To purchase or hold out?

[qleak]

Recently I got to test a beta87a with the main female vocalist for the band I help record. Used I can pick it up for about half its new value. Unfortunately, the mic sounds simply too bright in the high freq range for the vocalist. I think maybe beta87c will be a little less bright, but I don't have any used ones I can purchase. I wish I had the kind of money to buy a KSM9, but that's not really an option right now.

The beta87a sounds considerably better and more detailed than the sm58 she currently uses, but I'd need to eq it to make it usable for recording.

So my question: Would you purcase it and try to work with EQ'ing everything or would you hold out till you found a mic with better coloration?

I'm also open to suggestions of mics that might work, here are my requirements:

* Must be a condensor
* Must handle well
* Must be usable in live / monitor situations

 

[Steenamaroo]

Would you purcase it and try to work with EQ'ing everything or would you hold out till you found a mic with better coloration?

It's a fair enough question, but I've a few of my own.

Do you hope to build up a mic collection over time for a range of tasks, or do you just want the right one for the job.


How will you find a mic that suits your purpose better? You can get advice online, sure, but it can never really be 100% accurate because no one knows what you're dealing with.
Do you have the opportunity to audition microphones anywhere?

If you just want one mic that does the job well for you, I'm afraid finding out what fits has to be a first hand affair.
If that's not feasible, post a clip of the recordings you have of this girl.
It won't be foolproof, but maybe people could make recommendations upon hearing her.

For a natural (read not hyped) sounding condenser, I've had success with mk219 and tlm193, but like I say, that might be useless info without knowing your situation first hand.

 

[qleak]

Do you hope to build up a mic collection over time for a range of tasks, or do you just want the right one for the job.

Yes and Yes I've been researching vocal condensors for a little while now, so I just feel like this one fell in my lap when I saw it used at the local music shop. I'm always up for increasing my general gear, but have specifically been looking for a slightly better vocal mic too. I get the impression the beta87a would be useful even if I move on to another mic.

My question is more about is it worth the effort to EQ the tracks so they sound nicer. I guess this varies based on how badly they need the EQ, I'll see if I can get permission to post a clip, maybe I can give a clip from a more neutral mic as well.

Do you have the opportunity to audition microphones anywhere?

I've been working on this somewhat unsuccessfully. The shop with the second hand mic is happy to audition mics but the stock is rather limited. I'm starting to scope out friends with recording/audio gear. Any suggestions? I live in the Toledo, Oh area so it should be at least close enough to some major metropolitain areas.

If you just want one mic that does the job well for you, I'm afraid finding out what fits has to be a first hand affair.

That's the impression I get

If that's not feasible, post a clip of the recordings you have of this girl.
It won't be foolproof, but maybe people could make recommendations upon hearing her.

I'll have to ask permission, but this is not out of the realm of possibility.

For a natural (read not hyped) sounding condenser, I've had success with mk219 and tlm193, but like I say, that might be useless info without knowing your situation first hand.

I own two mk219's =D great mics but they get too much of the room for the needed amplification (even with 10db pad) and don't respond well to mic handling. Maybe I'll be able to do something more with these with my new preamps (tomorrow).

 

[Steenamaroo]

Yes and Yes I've been researching vocal condensors for a little while now, so I just feel like this one fell in my lap when I saw it used at the local music shop. I'm always up for increasing my general gear, but have specifically been looking for a slightly better vocal mic too. I get the impression the beta87a would be useful even if I move on to another mic.

Good. That takes the pressure off.
If this is the case I'd be inclined to take more of a risk with regard to online advice.
If a handful of guys think a certain mic will work for you, then why not go for it?
If it turns out not to be perfect, you've built up a first hand point of comparison, and you've expanded your arsenal for another day.

My question is more about is it worth the effort to EQ the tracks so they sound nicer. I guess this varies based on how badly they need the EQ, I'll see if I can get permission to post a clip, maybe I can give a clip from a more neutral mic as well.

I see.
I'm not sure I'd let it bother me too much.
If you have to really mangle a signal to get what you want then sure, look for another mic, but I do generally expect that mic choice will get me close, and eq will get me 'there'.

The shop with the second hand mic is happy to audition mics but the stock is rather limited. I'm starting to scope out friends with recording/audio gear. Any suggestions? I live in the Toledo, Oh area so it should be at least close enough to some major metropolitain areas.

Cool; You're already on it.
I'm afraid I can't really offer advice because I'm from a stupid little Island in the back end of nowhere.

I own two mk219's =D great mics but they get too much of the room for the needed amplification (even with 10db pad) and don't respond well to mic handling. Maybe I'll be able to do something more with these with my new preamps (tomorrow).

Ok, both points I can understand.
You did stipulate about handling noise; I just forgot.
The 219 is probably the worst mic in the universe for handling noise. It's a capsule inside a bell! lol. My bad.

As far as recommending specific mics, there are other guys on here who know a lot more about live sound and handling noise than I would.
Hopefully some of them will stop in.

Is this for live performances/rehearsals, or for handheld studio use?


BTW, if you shine a microphone shaped light beam into the sky, a guy called Moresound will turn up and help.

 

[xaudia]

Small recording studios are good places to audition mics! If you explain what you are up to, many places will happily rent the place for an hour or two and let you try their mics out. You may also get a second opinion from the engineer that way, and possibly even some advice.

Just a thought!