Vocal coloration with KSM32?

[bcfromfl]

In another thread, Darrin recommended a KSM32 to me. Rather than continue hijacking the other thread, I started this new one to get user-experiences on something I've read in a couple reviews.

I'm a classically-trained baritone, and I'm looking for an appropriate condenser for a project I'm currently working on. (Previously I was leaning towards the Rode NTK or AKG C414.) Most reviews have been very praiseworthy of this mic, but I found a couple criticizing its use for vocals. One in particular said, "you sound like you're singing through a tin can," and this flaw could not be corrected with any measure of post-processing. Missing, of course, was any information with respect to the pre this individual was using.

I won't be using a standalone pre for this mic, but rather running it through an Apogee Duet audio interface directly into Logic 9. Apogee uses a software level-balancer and sends phantom power from the Mac.

Aside from Darrin's recommendation, I also found this video review by Ronan Chris Murphy that was very complimentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnpoKco5e6k As I've scoured reviews on the web for this mic and others, I've discovered a definite bias between recommended mics for vocals...some towards higher voices, and others toward lower voices like mine. I'd appreciate a little clarification on this troubling "tin can" coloration noted by a couple folks.

Sorry if my questions add to the redundancies on this forum! I tried the search feature, but couldn't find specifics other than general recommendations.

Thanks!

-Bruce

 

[darrin_h2000]

I dont get the tin can thing...I think its the mic to put in front of a vocalist that needs almost no coloration at all...Id only put it in front of the very best voices...most voices are suitable for something less neutral.

 

[bcfromfl]

Thanks again, Darrin! I sure appreciate your help! You've sold me on this mic...now, I'm trying to find a nice used one first before springing on a new one. You seem to be the "king" of finding good deals on used mics! Where do you find all your great deals? I just spent an hour scouring several thousand listings on Craigslist for major metropolitan areas, and found very few mics period, let alone ones that were decent deals.

-Bruce

 

[darrin_h2000]

Thanks again, Darrin! I sure appreciate your help! You've sold me on this mic...now, I'm trying to find a nice used one first before springing on a new one. You seem to be the "king" of finding good deals on used mics! Where do you find all your great deals? I just spent an hour scouring several thousand listings on Craigslist for major metropolitan areas, and found very few mics period, let alone ones that were decent deals.

-Bruce

I bought mine off Ebay...it was a new one at a memphis music store that was in a case on display...I spent $301 on it...the $1 was me snakeing it at the last minute...lol...its worth every penny...and I got free shipping.

 

[bcfromfl]

Awesome! I've been watching eBay the past few weeks and what various condensers have been going for...and it seems like most used ones sell for fairly close to what new ones do (at least the ones I've seen anyway). I've read that some condensers have a relatively finite lifespan to the tubes, and I'm not sure I want to pay close to top dollar for a used one.

I'll keep watching, though!

-Bruce

 

[RawDepth]

That "tin can" guy must not have known what he was doing. I've heard lots of recordings done with the KSM32 and it does indeed sound sweet. Don't ignore dozens of good reviews just because one guy didn't have success with it.

On the other hand, I've always believed that choosing a vocal mic is a little like trying on shoes. Some mics fit certain voices well but not others. What sounds great on one singer might just make the next singer sound a little harsh, (or visa-versa.) If you could test drive all of the vocal mics in the world you would discover both good and bad coloration and character where you least expected it.

Asking people here, which is the best mic for your voice, may turn out to be a never ending source of frustration. Perhaps booking a few hours at a pro studio to test record a bunch of mics would be more productive. (As long as they have a well stocked mic closet.) And you never know, the engineer there may even enjoy your unique approach to home recording and become more than helpful. After you find one you like, go buy it.

 

[bcfromfl]

Thanks for your suggestion, RawDepth. I actually did call the local recording studio, because he also does equipment rentals, and all he has is a C414. I think I've eliminated that mic as a possibility by reading that it is most appropriate for higher voices because of its sparkle.

It's possible that a mic with some coloration may make my voice sound really nice, but given that I can't really demo mics within my limited area, probably the best choice would be a relatively flat mic. In the other thread, Darrin recommended the KSM32 because I suggested that my voice was reminiscent of the baritone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and I linked a YouTube performance of "Laura" that is particularly sweet and has good fidelity.

Also, I recognize that the addition of reverb at the post-processing stage will alter the EQ, and perhaps add different elements to the raw recording. So, I may start with a flat "curve", but end up elsewhere with some warmth.

The problem with those of us just starting out (even at my ripe old age of 48!) is that often we lack the contacts and resources to audition a lot of different mics. Reviews elsewhere, and this message board, are invaluable in this respect. At some point, we have to make a decision and go with it. Hopefully later on if my musical career progresses in this new direction, I'll be able to move on to equipment more closely-matched to my timbre and style.

Thanks for confirming that you've heard many nice recordings with this mic!

-Bruce