Vocal Mic for a screamer

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hzrdus

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I've been doing some research on this forum and the FAQ about vocal microphones. I've tried to search the web too (but to not much avail) about a mic that's good for a screamer (me... and that's not meant as a double entendre). Basically, I have kind of twangy/reedy voice in the low tenor range (imagine Gibby Haynes from the Butthole Surfers or Marilyn Manson if he smoked 2 packs a day and listened to Hank Williams) and since I'm in a metal/industrial band, I scream a whole lot. It's a mid-range scream not like most screams in metal, e.g. the "cookie monster" (death metal growl) or "wounded vampire bat" (high pitched screech) - it's kind of the mid-range scream you might hear in the hardcore punk genre.

The SP C1 seems like a good buy, and so does the MXL V67G. Some people say that a Shure SM57 can work, but we haven't had much luck with ours - at all levels it sounds somewhat tinny. The reviews are all good for the C1 and V67, but some caution against screaming. We're all amateurs when it comes to recording, so we’re looking for something that will not require a ton of recording genius to get a great sound. Is there something you guys can recommend for under $250? Do you think an above mentioned mic would work?

Much appreciated!
 
...Shure SM7 would probably be a good match, but you'll need ample preamp gain for the better dynamic mics (65-75 dB gain preferably)...the cheapest mic pre with about 70+ dB of gain is the Studio Projects VTB-1 (under $100)... ;)
 
We're using a Firepod (24-bit/96K) preamp (for the drums, but we can use them elsewhere) as well as a MAudo Omni I/O Preamp/Mixer, so pre-amping shouldn't be a problemo (should have mentioned that earlier).
 
Heck, try a good ole SM58. Might just do the trick. If you are worried about tinny, than I don't think you will like the C1 much as it is a rather bright mic.
 
I borrowed a friend's SM58 and it was just OK. do you all think I shold just save up some more $$$ for a better condenser mic?
 
I've had success with an AKG D9000 on screamers.. a little less treble then the 57/58. And its cheap.
 
I think what you need is just more experience under your belt to better know what it is you want. A mic can color the sound as much as a mic pre. So chasing mics only when you have pres that may not be where you want them is just going to be frustrating. Assuming the pres are tolerable for what you want, you may consider a condensor like an AT4033 which is "dark" or an SM7 or RE20 as was already suggested. Though I will say, with the pres you have, they are going to tend to be on the bright side as many "budget" pres tend to be. I woudl simply take a trip to a GC and start to play with different combinations and see what you like.

Also, there is more to a mic that the soled sound. You will also want to think about how the track will sit in the mix after all is said and done. YOu may have a mic that makes you sound like god soloed, but like mud in a mix. There is a lot of give and take in these sort of things.
 
Very sound advice, Bubba. None of us really have much experience recording or mixing, it's true. I think we're all really exited about our tax returns coming in and trying to buy up as much studio equipment as we can so we can try not to sound like crap on our demo later. We have a guitar mic, (which I’m not allowed to touch, “it’s positioned exactly how it should be”), 4 SM57's, 2 C1000S's (arriving in the mail), those preamps, and sonar, reason, and acid pro.

We’ve kind of all decided that producers are really helpful but we wanted to do it on our own so we could experiment for hours rather than experimenting in a studio, paying more than we want and possibly winding up with a crappy demo. It’s happened before (twice to my old band). It's been a slow learning process so far.

I dunno, the guys at GC were kind of snide and unhelpful when we were doing research on drum mic overheads and a hi-hat mic (decided to get one later if it was that important). I just wanted to do a thorough amount of research before I went over to GC and tested out some models and I’m getting a little worried that a “cheaper” mic ($80 - $250 or so) would make it harder to record screaming.

All of you have helped me create a list of mics to test when I go to GC (I'm going to do some further testing with the SM58). Mucas Gracias! Do you have any other recommendations, just so I can round the list out?
 
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screamo

I recently recorded screamo for a metal band & I used an AKG solidtube condensor & a D19C dynamic & recorded them straight,

at the same time I ran the D19c thru a DI box with 20db boost into a selmer treble & bass 50 valve head & fed it thru a 2x12 in a small stone walled metal ceilinged room & mic'd the cab with a beyerdynamic & a 57 in the room pointing away from the cab

So at the end of it I had 4 channels & the sound was unbeliveable (I'm not really a fan of screamo) but I was proud of the sound I got in the studio, I've never tried mixing screamo live

It was a lot of fun & at one point of extreme experimentation I had the guy sounding like a dalek.................

L8r
Slidey :D
 
I'll tell you a little secret that I discovered recording a hardcore band a few weeks ago. Try a MXL 990 for the screaming vox. Get him/her right up close to the mic with a FMC RNC it sounds amazing!
 
i use a b1 and keep my mouth at least 2 feet away from the mic and use a pop filter
 
and i'm not sure if the 990 comment was sarcastic since he said "get up close", but i've used that mic and also had pretty good success
dynamics need nice preamps to make them sound good, it just sounds dull and lifeless otherwise
 
VSpaceBoy said:
I've had success with an AKG D9000 on screamers.. a little less treble then the 57/58. And its cheap.
Click to expand...

you're bunny needs a spankin'
 
You might want to try an Oktava mk219 just to see what it sounds like. I know I know... it's a tank. But, it's a darkish sounding mic that takes high sound pressure and you can get one for $60 on ebay. You can also drop kick the thing and it keeps on ticking.
 
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