Thoughts on Mic selection?

[Mongoo]

I'm working out a deal to get some mic's.

2 x SM57
1 x MD421
1 x AT4050
1 x K2
1 x Green Bullet
1 x RE20 or SM7b

(I'm looking into a Peluso CEMC6 matched pair but the store doesn't sell them so they will have to wait)

Pre's I'll be using will be a M-Audio Tampa and onboard DPS24 pre's.

I'm still working out some of the details of the deal, but I thought I would run what I was thinking by you to make sure I'm prioitizing correctly. Do you see all of these as keeper mics or do you think I should make some changes. I should note, Just adding the retail prices up won't be an accurate depiction of what I could get if I made some switches. As far as overall sound coverage, what do you think?

Also, within this setup do you think a RE20 or SM7b would be a better fit. I read that the 20 is more open and SM7b is thicker but requires more gain. I like aspects of both of them but can't get both. So far I think I'm leaning towards the RE20 but who knows.

Thanks for the insight,

Mongoo

 

[Bassman Brad]

Pretty solid mic locker, if you ask me. I don't think I would make any changes, myself.

I was a little confused about why you felt that you needed the Green Bullet. From what I recall, it wasn't good for anything but micing the harmonica. Then I remembered that one of the popular mic techniques today is to mix the Green Bullet with another vocal mic for a sort of "distressed" vocal sound. I assume that's why you are considering it? I personally wouldn't buy ANY mic simply because it's "trendy" at the moment. But, if that's what your favorite vocalist uses, and you want to experiment with the technique, then that's cool. One of the neat things about recording is that there are usually several ways to accomplish each sound, so it just comes down to which way WE prefer. I'm just saying that you should be aware that, while the OTHER mics on your list will be useful on a variety of sources, this mic will be sort of a one trick pony.

Everything else is a very solid mic choice. Very good quality mics, that you will use over and over again on many different sources.

I don't really think it matters, either, whether you go with the SM7 or the RE20 for your large diaphragm dynamic. Six of one - half a dozen of the other. You'll probably be very, very satisfied with either one. To be honest, I would probably give a slight edge to the RE20, since it might be a little bit more flexible. We're REALLY splitting hairs, here, but I feel that the RE20 has a sound that I would suspect might work on a slightly larger collection of sources. So, the rational side of me would say buy the RE20.

However, the truth of the matter is that when I get $350 to spend on a LD dynamic mic, it'll go towards an SM7, because I'm just crazy about the sound of those things. This is strictly an emotional decision, not a rational one. I just think they sound soooo sweet, that it's pretty much been "love at first sight" ever since the day I heard one.

Overall, a very nice starter collection of mics, anyway you look at it. Enjoy!

Bassman Brad

 

[jkokura]

Good set of mics...

Adding the Peluso's would give you a better locker...you don't have any SDC's on your list at all...I would definately add some if I were you. Adding a ribbon in the future would give you a better balance locker as well, though you've got a great start with all of those. These are a good and complete set to mic drum kit's (excluding a matched set of overheads unless you get the Peluso's) and will give you (IMO) enough to do each part in most common rock recordings.

Why do you want the green bullet? An effect mic or for harmonica? Also, is the K2 your first choice for LDC's or is it just the best available to you? Finally, do you have to go through your local store - why not ebay or a forum classifieds?

Jacob

 

[Mongoo]

re

jkokura,

The AT4050 was my first choice, more out of safety than anything else. I haven't worked with alot of these mic's. I'm really just getting more serious into recording now. I use to work on a tascam sx-1, but no longer and I am looking into getting a whole new system. So I'm getting a big packaged deal. I wan't originally going to get the K2 at all, I mean I was thinking about it, but the AT4050 seemed more versitile. But I found a great price for the K2, so I figure it's worth it to have a tube mic on hand as well.

The green bullet is cheap and was recommended for the music I like. I've worked with this a little before and think it will make a good contribution, mainly for effect but I'm not ruleing out harmonica.

I am finding that it is best to find prices and get my local store to match them or beat them even.

