What Else Do I Need

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rick Shepherd
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Rick Shepherd

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Ok, I am putting together a home recording setup. I will be recording songs that are strictly vocals and acoustic guitar. Here is what I have so far, but what else might you all recommend?

Vocal Mics: AT4033 and C1
Guitar: Taylor 914-es (XLR connector to preamp)
Preamp: Avalon AD2022
Sound Card: E-MU 1212m (has left/right 1/4 inch I/O)
Cubase VST version 4 ? I think. It is OEM software that came with the sound card.
Hafler P3000 amplifier
Daedalus W-803 monitors

My goal here is to put together a high-end, yet simple recording chain. This is what I have on my wish list, which is not really "high-end", but I hope the chioces are good for what I am doing:

Wish List:
Stereo pair of CEMC6 mics (but I am open to going to higher end if needed)
Microtech Gefell m930 for vocals (I think this is probably as good as I will need, but I am open to other suggestions)
Lynx 2a sound card (I think, with 4 I/Os)

Optimally, I would like to have a matched pair of m930's and another preamp, like a John Hardy M-2 dual channel for acoustic guitar. That way I can do stereo vocals as well as stereo guitar recordings.

Is there anything you all may recommend to improve this setup. I realise that you all can't hear what my voice sounds like to recommend a particular mic, but I have a voice which needs a mic that can bring out the lower and mid-range. My voice is smooth, not rough at all, and from what I can tell, needs a mic that can bring out a more full, warm tone. But, I am basing this only on what I have heard on previous recordings done with a cheap 16-bit sound card with a Mackie mixer/amp. So, Until I hear myself through a good preamp and sound card, I don't really know for sure.

I have heard good things about the m930, but also good things about the Peluso and Josephson mics, which are all said to be priced well under what the quality is compared to higher priced/highend mics. Personally, I do not want to spend more than I have to on good mics, unless the price is commensurate with the quality.

Thanks ahead of time!

Rick
 
A quarter of KGB!

You've got everything else to rock out with! :D
 
Consider a mic upgrade. Soundelux ifet7 would complement the Avalon *very* well. With its different settings, it is an excellent vocal mic, and should rock on that Taylor. I also like AKG C414XLS. If your taste runs more to small diaphragms on the guitar, consider a matched pair of Josephson C42's. I also use the AD2022, and for what you are doing, it's pretty hard to beat.-Richie
 
I take it you use the C42's as well? I heard the CEMC6's are more acoustically clean and accurate, and that the C42's are colored, but in a nice way, so I am confused on how to chose between the two tyes. Also, how does the 414 compare to the m930. I am assuming you mean the C414XL-B, better for vocals and acoustic instruments, the XLS specs are for acoustic instruments only it appears.

I may decide to save up for a matched pair of vocal mics.
 
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Actually Rick, no. Just by happenstance of pricing, etc., I use a pair of Neumann KM184's. I have used the Josephson's, and they are excellent mics that are usually less expensive than the Neumanns. The Pelusos are recommended by a lot of people, but I've never used them, so I don't have anything to say about them. I would be using the Josephsons if I hadn't gotten a deal on the Neumanns. The truth is, I tend to use large diaphagm mics for steel string acoustic, particularly the C414. The Neumanns I use more often for
nylon strings, and nylon strung harp, as well as overhead, and for a wide variety of instruments. They are also a lovely stereo pair for ensemble recording, piano, and strings.-Richie
 
>Optimally, I would like to have a matched pair of m930's and another preamp, like a John Hardy M-2 dual channel for acoustic guitar. <


You're my hero. That's my dream mic setup right there.
 
Yo Rick- The M930 I have never used, and have no clue, except that a Gefell most likely does not suck. As far as the 414 goes, I'm an oddball that prefers B-ULS to TLII, and usually prefers the instrument tuned version to the vocal tuned version. I prefer SM57 to SM58, D770 to D880, and it follows in more expensive mics. In my experience, the 414 is a really useful workhorse mic that is very good on a minority of vocalists and very good on a majority of acoustic guiitars. The TLII, with it's much vaunted capsule, based on the C12, I don't like as much on acoustic as B-ULS, and for those singers that sound good on a 414 (usually very good ones), the model doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. No, I meant XLS, which is a great mic.-Richie
 
I decided on a pair of Peluso CEMC6's that will be coming soon. Also, I am still waiting on the Hafler amp which is due tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to try the AD2022 out yet, but I hope to do so tomorrow night. I will see how well the Peluso mics do for acoustic guitar recording before deciding on any high-end mics.

I sure like the idea of getting one of those Hardy two-channel preamps for the guitar, and then use the Avalon for strictly vocals. I think I will save up next for a stereo pair of vocal mics.
 
Rick,

You might want to wait a bit before adding more LD mics and preamps. You've assembled some good to great gear quickly, so I'd suggest taking some time working with what you already have, at least to get used to it.

It may turn out that the 2022 will do fine for both stereo acoustic guitar and later separately tracing vocals. It should do great for both. As far as LD mics go for vocals, you already know the drill. They're personal as to the singer, very much so. With the level you are shooting for you will no doubt upgrade from the AT and SP LD mics. There are so many great LD mics out there, it's hard to say what would be best for you as a vocalist. On the other hand, there are so many great LD mics out there, that it's pretty hard to go wrong with most of them. If you thought looking for a good preamp was time consuming and research intensive, you're in for a treat when it comes to LD mics. Korby, Soundelux, Lawson, AT, Peluso, Microtech Gefell, Neumann, Manley, ADK. Tube or non-tube. New or used. Single pattern or multipattern.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing your reports on the setup you have in place.
 
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