Unique Mics

[The Garage]

I just bought the Davisound DS-1950, a microphone with an enclosure made of bloodwood. It's a beautiful looking mic and it has a really interesting tone. I also just got an AEA R-88, a stereo ribbon mic. It's also a striking-looking microphone with great sound. What are some other unique microphones, both looks and sound, that are being manufactured today? I know the Blue line of microphones. What else?

 

[chessrock]

Placid Audio Copperphone. http://www.placidaudio.com/

Really unique, and cool, for lack of a better description.

Sound great. I'd also recommend just going crazy and searching around on ebay for some unique stuff. Altec used to make some "coke bottle" and/or "lipstick" mics. Good stuff, there.

Another one would be the Electrovoice 666. Can't say enough good things about it. Best money I ever spent on a single mic. Very unique, in both looks and sound.

 

[Warhead]

Hey Chess, what does that Copperphone mic do well? I listened to clips on their site a while back and just don't get it. I'd rather spend money on an EQ that could transform a track into what they had posted...so enlighten me!

The Pearl line of microphones is worthy on the "different" side of things features wise anyhow, I'm still waiting on a demo of one. They use a rectangular diaphragm which they claim has less resonance than circular. The rep is (of course) really touting certain models as very very good but I need to hear for myself. But they are unique in build.

War

 

[mr.rich]

loo barlow usees somthing like that coppertone in his live shows sets it next to his main vox and uses it at times.. has a really neat tone i think.

 

[The Garage]

I just read a review of the Boca Ball from Joel Hamilton. Looks pretty awesome:

http://www.sageelectronics.com/bb1.html

 

[chessrock]

Hey Chess, what does that Copperphone mic do well? I listened to clips on their site a while back and just don't get it. I'd rather spend money on an EQ that could transform a track into what they had posted...so enlighten me!

It's just a funky, low-fi sounding mic. Some of it's sound has to do with the shape, as well as the type of capsule, etc. It's just fun to pull out on occasion if you want a really trashy-sounding vocal or drum track. That kinda' thing. If you prefer just f&@king things up with EQ, then yea, it might not totally be necessary.

 

[The Garage]

Joel Hamilton loves those coppertones, right?

I also saw some Electrovoice and Blue collaboration microphones -- the Raven and the Cardinal. Those look great, but how do they sound?

 

[Joel Hamilton]

I have one of those DaviSound 1950's, in a custom case they built for me so I could fly with it and not break the glass case thing it usually comes with.... I have 3 of the placid audio copperphones, and yes, a pair of the Sage electronics "BOVA BALL."

I LOVE unique microphones, nad those three are some of my favorite contemporary models, and manufacturers. It feels good to support those companies as well.

The 1950 is a weird one, kind of awesome in its ability to make everything sound like it was recorded in a birdhouse, but not a small one.... weird, and resonant, and cool. Certain vocals have really rocked on this mic, as welll as leslie cabinet, acoustic guitar, and violin... also cello... It is the cartoon of a "nostalgic sound" on tape. amazing. i love that company.

The copperphone is really awesome, which is why I have three. Totally limited bandwidth, but SUPER smooth in the range it operates. Not just a spikey, telephone type of sound because of the resonant chamber made of (duh) copper. Fun to use, people like using them, sounds great, you could break into a car with this mic and still do a session with it.... awesome all around. makes things come forward in the mix when tracked along side something smoother like a ribbon. Really fun. I have been pushing for a "pro" version with an output Xformer for a minute now... we will see.... I have a copperphone with my name on it! Yes I love them.

The Bova ball is one of the most amazing omni mics I have ever used... period. Spreical omni condenser with dicrete FET support circuitry= HUGE.

As room mics, they are unequalled. Really: un equalled. SO open, but super flattering at the same time. Like a more flattering earthworks TC30k, or a less honest version at least, but the lies are all in favor of the performance.

Absolutely amazing omni microphone, that looks amazingly weird, sounds amazingly good, and could withstand a baseball bat. Totally my perfect omni. Works well with the way I work.

Please feel free to email me about any of these mics if you have specific questions, I will reply ASAP, as I love talking about weird mics and weird compressors more than anything!