 

[jkokura]

I don't rule out the K2 as being a good option, but the K2 and the 4050 are different monsters! the K2 is an australian made tube LDC, while the 4050 is an american made multi-pattern LDC...VERY different, equally useful in the right places! I have an NTK and a 4040, and I love them both and find many uses for them both. Get each if you can...

Are you getting the RE20/SM7 as a kick mic? Have you consdered other kick mics and just want to get one of these cause it's versatile? I'm curious because recent readings have made me want to look better at the SM7, and if I get one I might have to sell my D112 - I'm wondering if it'll outshine my kick mic and be useful elsewhere...

Jacob

 

[Mongoo]

re

jkokura,

From what I've heard the RE20/SM7b are great on alot of sources. I always thought there where just for kick's and Voice over's but I'm actually excited on trying one or the other for vocals. It will also be used as my kick mic though.

God I wish I knew which one to get.

 

[Bassman Brad]

jkokura,

From what I've heard the RE20/SM7b are great on alot of sources. I always thought there where just for kick's and Voice over's but I'm actually excited on trying one or the other for vocals. It will also be used as my kick mic though.

God I wish I knew which one to get.

Well, I'm not jkokura, but I can tell you that whichever one you get, you'll be very, very happy with it. These are both AWESOME microphones. Once again, (and this is my opinion ONLY - others may disagree), I would say that the SM7 gets the nod as a vocal mic, but the RE20 would be the one to choose for an instrument/multipurpose mic. It sounds GREAT as a bass drum mic, for example. Either way you go, neither will be a bad choice, or will leave you disappointed. And your new mic locker is going to rock either way! Lots of luck on your recording adventure. You're going to be very happy with that mic collection, and it should make the process of learning the basics of the recording arts very satisfying.

ROCK ON!!!!

Brad

(slight edit for typo - BB)

 

[Mongoo]

re

This is just a shot in the dark, but what do you think has more value, having 2 MD421's or 1 MD441?

Thanks,

Mongoo

 

[guinsu]

This is just a shot in the dark, but what do you think has more value, having 2 MD421's or 1 MD441?

Thanks,

Mongoo

I've found it very useful to have mics in pairs, in case you need 2 at the same time. 421s especially because you can use them on toms, snare or kick. You will always have a use for 2 or more 421s and can get the 441 later.

 

[cafr]

broadcast mic

Out of the two, RE20 and SM7 of course, what would be better for radio broadcasting? Both seem like they would would just fine but have you or your friends had expierence with either one for this purpose?

And then from your own expierence or your friends', what would be your favorite and second favorite for radio broadcasting. I'm looking into doing radio broadcasting and I want the voices to sound full and rich...just like you hear on the FM dial, but I don't think a Neumann is in my budget.

thanks guys.

 

[Bassman Brad]

Out of the two, RE20 and SM7 of course, what would be better for radio broadcasting? Both seem like they would would just fine but have you or your friends had expierence with either one for this purpose?

And then from your own expierence or your friends', what would be your favorite and second favorite for radio broadcasting. I'm looking into doing radio broadcasting and I want the voices to sound full and rich...just like you hear on the FM dial, but I don't think a Neumann is in my budget.

thanks guys.

The SM7 would probably be the way to go for this application. You can use the proximity effect of the SM7 to increase the amount of "boominess" to taste. The RE20 doesn't have this proximity effect.

Brad

 

[Bassman Brad]

I've found it very useful to have mics in pairs, in case you need 2 at the same time. 421s especially because you can use them on toms, snare or kick. You will always have a use for 2 or more 421s and can get the 441 later.

I, too, would be inclined to recommend a pair of 421's over a single 441. Not only are there lots of applications where you can use more than one of them (mic'ing floor toms, as guinsu mentioned, would be one example), but also the "mellower" sound of the 421's would provide a nice compliment to the brighter, more "present" sound of most condensers. The 441 is so incredibly clean and accurate, that it can almost be used in the same applications that you can use a condenser. And most of the people who would be shopping for these mics would already have a few LDCs on hand. So, you could use the condensers when you need a cleaner, brighter sound (which plays into the strength of condensers), and use the 421's when you need to soften the highs a bit.

