Smoother sounding mic??

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quietb03

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Right now I have a AT4040 and AT2020 mic. These mics tend to have a slighly brighter sound than I'm looking for right now. I'm looking for a mic with a smoother sound. A smoother high end most likely and clear low end. The mic will be used for vocals only. Any recommendations?
 
quietb03 said:
Right now I have a AT4040 and AT2020 mic. These mics tend to have a slighly brighter sound than I'm looking for right now. I'm looking for a mic with a smoother sound. A smoother high end most likely and clear low end. The mic will be used for vocals only. Any recommendations?
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...a good dynamic mic will have a "smoother" "fatter" "richer" sound than most condenser mics...also much less likely to pick up ambient room noises...my personal favorite is the Shure SM7/7B...great on vocals (but you need a good 65dB or more to get the most out of them)... ;)
 
Sounds like the AKG C414 would be perfect - what's your budget like?
 
Elton Bear said:
Sounds like the AKG C414 would be perfect - what's your budget like?
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Only around $400...don't think I want a dynamic mic.
 
quietb03 said:
Only around $400...don't think I want a dynamic mic.
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...then you might do well to consider a ribbon mic...more like a dynamic than a condenser...think in terms of "vintage" sounding..."warmer" or "smoother" if you like...

...but, if you knew how many hit tunes were recorded using an SM7 for vocals (or for that matter, another dynamic mic), you might reconsider...
 
An Oktava MK-012 might be a good place to go next. There is a plethora of large and small diaphragm capsules available now for the MK-012 preamp body including one from BLUE, several of which might offer a "smoother" or "warmer" sound.
 
How about just using a pop filter (made with fabric) with the AT4040? It'll attenuate the high end.

The front side of the AEA R92 gives a smooth sound. It's over your budget.
 
quietb03 said:
I figured dynamics were more for stage use.
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I mostly record with pretty much an equal amount of tracks through dynamics, ribbons and condensers.
 
ozraves said:
I mostly record with pretty much an equal amount of tracks through dynamics, ribbons and condensers.
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Yup, SM7, you'll kick yourself for not getting one sooner
 
Big Kenny said:
Yup, SM7, you'll kick yourself for not getting one sooner
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...exactly...took me a couple of years to realize the value of a good dynamic...when you recognize that mics like the SM7 were designed as "broadcast" microphones you'll begin to understand why they work so well as vocal (singing) mics...they're made to enhance the sound of the human voice...make a voice sound "bigger than life", or again, "smoother" and "warmer" sounding...
...you'll find you need less EQ and compression very often because the mic imparts those characteristics due to it's design...of course that differs with each individual voice...and no more phantom power or pop screen (less sibilant and less "pop" sensitive)...
...you already have 2 decent condensers...treat yourself to a great dynamic like the SM7...and keep in mind that a $300-400 dynamic mic is a true "pro studio" mic...much like spending $1000. on a good condenser mic...and best of all, the SM7 is a "keeper" mic...once you own one, you make a place in your mic closet for it...you won't regret it...
...or, as BK said, "kick yourself a few years from now for not getting one sooner..." ;)
 
If the SM7 isn't up your alley, consider an Audix OM1, seriously mind blowing for vocals.
 
kidvybes said:
...exactly...took me a couple of years to realize the value of a good dynamic...when you recognize that mics like the SM7 were designed as "broadcast" microphones you'll begin to understand why they work so well as vocal (singing) mics...they're made to enhance the sound of the human voice...make a voice sound "bigger than life", or again, "smoother" and "warmer" sounding...
...you'll find you need less EQ and compression very often because the mic imparts those characteristics due to it's design...of course that differs with each individual voice...and no more phantom power or pop screen (less sibilant and less "pop" sensitive)...
...you already have 2 decent condensers...treat yourself to a great dynamic like the SM7...and keep in mind that a $300-400 dynamic mic is a true "pro studio" mic...much like spending $1000. on a good condenser mic...and best of all, the SM7 is a "keeper" mic...once you own one, you make a place in your mic closet for it...you won't regret it...
...or, as BK said, "kick yourself a few years from now for not getting one sooner..." ;)
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Im havin a hard time finding a SM7
 
Minion said:
I recomend a Tube Condenser to get that Smooth Pillowy sound....

Maybe a Rode NTK
Or on the Cheap try a Nady TCM 1150
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...no disrespect intended, but the Shure smokes both of those in the "smooth" category...we use the NTK and K2 in our studio as well...got that Rode "bite" on the high end (even with the NOS tube upgrades)...great on somethings, not so great on others...the Nady is still on the "brighter" side...trust me...the SM7 is the "smoother" choice...
...on the tube-condenser mic side, the Studio Projects T3 gets the nod, but again, the Shure "out-smooths" it...
 
kidvybes said:
...no disrespect intended, but the Shure smokes both of those in the "smooth" category...we use the NTK and K2 in our studio as well...got that Rode "bite" on the high end (even with the NOS tube upgrades)...great on somethings, not so great on others...the Nady is still on the "brighter" side...trust me...the SM7 is the "smoother" choice...
...on the tube-condenser mic side, the Studio Projects T3 gets the nod, but again, the Shure "out-smooths" it...
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Howzabout against the Audix OM1? This whole thread has made me consider the SM7 too...
 
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