Sincerely,
-Joel hamilton

 

[mjau]

Joel is in the house...
making me wish for the return of the tape op board even moreso now.

 

[chessrock]

Same here.

Thanks for stopping by and chiming in, Joel.

It's always a treat.

 

[Joel Hamilton]

I just bought the Davisound DS-1950, a microphone with an enclosure made of bloodwood. It's a beautiful looking mic and it has a really interesting tone. I also just got an AEA R-88, a stereo ribbon mic. It's also a striking-looking microphone with great sound. What are some other unique microphones, both looks and sound, that are being manufactured today? I know the Blue line of microphones. What else?

The RFT 7151 I have is the biggest mic I own. It is what BLUE modeled their "bottle" after. The Grundig GBM125 I have is weird looking, and sounds great. I have two tannoy large ribbons: one is black and one is copper/gold and they look like train lanterns from the 30's.... there are pictures of some of these mics on my website below....

Seriously feel free if anyone has specific questions about any of these mics... email me.

 

[mrface2112]

wow, joel, i'm used to reading your comments on tapeop and gearslutz.....i'm thrilled that you'd choose to post here as well. we're honored.

don't let the morons get you down or run you off.


cheers,
wade

 

[Joel Hamilton]

wow, joel, i'm used to reading your comments on tapeop and gearslutz.....i'm thrilled that you'd choose to post here as well. we're honored.

don't let the morons get you down or run you off.


cheers,
wade

I love this site. More people here doing it for the love of the art than any other bbs right now.... I love that. It is why I do what I do! I dont like reading assistant engineers posts arguing about what neve 33609 revision is best.... whatever!?!? Have fun and record great stuff!

Glad this site exists.
Sincerely,
-Joel

 

[The Garage]

thanks for the feedback, joel. those mics look great! how do you like the BLUE mouse? what might it compare to? of the BLUE mics, i only have the kiwi, so if you've used that, how does it compare?

anyway, i remember looking at the davisound mic about a year ago when i came across your recommendation in one of the Tape Op threads (R.I.P.). long story short, i am so happy i followed your advice. i had hayne make the mic in bloodwood. you can check it out here:

http://davisound.com/Stern1950/Stern1950.html

it's simply gorgeous! the picstures don't do it justice. and way affordable considering the great vibey sound you get.

i've been looking at that Sage bocca ball mic. i may have to bite the bullet, though the AEA R88 took a big chunk out of my budget. (worth every penny!! you gotta check it out.)

joel, i'm thinking we have similar taste in gear, so if you find anything else unique and wonderful, keep me (and the rest of the homerecorders) in the loop. especially in regards to gear made by the "smaller" guys. i guess i'm just tired of giving my money to "the man."

between the ehx preamp purchase and the red cross donations, it may be a while tho...

 

[Joel Hamilton]

thanks for the feedback, joel. those mics look great! how do you like the BLUE mouse? what might it compare to? of the BLUE mics, i only have the kiwi, so if you've used that, how does it compare?

anyway, i remember looking at the davisound mic about a year ago when i came across your recommendation in one of the Tape Op threads (R.I.P.). long story short, i am so happy i followed your advice. i had hayne make the mic in bloodwood. you can check it out here:

http://davisound.com/Stern1950/Stern1950.html

it's simply gorgeous! the picstures don't do it justice. and way affordable considering the great vibey sound you get.

i've been looking at that Sage bocca ball mic. i may have to bite the bullet, though the AEA R88 took a big chunk out of my budget. (worth every penny!! you gotta check it out.)

joel, i'm thinking we have similar taste in gear, so if you find anything else unique and wonderful, keep me (and the rest of the homerecorders) in the loop. especially in regards to gear made by the "smaller" guys. i guess i'm just tired of giving my money to "the man."

between the ehx preamp purchase and the red cross donations, it may be a while tho...

I have checked out the R88. It is cool. I personally like the R84 a bit better though, as i like darker mics in general. They work better going straight into protools, and on a bright source, they rock to a good tape machine.
I have been absolutely loving the Bova Ball, and i really, really love the Sage electronics mic pre. They have become my "go to" kick and snare pre's. So open, and HUGE. Even in a big room with a neve or API I would use the Sage pre's on the kick and snare for sure. I only have two right now, but I hope to get a few more... amazing front end, and really well made.