As always, this is just my 2 cents. YMMV

Brad

 

[Bassman Brad]

Out of the two, RE20 and SM7 of course, what would be better for radio broadcasting?. . . I'm looking into doing radio broadcasting and I want the voices to sound full and rich...just like you hear on the FM dial, but I don't think a Neumann is in my budget.

By the way, you DO realize, don't you, that both the RE20 and the SM7 were designed specifically for use in broadcast applications, and are the actual mics used in many radio stations for this very purpose?

So, in other words, yeah, either one will certainly work for this application.

Brad

 

[chessrock]

Yea, this is another one of those questions.

Like: "I'm looking for a really hot woman, and her name has to be Jessica. I'm considering Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, or Jessica Simpson. Will either of those options qualify?"

Like Bassman said, the sm7 and/or re20 are used in about 95% of all radio broadcasts you've heard in the last 20 years or so. The only place where Bassman was a little off was in the proximity effect issue. They're both designed to minimize it for the most part. The RE-20 does this by it's unique design (variable D), while the SM-7 does it by extending this rather odd spaceage-looking metal mesh about 4 inches up from the capsule, limiting how close one can physically get to it. I've used them both at different times for stations I've worked for, and can't say I have a preference. Maybe the RE-20, because it has a smoother off-axis response, which is a good thing when reading news off the 'AP wire' (responds a little better when you look down or to the side, etc).

That said, and this is coming from a former radio guy here, but the big, lush sound you're refering to has everything to do with the voice and the technique. You probably knew that already, I imagine, but for those who don't: Really nice radio voices often "tone their voice down," to a lower key/pitch. Good radio voices also tend to resonate, naturally, from the chest region. More often than not, it's a natural characteristic of the voice, but oftentimes it's a technique that can be practiced and developed.

And, similar to good singing voices, there is very little going on in the throat region ... with the exception of a litte 'rasp,' or perhaps if you're using a character voice. The idea is to totally relax the throat and allow the chest to resonate ... and get right up on the mic to take advantage of whatever proximity effect it might offer. Point it somewhat towards your chest if you want a chestier sound, or up towards your nose for a brighter and more articulate tone. But overall, there is very little going on in the mic that is going to make it better for broadcast or anything. Just about any mic could conceivably work well for broadcasting or voiceovers, if used properly. Just thought I'd point that out just in case.
.

 

[steveanthony]

Along with what Chessrock said, there's usually a considerable amount of processing going on between the mic and the transmitter.

 

[cafr]

I appreciate all the replies.

I understand both of the named and mentioned mics are for broadcasting but I was just wondering what you prefer. Both are pretty identical in what they do and what they are used for.

Thanks for the help.

Now for a compressor/limiter, any suggestion for these types of mics and a radio kind of voice. :-D

 

[ljmaxx]

I appreciate all the replies.

I understand both of the named and mentioned mics are for broadcasting but I was just wondering what you prefer. Both are pretty identical in what they do and what they are used for.

Thanks for the help.

Now for a compressor/limiter, any suggestion for these types of mics and a radio kind of voice. :-D

You will find one of these http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/528E/ in just about every radio station in the country. You'll also find them in a lot of pro and home studio's. There's one in mine.

 

[cafr]

You will find one of these http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/528E/ in just about every radio station in the country. You'll also find them in a lot of pro and home studio's. There's one in mine.

Yeah, I've heard everything about the 528 being the standard. I suppose you get what you pay for and $500 per channel for a compressor/Processor/EQ isn't all that much.

Any thoughts on the Presonus preamps for insturment inputs and mic inputs?

 

[Innovations]

Out of the two, RE20 and SM7 of course, what would be better for radio broadcasting? Both seem like they would would just fine but have you or your friends had expierence with either one for this purpose?

And then from your own expierence or your friends', what would be your favorite and second favorite for radio broadcasting. I'm looking into doing radio broadcasting and I want the voices to sound full and rich...just like you hear on the FM dial, but I don't think a Neumann is in my budget.

thanks guys.

I have been in more than a few radio stations and you see SM7Bs all over the place but you tend to see just one or two RE20s...usually in the location where the station's big name talent sits.