Suggestions: Vocal Mic with Presence

  • Thread starter Thread starter NolensVolens
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NolensVolens

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I am currently using a SP B1 for vocals, but the they don't seem to have much presence, or sit in the mix very well, or have enough low-end. I'm looking to upgrade (probably to a tube mic). Any suggestions for a mics to look in to that might give vocals a better presence in the mix? My budget is roughly $400.

cheers.
 
What do you mean by presence?

If you're talking about more midrange presence, then I'd be looking at some of the Shures: KSM-44 or even an SM-7 dynamic. Very forward/aggressive midrange (great for rock and heavier shit). Audio Technica stuff is good for that, too.

If you're talking about high end presence, then you'd probably dig the Rhode stuff; NTK or NT-1000, etc. Lots of treble and high end sheen, etc. I'm not a fan of that stuff, but some people are.

You also mentioned something about "not enough bass," which kind of confuses me, but I'm also thinking "tube condenser?" Hmmm. You might like the Rode NTK. It's got lots of high end presence, a pretty aggressive midrange, and a ton of proximity effect. It's a little too present for my taste, but it might just be the ticket for you. I would definitely have a look at that if I were you. Good luck.
 
By presence, I mainly just ment something that cuts through the mix well, without being harsh. Thanks for the recommendations, I have looked in to them and am considering purchasing the NTK.

cheers.
 
The NTK is a great mic, but I think more info is needed. What are you running the B1 through? Your presence problem may be related to your preamp. The B1 is not a bad mic, but could very well sound crappy through a low end pre. You might need to rethink where those 4 or 5 bills should be invested. Just a thought.
 
I am running through a Joe Meek VC3Q (with compression and EQ off).
 
NolensVolens said:
I am running through a Joe Meek VC3Q (with compression and EQ off).
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dude, id use that compressor......that will help a bit with presence........
 
I'm using the C1 software compressor.

So should I replace my preamp or mic?
 
Add a Beyer M88 and/or the Sennheiser MD421 to your shortlist.

The M88 is the brighter of the two, unless you get a 421 MKII instead.
The MD441 has a flatter response, different than your parameters BTW.

Chris
 
NolensVolens said:
By presence, I mainly just ment something that cuts through the mix well, without being harsh. Thanks for the recommendations, I have looked in to them and am considering purchasing the NTK.
Click to expand...


What kind of mix are you refering to? Heavy rock? Country? Polka?
 
chessrock said:
What kind of mix are you refering to? Heavy rock? Country? Polka?
Click to expand...

Light rock / alternative. Not an awful lot going on in the mix, apart from tracks where I use a pino too.

I'm trying to decide between the KSM44 and NTK at the moment... tough one.
 
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