Your 1950 looks really cool! Awesome in that wood. Looks like Hayne made the box i asked for standard as well, because in the pictures of your mic, it is the "new style" box I asked for. I also asked for VU's on the TB2 compressor, and Hayne made that an option as well. What a great company. I really like supporting companies like that! Amazing customer support, quality gear that sounds great, unique look and feel specific to you... what more could you ask for!?!? I highly suggest contacting Sage electronics, as They are some of the nicest people to deal with on the planet, gear manufacturer or not....

One other microphone for Lo-fi goodness that i have been LOVING is the "egg-static" mic. Intended for harmonica, this little tea ball egg mic can be amazing in a kick drum, or under the floor to, to blend with your other mics for a sonic fingerprint that is instantly recognized, and gives my basic tracks something fun to choose from in the mix for an intro or a bridge that needs a "mix induced dynamic shift."

Please keep ME informed if YOU find anything as well. I have a ton of weird gear, and i love babbling about it...

 

[timboZ]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Warhead
Hey Chess, what does that Copperphone mic do well? I listened to clips on their site a while back and just don't get it. I'd rather spend money on an EQ that could transform a track into what they had posted...so enlighten me!

Quote:
Originally Posted chessrock
It's just a funky, low-fi sounding mic. Some of it's sound has to do with the shape, as well as the type of capsule, etc. It's just fun to pull out on occasion if you want a really trashy-sounding vocal or drum track. That kinda' thing. If you prefer just f&@king things up with EQ, then yea, it might not totally be necessary.

If I want that sound I use my telophone mic. I made it out of an old telephone handset.
Its got that lo-fi / hi-fi sound to it and it cost me less than $5.00 to make.

 

[Joel Hamilton]

If I want that sound I use my telophone mic. I made it out of an old telephone handset.
Its got that lo-fi / hi-fi sound to it and it cost me less than $5.00 to make.

The fact that you made one yourself is awesome! on the other hand, I dont have te time or the space here in NYC to make anything these days, so I personally would support your efforts if you thought you came up with a cool teelephone mic, and buy one of the ones you made fo sale! It is as simple as that. If more cool people with cool ideas made stuff for sale, there would be cooler choices of stuff to get for our studios, right?
Look at it this way: a neve mic pre is just a bunch of resistors,Xformers,capacitors,transistors, and wire or PCB right? So what is the big deal? Why shouldnt we all build everything from scratch? Because certain people have some really good ideas, and make those ideas available to those of us that enjoy the fruits of their labor in exchange for something: usually money. I have had interns who had a really good idea, and I funded the idea through to fruition, so i have a bunch of custom stuff that is pretty cool, because i didnt just say: "why should I give you money to put a compressor pedal in a rack? why should I care whether you have what you think is a cool idea about the I/O xformers to make that pedal balanced for use during mixing??" What we do is creative, i personally support creativity. The copperphone is a piece of usable art, and I love them. If it was only about "getting a Lofi/hifi sound," wouldnt we all just get a neumann and a neve and get on with the hit records?

Boy would that be boring.....

 

[The Garage]

joel, i am curious what you've used the davisound 1950 on that you thought really worked. i really haven't put it through its paces yet and i'm think this weekend would be a good time to just experiment.

 

[Giganova]

$250.- "to achieve a true telephone, lo-fi, AM radio sound"? I can do that with a simple high-pass and other filters!

 

[Joel Hamilton]

joel, i am curious what you've used the davisound 1950 on that you thought really worked. i really haven't put it through its paces yet and i'm think this weekend would be a good time to just experiment.

On the hammond B3/ Leslie 147 we have at Studio G: awesome.
Sounded like the Meters to me... totally cool "vintage" vibe.

The 1950 is a weird one, but super cool, and really good at making things sound unique. Its odd resonant sound is really flattering to certain AC gtr's, if you want a kind of neil young "harvest" type plinky, boxy acoustic GTR sound.