vocal mic - need advice

[jaz49]

I have about $200 to spend on a vocal mic...less is better. The mic I'm using now just sounds way too harsh for my voice (Sennheiser e835 dynamic, I think it is). I'm looking for a budget condenser that's good for a male singer who has a lot of sibilance...average range. I run the mic through my e-mu 0404 usb audio/midi interface and use Acid recording software on my laptop.
Has anyone used the AT 3035, the AKG perception 200, or the Behringer B2?
http://www.myspace.com/lejaz

 

[jdier]

Someone smarter than me may provide better info, but a condenser is not going to help with sibilant vocals. And more over, a cheap one really is not going to help. I would consider looking for a good used dynamic like an SM7 or a Senn 421.

 

[jaz49]

I have a sennheiser e835 and it has the worst sibilance you could imagine. It's not the best dynamic perhaps, but as good as the SM58. I think it's the presence boost that may be the problem with that mic. I tried the dB deesser and it helps some, but not enough. I figured a mic with a fairly flat freq. response would be less of a problem...like the m-audio Solaris, I think. Too expensive for my budget though. Maybe the AT 3035, which is supposed to be pretty even without boosted highs. I'll look into the ones you suggested. Thanks

 

[guitar zero]

I have a 3035 and use it for vocals and have been very happy with it. The male vocalist I've been recording does not have a lot of sibilance in his vocals though. Here's a link that may help guide you in the right direction:
http://www.hr-faq.org/

 

[jaz49]

Glad to hear that g.z. I just purchased one last night on ebay. I read a whole lot of good reviews and it is supposed to have a pretty flat freq. response. It's got to be better than what I'm using now, that's for certain. Thanks

 

[Massive Master]

I second the used SM7b.

One of the greatest vocal mics ever, at any price, and the last mic you'd ever hear having "sibilance issues" - Unless the vocalist is just out of control (which you can't do anything about except smack the hell out of the vocalist).

 

[jaz49]

Well, for sure I will be thinking of the SM7b in the future. Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. First things first though. I've got to get my songs to the level where they deserve it! I just purchased the AT 3035 on ebay, and will see(hear) how it goes from here. Thanks Massive, and all, for the informed advice!

 

[Nevelshaze]

RODE's NT1- this mic is a little bit out of your range but is really good for the price

 

[jaz49]

Thanks Nevelshaze! I heard a lot of good things about this mic, but I went with the AT 3035. Next I think will be an upgrade to my preamp. I'm using the pres in my emu usb recording interface at the moment. I'm don't know if an upgrade would make a big difference to my sound...or not. I was thinking of the m-audio DMP3.

 

[Nevelshaze]

that pre- amp would help your tracks sound a lot better.

 

[knugen]

You should check out the Studio Projects B1. It gives you great value for money.

 

[guitar zero]

Agree, studio projects. Great mics for the money. We just side by sided the AT3035 with the SP B3 on vocals and the clear winner was the B3. Much more clarity and presence. And the 3035 is not a bad mic. Found the B3 on Ebay for only $150, which I now consider a steal. I'd recommend it highly, especially if you can find a used one for cheap. Don't own the B1, but it gets great reviews in the great mics for $100 category.

 

[jaz49]

Will do, thanks. Not really crazy about the AT 3035 so far. I'm having to make a broad cut in the midrange to get a smoother sound, otherwise it's very harsh sounding with my voice.