Vocal Studio Mic

[danny83]

I really don't know that much about the technical side of vocal studio mics, but I know what I like, and I know what sounds good. That being said, I have a question (and I apoligize if its a stupid one).

Are there certain mics that a person can get to fit the qualities of their vocals? Example: Are certain mics better for female/male, loud/soft, airy/clear, relaxed/agressive vocals etc.

I'm looking into investing in a higher quality studio mic, but I really want to make the right choice. Any help you guys can offer me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dogbreath]

Not sure there pal. I think the best thing you could do is try a few out if you can. I got the AT 4050 after reading alot of good reviews. I've only tried it on male vox so far and it's great. Smooth and clean.
But yeah, if you can, try out a bunch of em.

 

[bloomboy]

This isn't exactly an answer to your question, but I just bought a studio projects C-1 mic and I have to say I've been really impressed with it. I tracked some vocals on it the other day and they ended up not needing any processing at all- they fit perfectly into the mix the way that were. That is quite an accomplishment for a $200 mic. When I bought it I didn't really believe the hype; I was thinking, "with all the buzz it has to be at least pretty good, and for $200 you really can't go wrong" but it really does stand up to mics in the multi-thousand dollar price range.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

This isn't exactly an answer to your question, but I just bought a studio projects C-1 mic and I have to say I've been really impressed with it. It really does stand up to mics in the multi-thousand dollar price range.

While nobody here will doubt my support of Alan and Studio Projects microphones, this kind of unsupported statement really gets to me.

May I ask you (and I don't mean this in an insulting way) what multi-thousand dollar microphones have you had a lot of experience with, or compared the C1 directly to?

 

[Neito]

I think a lot of people here will agree with me when I say that yes, certain mics can be matched to certain vocal characteristics, but it's really more specific than that. I would personally recommend finding someplace around that will either let you take home a mic and try it out on many different vocals (or the specific one you're recording, for that matter) or find a store with a good return policy. Either way, take a mic into your setup and see if you like it or not.
Microphones are like instruments. I won't buy a horn without playing it first. I will also never (again) buy a microphone without hearing it first.
If you're recording your own vocals, be sure to have a friend (hopefully rather trustworthy in a musical sense/with a good ear) test the mic with you, because most people are not used to hearing their own voice, and having someone there to compare your actual real voice with your recorded voice will be very helpful in making your decision.

 

[littledog]

Harvey,

Perhaps "mics in the multi-thousand dollar price range" really means he compared it to 20 mics that cost $100 each.