Ribbon Mic for Vocals

[PHILANDDON]

I've always loved the sound of those old recordings done on ribbon mics (hank williams sr., judy garland, gene autry, etc.) Was thinking of getting one but two things have been preventing me: cost and delicateness. Well the cost has come down, and I haven't hurt my condensers so I figure if I'm extra careful with the ribbon mic I should be okay.

Where do people come down on AEA vs. Royer. I've heard the royers are kinda bright (not my thing), and I think that the AEA that looks like an old RCA 77 costs "only" a thousand dollars. I dunno what do you think?

P.S. I know that ribbons need more gain than condensers. My pres give me 60db of gain. Do I really need more? I know that royer makes a phantom-powered ribbon, but the cost is a bit steep. Please advise...

Thanks.

 

[rdozz]

What's your budget? That will help these guys help you...

Rob

 

[PHILANDDON]

Under $2,000

 

[Warhead]

I'm having no problem with +60dB preamps pushing my R84. You might on a finger picked guitar or something but not vocals.

The R84 can be very nice on vocals. No sibilance issues and a very full sound that is honest but musical. The R84 has an exceptional top end that is anything but harsh or brittle.

War

 

[mshilarious]

P.S. I know that ribbons need more gain than condensers. My pres give me 60db of gain. Do I really need more?

Generally no, but you do need a good clean 60dB.

 

[PHILANDDON]

Anyone have any experience with an AEA ribbon?

 

[borntoplease]

Where do people come down on AEA vs. Royer. I've heard the royers are kinda bright (not my thing).

i've never thought of the royer as bright... i recorded some acoustic guitar with the 122 the other day... it was very dark... too dark... couldnt use it. then again i didnt spend as long as i should on placement, and im no expert engineer. im sure a good engineer with plenty of time could get grrrreat results with it... so... thats my two cents.

 

[Big Kenny]

The r84 is the aea ribbon and Warhead just gave you a review.
raed this http://www.wesdooley.com/aea/R84.html

 

[AGCurry]

The AEA R84 is my first choice for most lead vocals. I too am partial to recordings from the late 40s and early 50s, when the RCA 77 was the dominant vocal mic.

I usually run the preamp trim between 58 and 66 db...

 

[chessrock]

Don't overlook the Beyerdynamic ribbons.

M-500 is definitely a sleeper vocal mic.

 

[old crow]

Don't overlook the Nady RSM-2. At under $200. you can't go wrong. I'm using them through a G.T. Brick pre with more than enough gain. Very quiet and retro sounding. Sweet and warm.
side note. I'm not affiliated with Nady and would not use thier other products

 

[PHILANDDON]

Thanks all. It looks like the R84 may be my best bet. Any special care advice (other than not to blow in the thing close up).

 

[old crow]

store in an upright pos.

 

[Warhead]

Yes, keep it covered by the bag and sealed up pretty well. The mic is not as fragile as you think, mine actually took a decent tumble a couple of months ago and all is well. Scary watching it go down though, as it is with any mic!

War

 

[Harvey Gerst]

store in an upright pos.

For about a month, then invert it and store it upside down for another month. Keeps the ribbon from sagging.