Tube Mics or Solid State?

[The Engineer]

What's the disadvantages/advantages to having a tube mic? Don't tube mics provide a warmer sound? I know you have to hang them upside down so the tube doesn't overheat. Also which mic would be better for vocals, considering both mics suited your voice. I'm about to get the AT3060, and also was wondering what type of sound it gave?

Thank you.

 

[xstatic]

As a starting point, there really isn't an actual advantage or sound difference of one over the other. There is no magical warmth associated with a tube mic. It all really depends on the actual tube used and how the entire circuit is designed and powered. In general a lot of people like tube mics for some of the HF transients and harmonics that they can impart. In general, the best mic is whichever mic sounds best on the given source whether it be a tube mic, LD condensor, SD condensor, dynamic, or ribbon. Design will pretty much always designate quality, not whether or not it has a tube.

I have not used the AT 3060, so I can not comment specifically on that mic. Although the AT 4060 does have a pretty nice clear sound.

 

[mshilarious]

I have not used the AT 3060, so I can not comment specifically on that mic. Although the AT 4060 does have a pretty nice clear sound.

I have an AT3060 and it doesn't give a nice clear sound But it is an extremely cool mic. "Warm" does not come to mind when describing this mic, it's more like the special sound effect mic. It's a bit bright and has a fair amount of pleasant harmonic distortion. It can be really, really interesting, but I'd never use it on every track. It is good for vocals and can do strange and wonderful things to instruments.

If you had two mics that suited equally suited your voice then I'm not sure if you'd care that one was tube.

Also they are hung upside down not so the tube doesn't overheat, but the heat from the tube doesn't adversely affect the diaphragm. However the tube in the AT3060 is so small, and is supplied with a very limited amount of current I doubt it matters much. I hang all vocal mics upside down, tube or not, for other reasons though.

 

[The Engineer]

Well I was suggested this mic. I'm only going to have one mic and I don't want to make a bad decision. If I test mics out, what should I listen for? I went to guitar center and tested out some mics a few months ago, they hook the mic up to this big ass mixer then play it through some big concert speakers then you hear it as you talk in the mic, I wish they would let me record somethin and play it through mons, but that's just not the case.

Basically I want a warm mic, listen to Snoop Dogg, Obie Trice, Ludacris vocals, I want that type of warmness they have .. especially snoop dogg's vocals ...

http://www.soundclick.com/thegeniuses

"You do not want to die"

I'm first verse and hook, could anybody recommend a "warm" mic under $500.
Also clear, but I don't want exaggerated hi's.

Thank's guys

 

[mshilarious]

I'm first verse and hook, could anybody recommend a "warm" mic under $500.
Also clear, but I don't want exaggerated hi's.

That sounds nice.

I wish I could be more helpful, but I don't know hip-hop. Mostly I do acoustic instruments But to only have one mic, I'd look at Shure KSM44 or EV RE20 in that range.

 

[The Engineer]

Thanks hilarious. What part of VA are you in? I'm in Va Beach!

But thanks for ya help, I appreciate it.

 

[mshilarious]

Thanks hilarious. What part of VA are you in? I'm in Va Beach!

But thanks for ya help, I appreciate it.

I lived in VA Beach until I was 5 . . .

I'm in NoVA.

 

[acorec]

What's the disadvantages/advantages to having a tube mic? Don't tube mics provide a warmer sound? I know you have to hang them upside down so the tube doesn't overheat. Also which mic would be better for vocals, considering both mics suited your voice. I'm about to get the AT3060, and also was wondering what type of sound it gave?

Thank you.

Tube mics are overflowing with nice warmth that is unattainable with regular transistor stuff. This is probably not true. I like tube mics because I like the tube mics I have chosen because I like the sound of the mics that I have chosen and they just so happen to have tubes in them. The other ones I have chosen because I like the sound of them just happen to not have tubes in them. They all have their place in my studio and in the winter, the tube mics double as little heaters also. An added benefit to be sure.

 

[Rickson Gracie]

check out the Groove Tubes GT66. really nice mic with nice "tubey" sound. u can probably get one on ebay for way less than $500

 

[mikey@thecave]

Originally Posted by The Engineer
I'm first verse and hook, could anybody recommend a "warm" mic under $500.
Also clear, but I don't want exaggerated hi's.

yes the Studio project T#3 read up on it

 

[up-fiddler]

I hang all vocal mics upside down, tube or not, for other reasons though.

Why might that be? I'm not trying to be a smart a-- . I really don't know and would like to learn. Thanbks, Dave