What to upgrade from my AT3035..

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studiomaster

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I'm trying to look for an open sounding mic. Something quite wide sounding. I only record vocals...once in a while some violin or guitar. What would you suggest?
 
The AT 4033 and 4040 are fairly good all around mics.
ADK makes some pretty decent mics in that range to.
 
The Rodes are all excellent mics. Even with inexpensive preamps, they boast a very low self-noise, and you can crank em to record just about any source you could imagine. I've owned the NT3s and the K2, and both were very good for vocals (the K2 beats out the NT3 easily, but still). I'd say the NT2-A would suit you very well, especially since it is multi-pattern, so you can experiment to find what you're looking for.

What kind of pre are you using at the moment? Just curious - the only preamp I've ever used that didn't do these mics any sort of justice is the Nady PRA-8, and that is simply because that unit only provides about 35-40dB of gain MAX... not enough for a nice, thick sound! Good luck :)
 
Rode nt2a is a great step up from where you are. The 4033 and 4040 are also great mics. The CAD line and ADK are also worth your consideration
 
Get a MXL V69ME and a ShinyBox ribbon, big upgrade IMHO, after owning all three, the ShinyBox works best on my wifes voice, but the V69ME is another one of those goto mics for home recordists again IMHO. You would be at $400 to $500 for the two, but its money well spent. V69ME is $249 at fullcompass if you call in, and as far as the ShinyBox's go; 23 $165 or 46MX $250~ are bargins.
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions...:)

cusebassman, I'm using the preamps on my MOTU 828mkII...not bad sounding at all. pretty transparent sounding...
 
if you want a tight, crisp, clear sound, get an AT(4040, 4033)

hit up the NT-2A if you want a mic with a fat, thick, smooth quality to it
 
how about a used Røde NTK? yummm tube..

can grab for $300-400 used.
 
Yeah, I'm really looking forward to the NT-2a.

Does anyone have any samples for the NT-2a? Would love to hear 'em...
 
studiomaster said:
I'm trying to look for an open sounding mic. Something quite wide sounding. I only record vocals...once in a while some violin or guitar. What would you suggest?
Click to expand...
Just wondering... why are you not happy with your 3035?
 
FYI, check out Copeland's first album, "Beneath Medicine Tree." All the vocals were done with an NT-2 into an Avalon into an 1176 (straight from Aaron himself). I use it and even with cheapie pre's it sounds fantastic. I'm selling a bunch of mics and buying a second one :D

Check out "Coffee" here: PureVolume

My stuff, all vocals (not screaming) were done with the NT-2 to ghetto pre's:
Ignition
Sleeps in Ashes

EDIT: Copeland again obviously not the video, but the song.

And I should probably describe the mic to my ears...it's more of a "warmer" sounding mic, not dark, but it seems to fatten up the lower mids a bit. There isn't the "cheap mic" presence peak that I can tell, at least nothing terribly obnoxious. Not really an "airy" mic...just a good musical mic.
 
For a clear, transparent mic in that range, I'd definilty choose the AT4040. I use it on pretty much anything, but it definitly shines on vocals.
Check out my newest contribution in the MP3 clinic.
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=224124
The vocals and many of the guitars were done with the 4040.

I hope that helps
 
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