Warm, detailed vocal mic for $200 . . . Ribbon or Condenser?

  • Thread starter Thread starter osz
  • Start date Start date
O

osz

New member
I'm trying to get a good, warm, vintage-y vocal sound on a very limited budget with a Tascam 388 and EH 12AY7 pre.

I'm really torn about going the ribbon vs. condenser route. I love ribbons, but wonder if I can get enough clean gain with my setup.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
BigRay,

I actually owned the ShinyBox 23 for a short time, but returned it because the output was just too low to use for vocals with my pre (without getting too much noise). I've been looking at the 46, but I'm not sure if it will have enough juice to work with my preamp effectively.
 
IIRC, the EH pre only has +50dB of gain. That probably won't cut it for most ribbons on most vocals. I have used the GT Brick (+55dB gain) with several ribbons, including the Nady RSM-2, which is similar to the shinybox. I still have to add a lot of software gain to bring vocal levels up to a decent spot. Not that that's a terrible thing, because ribbon mics don't really have self noise and are as sensitive to background noise as condensers. But, it's just another thing to consider. You might want to think about adding a ribbon plus a higher gain pre (the VTB-1, for example, has +72dB of gain and is only $100).

Another route would be a tube mic. The Apex 460 (with an upgraded tube) could be had for about $250 and sounds pretty decent (still vintage, but brighter than the ribbon). Tube mics tend to be noticeably noisier than the ribbons, though.
 
...warm AND detailed for under $200...that's a tough one...ribbons and dynamics (like the Shure SM7B) are often thought of as "warm" but they require lots of clean gain and "detailed" is not their strongpoint in general...

...on the other hand, condensers will give you the "detail" and require less gain, but few of the entry-level condensers inspire "warmth" as a characteristic...

...you might want to look at the MXL V67i which has 2 diaphragms/capsules...one provides "warm" the other "bright"...switchable on the front of the mic...goes for about $150...info here:
http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2006/MXL-V67i.html
http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic/mxlV67i/mxlv67i.htm
 
Just out of curiosity, did you try running the 23 through one of the 388 pres?

And, if so, was it better, worse or no different in terms of noise to putting it through the EH?
 
If you can move your budget up to the mid $200's check out an ADK Hamburg. It is a very smooth mic IMHO on vox and works great on acoustic guitar too.

I don't know if the Karma K55 is still on special for $175 but if it is you should jump on that mic. A tube Condenser for under 200 bucks including shipping is a fantastic deal plus the K55 is an excellent vocal mic. Good luck with whatever you end up with. :)
 
Mxl V69ME is $250 at fullcompass, for what you are asking for I think it fits your needs, wants. Other wise a V67/V67i might do it for ya. But like suggested if you want the ribbon sound get a new pre, starting with the VTB-1 $90 at fullcompass, cheaper by about $10 on ebay, and then get a shinybox again.
 
Vintage Beyer M500 ribbon mic.

Definitely warm and detailed (Sinatra used this mic). If you're lucky, you can get one for around $200.
 
Good advice all around...thanks!

I should have mentioned that the vocal sound I'm trying to capture is inspired by the vocal production on Buddy Guy's "Sweet Tea." Warm, dry, yet very revealing and nuanced, especially in the midrange. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess they were using some RCA ribbons--after all, Jimbo Mathus was working on the project and he has a great stash of these.

Hmmm. Now I'm contemplating getting the ShinyBox 46 and a cheapo pre with a bunch of gain.
 
Of course why stop at cheapo pre and start at the AEA TRP and a shiny box, I have that combo and am loving it. But if cash is low, yeah get the VTB-1, it has atleast 62-65dB of CLEAN gain, gets a little noisey past that point. I have also had luck with my ART DPSII with my shinybox, digital out, 70dB of CLEAN gain, 78dB of noisey gain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top