SP T3, MXL V77 or Rode Classic?

[Mr Funk]

I can get an ex-demo T3 for £200, or possibly a used V77 or Rode Classic (Mk1) also for about £200. Which would you pick?

Is the 32db noise of the Rode a problem for vocals? Can it be tweaked to bring it down to the 22db of the Classic 2?

Thanks

 

[DJL]

I 'think' the last time someone asked a question like yours... most everyone said to get the Rode NTK.

 

[MrGrooves666]

I have the V77 and I like it. When I first got it my impression was different, I actually was going to sell it, but the buyer, a friend of mine, backed out at the last moment (and fortunately I also had turned out a buyer from this forum because of my friend). I decided to give the mic a second chance, because it was really my second LD condenser mic. Now, after using it more I see that I was totally wrong. This mic is awesome, very detailed...more that my other chineese LD's (C1, V67G, B3's). It works terrific on female vocals. It also works very nice on acoustic steel string and male vocals, as well as an ambience mic. I suppose it would work good on strings, piano and sax, though I haven't tried it in those applications. One thing to note about this one is that even though its a tube mic, its not the mic to look for if you want some strong coloration. For that I would rather go with their other model, the V69. I've used an NTK before and the V77 is as good as that one, probably with a little bit less coloration, though Its been a while since I don't use an NTK. It also has significant proximity effect, and I take adantage of that sometimes. Its a very nice mic, lil noisey, but nothing to worry about. Also, as with all tube mics in general, make sure you have a pretty isolated space. Tube mics are very sensitive. I can easily hear cars passing by on the street with the V77 in my recording space. So if you thought normal LD condensers are sensitive, wait till you try a tube.

 

[Flatpicker]

I have the V77 and I like it. When I first got it my impression was different, I actually was going to sell it, but the buyer, a friend of mine, backed out at the last moment (and fortunately I also had turned out a buyer from this forum because of my friend). I decided to give the mic a second chance, because it was really my second LD condenser mic. Now, after using it more I see that I was totally wrong. This mic is awesome, very detailed...more that my other chineese LD's (C1, V67G, B3's). It works terrific on female vocals. It also works very nice on acoustic steel string and male vocals, as well as an ambience mic.

Thanks for the info. What made you not like it at first? When you say it's more detailed than the other mics, do you mean more "high-endy" or just more clear. The reason I'm asking is because the C1 is about as "high-endy" as I'd ever want. I've been looking for an open sounding, non-siblant condenser for female voice.

 

[MrGrooves666]

Why?...because the first time I used it I tried it on a friend of mine who has a very very low end graspy voice and for him in particular, the C1 and its enhanced high end worked better. So I was stupid really, I didn't bother trying it on other stuff.
It doesn't have such high end as the C1. Its a much more smooth sounding mic. Hoenstly I used to praise the C1 a lot, but the magic has been vanished somewhat. Don't get me wrong, its a great mic, but the hyped high end limits its applications a lot, at least on my checklist. Now I use it exclusively for vocals, and not all of them either.

What I refer with "detailed" is precisely that, its able to capture sound with much detail. Transients, colors, whatever you want to call it. As I mentioned before, I'm able to pick the cars passing by the street, something I can barely hear with my other mics. Its not a gain issue, its just more sensitive that the others.
I don't think you'll have but the usual problems with sibilants, the kind that any condenser in general brings up. If you decide to go for it, be aware that the max SPL sits around 120 db's if I remember correctly, so just be a little more sensitive of what you put in front close of it. Rap vocalist will be a no no for sure

 

[MrGrooves666]

Let me see if tomorrow I can record some female vocal samples for ya. I have a friend, very good female vocalist. I don't promise it but I will try if you're interested.

 

[Mr Funk]

Glad to hear good things about the V77s. Has anyone got any experience with both this and either the T3 or Rode Classic (Mk1)? How do they differ sound wise? I have used a T3 and liked it, but never heard the V77 or Classic.

 

[DJL]

FWIW, I 'think' I remember Harvey saying he prefered the V69 over the the V77.

 

[Flatpicker]

Let me see if tomorrow I can record some female vocal samples for ya. I have a friend, very good female vocalist. I don't promise it but I will try if you're interested.

Thanks, MrGroves! That’d be great, if you get time to post ‘em.

I feel the same about the C1 – When it works, it works great, but most of the time I need something more neutral.

BTW, I see you have a low post count. In case no one’s told you – Welcome to the forum!

 

[shortyprs]

I haven't heard the v77, but lately I've done a lot with the v69. The consensus of everybody I've recorded with it...the bee's knees! Its not just me. Everybody I've recorded with it has loved their voice with this mic. It offers a slightly brighter top end, but retains the smooth/warm feel. The lower end is much cleaner than my C3. No mud. Again, that smooth/warm feel.

I haven't used the mic on female vox or a real belter yet, but on male tenor to baritone range voices, I'd highly recommend it. I'd also recommend it for acoustic guitar.