vocal mic recommedations

[tnoyes]

I am trying to decide on a good vocal mic to rent. I am using a Roland VS880EX and a mackie mixer. I want to use a mic that has good pickup of bass overtones and full sound. I have heard some good things about tube mics. Any feedback from other recording artists?

Tina Noyes

 

[SilentSound]

I like the at4033 with tube preamp. Tube mics you have no control over the tubes influence on the sound. But then again what do i know i am a baby

 

[Emeric]

Mackie mixer, cool! Great product.

What mic's have you tried so far, and what don't you like about the sound? And what can you rent? If I were to rent a mic.. I would rent an AKG 414. Fairly all purpose in that "low-end" $1000 range.. . Give it a shot.. maybe even a $100 mic (shure sm57?) would do the job. It just might. Bottom line - whatever sounds good.

Emeric

[This message has been edited by Emeric (edited 09-02-1999).]

 

[Jim Marquard]

Don't forget that the VS880EX has the mic simulators. I have heard that many people are very impressed with them. These mic "models" were done using the Roland D 10/20 and Shure SM48. Both are fairly reasonable in price and I personally like my SM48. I have heard very good things about the AKG 1000 (cost @ $190) which is a small diaphram condensor mike, so you will need a phantom power source, which the VS 880 does not have. So there again is another expense--if you go with a good, affordable condensor mic, you will need a power source which you can get from an ART MP mic preamp for @ $110. Try the mic models in the VS, I bet you will be pleased.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Mic/info:

If you have a good mic, you may need a good pre/mic processor; but, if you have a good board, and you do, you may not need the pre/amp.

I use the AKG 3000; but, there are many to choose from and it seems that dealers are dealing mics as we speak.

You can rent the mic of your choice and see how it works. Then, dial those 800 numbers to get the best price.

A good mic does mean a better mix.

Green Hornet

 

[jnorman]

my experience has been that the akg-c3000 is about as inexpensive as you can get for a mic that can do a fair job on a vocal, or live acoustic instruments such as flutes, steel string guitars, etc. the akg 414 is a better choice, but for nearly the same money, i would probably select the neumann tlm103. however, i also find that the quality of the preamp becomes as significant as the mic once you are at the $1000 range. if you really want a straight answer about that subject, call your local studio and ask them what pres they use for their neumanns. the last engineer i worked with was a maniac about the pres, though even he admitted that for a budget studio like mine, i was better off sticking with my c3000, using the preamp in my mackie, and spending my money on a really good reverb.

 

[kgmet]

Tube mics are nice but you are limited.
If this to be a real multi use mic for various applications other than vocal or similar micing
A multi-pattern condensor with tube pre always works out nice. You always have options. I use a Nuemann TLM103 (card only)and a CAD E200 (multi pattern)with a tube pre and they sound fat! I also have a CAD VX2 tube mic so I have compared the mics. If you want a non-condensor mic try the Stedman N90. It is a all round good mic for vocals, percus, gtr. we use them in the studio and they are real nice. It is only 280.00. Also try the Beyer M series ribbons they are smooth. the AKG C1000s also works for various vocal issues. they are 185.00
We have ran multiple mic tests comparing a ton of mics so if you want any further info email me.
hope this helps
KGMET