What Mic for a Classic Crooner Voice

  • Thread starter Thread starter 12Kevin
  • Start date Start date
P.S. Don't sweat "clarity", most adults in their
60's+ only hear under 14 kHz anyway.
(except for Harvey!:)) [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, I know a bit about that. Like shooting a mic's curve, that's some roll off to that limit, rather than a simple drop off. So some compensation is helpful

I've done some good reading, and testing (in live venues), of what frequencies enhance their ability to understand the lyrics and stage patter. Which is my main goal.

And in some cases, mind you, Harvey would be a "kid" to these folks.
As always, countless mingos to you.
K12
 
Man, I step back Harvey! I have a couple pictures at work of the guys I mentiones and they (not together) are singing into what I thought was an re 20. I apologize for my ignorance and thank you for your correction. I don't like it when people communicate misinformation and I seem to have done so. Sorry!
In His Name
Big Kenny
 
No big deal. The RE-20 was primarily intended for the broadcast industy as a "voice over" or announcer's mic, not for use in the music industry. It's not a normal "go-to" mic for big time singers like Frank, Bing, or Dean. Frank and Bing came to popularity when the RCA 44BX was king in most studios.

When the U47 displaced the 44 (in the 50's), it became the standard for almost all vocals.

You also hafta understand that in the 50's, the big 3 (Capitol, Columbia, and RCA) were all rivals for the consumer's dollar. RCA was also making and selling their own microphones and tape recorders.

Capitol didn't like the idea of lining RCA's pockets by buying RCA mics, so when Neumann hit with the U47, Capitol and Columbia jumped on the bandwagon with both feet.

The timing was perfect for Neumann to enter the market.
 
Great point Harvey, I never had thought of that.

Despite the rightfully revered status of the U47,
my perception of the classic RCA ribbons is that they are "mellower" and help achieve the classic crooner sound easier.

You can hear the difference in the Columbia
recordings of Sinatra vs. the Capitol ones.
Although Frank's voice had become darker/fuller
over the years, the RCA 44 sounded "softer"
toned.

The U47 is reputed to sound a bit sibilant on many singers, including Sinatra.
The engineers had to cut out some of the presence peak in his recordings as a result.

Chris
 
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