 

[drBill]

so do you think though that they will be good for my style of music?

??? Who knows. Only trying them on your vox will tell you if they are right or not. That's why studios have lots of different style mics. It's quite possible that an SM7b ($300) mic might be better than the 251 ($20,000+ mic). Only trying them will tell.

 

[punkrocker]

??? Who knows. Only trying them on your vox will tell you if they are right or not. That's why studios have lots of different style mics. It's quite possible that an SM7b ($300) mic might be better than the 251 ($20,000+ mic). Only trying them will tell.

Like I said before that is my dilema. The place I'm renting from wont let me try them out. That is why I'm asking what is a mic that is most likely going to be the right one. It looks like I'll probably use mabye a U87 or U48 on Vox 2 M49 on piano/guitar unless you guys think differently. BTW I'm planing for electric guitar just a sm57 or 2 on a mesa boogie but do you guys think that I should get a 57 and a different mic perhaps? Thanks so much for these great answers.

 

[totherambler]

well they are a recording studio, so it may be worth spending $50 (or whatever the studio's hourly rate is) and using the time to test all of the mics you are interested in. then rent the mics you like. Just a thought

 

[drBill]

well they are a recording studio, so it may be worth spending $50 (or whatever the studio's hourly rate is) and using the time to test all of the mics you are interested in. then rent the mics you like. Just a thought

Great idea!!!

 

[punkrocker]

well they are a recording studio, so it may be worth spending $50 (or whatever the studio's hourly rate is) and using the time to test all of the mics you are interested in. then rent the mics you like. Just a thought

wow now i feel like an idiot i cant believe i didnt think of that lol. Thanks!