vocal mics i forgot about

  • Thread starter Thread starter Phosphene
  • Start date Start date
Phosphene

Phosphene

Horse Diaper
I already own AT4050, AKG414TLII, and a BabyBottle for my LDC vocal mics. I was wondering what other choices would come to mind that I should try out? I was thinking Rode NTK & SM7. Some different flavors from what I've already got, especially for other singers. Of course, I'm gonna audition these out before I buy them at my dealer. Just want to get some input on which ones to try that I didn't know about or forgot.

I like the 4050 on my voice the best out of the 3 on my music. I have tried the SP T3 out as well on my vocals (still liking the 4050 best), but I feel I can expand more on the few that I own.

---jeremiah
 
Well, you've already got three very good Large Diaphragm Condensers. I think you're covered in that department.


I'd say if you want to round things out a bit, you could try bringing a dynamic or a ribbon in to the fold. The SM-7, as you mentioned, would be a great choice. As would an RE-20, one of the Sennheisers or the Beyer M88. And speaking of Beyer, you can get some pretty good and reasonably priced ribbon mics from that company.
 
After I posted I realized I have not thought about ribbons very much. Where should I start with ribbons, let's say up to $800 range?

Also, what are the basic character differences between the SM7 and RE-20?

I have also wanted to try out some Soundeluxes, as I have never seen anything really negative about them.

As far as my vocals go, I feel I am always adding more top end to them so they sit in the mix better. They can be whispery at times. Maybe a mic with a bit more air to it.

I forgot to mention that I have a 421U5 that I use for vocals too. Works for screamy stuff too.
 
Phosphene,

What preamps do you have? I agree with ChessR that you've got a few good mics. In my experience, a new pre might change the characteristic of your current mics without you needing to make a new mic purchase. So what pres do you have?

If I had to make a blind recommendation, I'd say the Soundelux U195 or iFet7. I have the U195 and IMO, it's a great mic, well worth the money. I've used the 4050 extensively, though I don't own one. The U195 will be a noticeable step up (adds a bit of "dimension" that I don't get with the 4050. A ribbon and any of Chess's suggestions are good alternatives also.

BUT with all that said, I think a new pre may give you a different perspective on your current mics, depending on what you've got now.
 
Phos,

The RE-20 is an exellent mic...a large diaphragm dynamic with a really smooth overall balance, and a tendency to minimize proximity effect. It is great for vocals, kick, and insturments...it's flexibility reminds me of the SM57. It also has a roll off switch on it as well.

The 57 has a bit more presence in the high end and I don't think it'll tolerate the SPL's that the RE-20 will.
I own a 4050 and a 4033 as well. I will use the RE-20 when I have a vocalist who needs to be warmed up a bit. I have an old Soundcraft 24x8 console and use the pres on it....'s okay.

Of course you can buy a pocket full of 57s for the price of a RE-20, but I can't do without either.

You've got some decent gear and what appears to be an intact brain pan, so see if you can listen to em then make your choice.

Mine is te RE-20. Good Luck!
 
Phosphene said:
After I posted I realized I have not thought about ribbons very much. Where should I start with ribbons, let's say up to $800 range?
Click to expand...


Well, Beyerdynamic makes the M160 and 260. Those are both great options in the $300-500 range. In the $800 range you might be in Royer territory.

Also, what are the basic character differences between the SM7 and RE-20?
Click to expand...


Really hard to describe. Overall, I think the RE-20 sounds more natural / neutral. SM-7 is peakier in it's response curve . . . yet smoother in texture. Very hard to describe in words -- you'd have to try them out and hear it for yourself.

I have also wanted to try out some Soundeluxes, as I have never seen anything really negative about them.
Click to expand...

That's because there's not much negative to be said about them.

As far as my vocals go, I feel I am always adding more top end to them so they sit in the mix better. They can be whispery at times. Maybe a mic with a bit more air to it.
Click to expand...

Try a Blue Dragonfly out and see what you think.

I'm not sure if an airy mic is really what you're after, though. You just mentioned the T3 didn't do much for you. Maybe a good parametric EQ?
 
Some great suggestions already re: RE20, Beyer M160, etc..

In ribbons: I have two AEA R84s and an AEA R44C, which are great mics but a little out of your price range. Not too long ago I acquired a Shure SM33 and a Shure 330. They're basically the same mic - a cardioid-pattern ribbon mic with wide range and decent output. Very good mics! They're not made any more, but you can find good used ones on eBay for $225-$325 ( I did ).

For a little more, the RCA BK-5 is good. But caveat emptor as far as condition.

Dynamics I've used for vocals with good results: Sennheiser MD-441, MD-431, Beyer M88.
 
Pres: Great River Me-1NV, Avalon 737, Sytek 4 channel with BB, ART TPS. The Re-20 is an EV mic, right? I'm trying to find a local dealer who carries the Soundelux, but no luck so far (to test U99, U195). I know macmidimusic carries Royers, so I can try them as well.
 
Phosphene said:
Pres: Great River Me-1NV, Avalon 737, Sytek 4 channel with BB, ART TPS. The Re-20 is an EV mic, right? I'm trying to find a local dealer who carries the Soundelux, but no luck so far (to test U99, U195).
Click to expand...


Dude . . . if you're ever looking for storage space . . . um . . . I'll let you store your gear over here. Free of charge.
 
Yea, chess, I always end up adding the top silk with the 737, and knocking off a bit in the low/mids. I'll add dragonfly to my list, since those are readily available to me. How did it affect your voice when you used once (I thought i remember you talking about one you had). Chess, thanks for always poping up with info for me. I'll let you store it all for a fortnight if you help me make this dreaded basement room sound better.

Jeremiah
 
The AEA R84 is just a little more cash..Nice mic, pairs pretty well with the Great River..I've gotten some decent results with that combo ..Good luck




Don
 
you can get a used coles 4038 ribbon mic for around $900. bad ass mutha.
 
Phosphene said:
How did it affect your voice when you used once (I thought i remember you talking about one you had).
Click to expand...

It's pretty scooped. Great for thin or midrangy / nasal vocalists.
 
Phosphene,

There should be a rental house or two in Nashville to check out the Soundelux, given the many studios and major label artists in that area. Or, perhaps you could rent an hour in a studio than has one, bring your current mics, and fav. pres (if necessary) and test it out there. You probably don't want to do that since that would cost $$. And from your price range, it seems that $$ is an object.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top