Yin to my NTK's Yang (Baby Bottle?)

[cominginsecond]

I've had an NTK for about a year now, and it is the shiznit on some vocalists. There's something magical and airy about it on these vocalists. On other vocalists, it's a sibilance machine, especially when I need to apply significant compression. What mic would you guys recommend for those vocalists where sibilance is a problem? I'm thinking about something in the $500-$1000 range.

My initial thought was something like a Baby Bottle, because I've heard they're fairly smooth in the high end (Chessrock described it as "ribbon-like"), but I've also read reviews that stated that the upper mids (i.e. "Sibilanceville, USA") were a little exaggerated, which is not what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any further thoughts about the Baby Bottle, in this regard?

Should I look into a large diapraghm dynamic? I really do not like the EV RE20 on vocals, but perhaps a nice SM7 would be nice to eliminate the sibilance.

I know this is rambling. I'm open to any and all advice you guys might want to give me.

Thanks.

 

[chessrock]

The tough part about it is that everyone's sibilant range is going to be a little different.

For guys, I usually find it to be anywhere between 5-8 khz. For chicks, it's usually a little higher . . . sometimes out to 10-12 khz, which is where you run in to trouble with a lot of the Rode mics.

That in mind, here's some places you can start looking:

* Baby Bottle (as you mentioned)
* Audio Technica 4047 (Very cool mic -- highly recommend it)
* Audio Technica 4050
* Shure KSM-44 (great for a lot of other things, too, besides vocals)
* Shure KSM-32
* Electrovoice RE-20 -- I don't know that SM-7's are the cure-all for sibilance, because they're picky with loading and what not. RE-20's yes.

With your budget, you could also be looking at some ribbon mics. Those are actually about the least sibilant mics you can get your hands on. Think Sank-modified Beyer M160's or 260's. An AEA might be just barely out of your range.

 

[Bowisc]

The Baby Bottle does have a forward mid-range. I consider it more of a one-trick pony which may actually work on various sources here and there. I get great results combo'd with a '57 on amps. I've had great results on some female vocals as well as voice over work. If you can find one with the popscreen and shockmount for $475 (I did), go for it. It may be something you'll keep for a while.

The Shure SM7B is one of my favorite vocal mics at this time. It certainly has a lot of flexibility with the "presence" and "high-pass" switches. This mic takes EQ very well as far as I've found. Beware that you'll need plenty of clean gain to get working levels unless you use it on screamers or loud amps.

RE-20 is another excellent dynamic mic, but it doesn't have the same mid-range "clarity" of the SM7B. It may not be as flexible.

How about checking out the Marshall MXL V69ME? It's a tube condensor that goes for about $280-299, new. This is a "colorful" mic with a retro flavor to it. With a nice pre-amp, this mic should sparkle on the right source.

Bowisc

 

[cominginsecond]

For guys, I usually find it to be anywhere between 5-8 khz. For chicks, it's usually a little higher . . . sometimes out to 10-12 khz, which is where you run in to trouble with a lot of the Rode mics.

Actually the problem seems to be more for males than females.

(Just to let everyone know, I still love the NTK, especially on acoustic guitar, I just need something to complement it.)

Thanks for the advice. Right now, I'm leaning toward the Baby Bottle. Both Chess and another engineer I know seem to think it's smooth in the high-end. I wish I had a way to audition one.

 

[cominginsecond]

How about checking out the Marshall MXL V69ME? It's a tube condensor that goes for about $280-299, new. This is a "colorful" mic with a retro flavor to it. With a nice pre-amp, this mic should sparkle on the right source.

Isn't the V69 pretty much just a tube V67? I didn't like the V67 much toward the end on my voice, so I'm wary of this mic. Have you compared the V67 and the V69?

 

[chessrock]

I don't see how sticking a tube in an over-bright, peaky Chinese mic is going to help anything . . . hence, I don't understand people's fascination with these Marshall things. To each his own, I guess.

 

[crazydoc]

I don't see how sticking a tube in an over-bright, peaky Chinese mic is going to help anything . . . hence, I don't understand people's fascination with these Marshall things. To each his own, I guess.

I doubt if the 69 is a "67 with a tube in it." The capsule may or may not be the same, but the circuit, by definition, has to be completely different.

 

[Bowisc]

Isn't the V69 pretty much just a tube V67? I didn't like the V67 much toward the end on my voice, so I'm wary of this mic. Have you compared the V67 and the V69?

I have both. I don't think they share similar circuits. They both have color, but the V69 has tighter sonics and seems quieter.

 

[sdelsolray]

AKG SolidTube

 

[CanopuS]

Look into some of the Groove Tubes mics. They're known for being dark and smooth, which I feel may be what you are looking for.

 

[Big Kenny]

I've got the bottle and it is pretty much as you've heard here. It is a great mic. I do end up going for my 4033 when the NTK isn't makin'it tho. That would be another route to explore and , hey, what about a ribbon?
IN His Name
BK

 

[eeldip]

there is an AEA R84 over at atlas right now, used for $850.

me knows it be about much $$$$ overmuch... just FYI. its YINtastic.

 

[StevenLindsey]

I'm a thinking that KSM44 would make a real nice brother to the NTK.

 

[cominginsecond]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys/gals. This gives me a lot to get started on.

 

[cominginsecond]

What do you guys think about the MD441 as a possible complement to my NTK?

 

[Henri Devill]

AEA R84 is a really nice mic you should look into...You said 500 to a 1000 range..The AEA is under the 1000 mark..And its opposite of that Rode...Good luck




Don

 

[cominginsecond]

Hey everyone. Thanks for your help. I think I've decided on the Baby Bottle. I'll be picking it up on Tuesday. To help pay for it, I'll be selling my pair of Oktava MK319s for $150. This includes shipping to the lower 48. Contact me at jeremy@cominginsecond if you're interested.

Thanks again!

 

[Warhead]

My mic collection is pretty humble, but I dig the CAD VSM for male vocals lately. It's got a nice roll-off going on that ain't too dark but allows you to work it close without silibance issues. Great on guitar cabs too.

I dig the AT3035 as well.

War

Warren Dent
www.frontendaudio.com

 

[Big Kenny]

Okay
Wanna pay shipping and try out my 441 and baby bottle before you buy? It is a lot of cash to be throwing out to find you don't need the mid range push the blue gives you. I' not saying it is bad, I like it. But it is definitely unique
In His Name
Big Kenny

 

[cominginsecond]

Nah, I'm good. I have a good relationship with the guy at GC where I'm going to buy it. I can take it back if I need to.

Thanks for the offer though!