#1833812 - 11/01/07 10:36 AM
Mic + Pre @ $1K
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papajenk
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Registered: 11/01/07
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I'm just starting out in a small way, and have a $1000 budget for a condensor mic and preamp primarily for smooth pop male vocals and acoustic guitar. I don't need to build a mic locker or preamp collection right now 'cause I'm basically recording myself, so I'm looking for the best mic and pre combination that I can afford. I won't be micing amp cabs or drums, and though most electric guitar and bass tracks will start through a POD X3, the preamp will pull some gtr. and bass DI duty.
As for sound preference, other than the obvious "neutral/smooth/open", I'm more partial to "warmer" rather than "brighter", if that makes any difference.
Any gear recommendations would really, really be appreciated.
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#1833852 - 11/01/07 12:13 PM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: papajenk]
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audiorulez
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Registered: 06/20/07
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FMR RNP, 2 great mic pres, under $500.
Used Rode NTK, retube with an EH Gold 6922, under $500.
If you got a $120 to spare, you can get a pair of Samson CO2's, with shockmounts, brand new. These are incredible SDC's great for acoustic guitar. Don't let the price fool you, they sound amazing, better than SM81's IMHO.
This setup will give you a great pre and mic combo for rich, warm vocals with the NTK, and great, silky smooth acoustic guitar in stereo.
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#1834067 - 11/01/07 05:56 PM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: audiorulez]
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papajenk
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Thanks. The "Really Nice Pre" seems like a great value. I had been thinking of an AT4050 as a good vocal (and multi-purpose) mic (switchable patterns will add some flexibilty). Any thought or experience with this mic?
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#1834342 - 11/02/07 07:47 AM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: papajenk]
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audiorulez
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4050's a nice mic, but rather IMHO colored. IMHO an AKG C414B-ULS is a far better choice.
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#1834349 - 11/02/07 07:53 AM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: audiorulez]
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papajenk
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What do you like more about the C414?
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#1834435 - 11/02/07 10:44 AM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: papajenk]
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miroslav
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The 414 is a great all around mic...and will be nice for acoustic guitar, but not something I would use for male vocals...unless you are a rather high tenor.
I just find the 414 to be a bland/neutral mic. I prefer mics with some character...some color.
Get a tube mic, one that has some body and that will fill out the low end well....or at least get a better mic pre, one that has some color and that will allow you to change the character of a bland/neutral mic.
Sometimes going the "transparent" route is a good thing...but I find that when you try and record everything "transparently"...it can end up sounding lifeless, and then you're working the EQ hard during mixdown trying to add some color to the mix.
_________________________
miroslav - miroslavmusic.com"Just because it happened to you, it doesn't mean it's important."
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#1834462 - 11/02/07 11:29 AM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: papajenk]
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paully
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Registered: 05/25/04
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Loc: Northern New Jersey
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Good choices. The 4050 and the 414 are very similar to my ears. I used to own a pair of 414s when I had a full sized piano(great for stereo micing). When I heard the 4050, I picked up a set and have not looked back.
There are some differences, the most notable being the ~$400 difference in price. The 414 gives you 2 extra polar patterns. a 2 position rolloff, and frequency extended to 20K. If that justifies the extra cost(which could = a nice preamp), go for the 414. Personally, I can't hear 20K anymore  . Otherwise, IMHO, the 4050 tracks vocals beautifully, as well as stringed instruments. Either mic will give you a great sound in a variety of uses. Here a links to the specs(the AKG is in English if you scroll down).
http://www.akg.com/mediendatenbank2/psfile/datei/8/c414xls_xl43421f8bd2023.pdf AKG 414
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/194ac5d60380d624/index.html AT 4050
Best, Paul
_________________________
WUDAYAKNOW.. For the first time in my life, I'm wrong again!!
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#1834467 - 11/02/07 11:39 AM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: paully]
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papajenk
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After some research I am considering "stretching the budget" a bit (start looking for used rather than new) so I can pick up two mics to start off with. A dynamic mic like the Sure SM7B and a condensor like the AT4050 could work out financially, and I'd have two good, and different sounding multi-purpose mics. Of course two mics would mean a FMR RNP instead of the Great River ME-1NV that was on my "wish list".
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#1834530 - 11/02/07 12:55 PM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: papajenk]
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audiorulez
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The SM7B is a great overall mic, however not for everyone and definitely requres a pre with some good clean gain.
A 414 properly placed sounds great on male vocals, or any vocal, and is very transparant. One of the biggest mistakes engineers often make is placing vocal mics above the singer. This causes several issues. Mainly it somewhat forces the singer (conciously or inconciously) to tilt their head up to the mic, restricting airflow, robbing them of range and power. Place your vocal mic below the singers mouth, aiming somewhere between chin and top of breastbone. This encourages the singer to a better stance, shoulders relaxed, head level, what is refered to as the Elvis pose. This allows maximum airflow, yielding power and range abilities to the singers fullest potential. In additon, since much warmth in a vocal is chest cavity resonance, the result is a very natural warm tone.
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#1834605 - 11/02/07 02:42 PM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: audiorulez]
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papajenk
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Registered: 11/01/07
Posts: 5
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The SM7B is a great overall mic, however not for everyone and definitely requres a pre with some good clean gain.
A 414 properly placed sounds great on male vocals, or any vocal, and is very transparant. One of the biggest mistakes engineers often make is placing vocal mics above the singer. This causes several issues. Mainly it somewhat forces the singer (conciously or inconciously) to tilt their head up to the mic, restricting airflow, robbing them of range and power. Place your vocal mic below the singers mouth, aiming somewhere between chin and top of breastbone. This encourages the singer to a better stance, shoulders relaxed, head level, what is refered to as the Elvis pose. This allows maximum airflow, yielding power and range abilities to the singers fullest potential. In additon, since much warmth in a vocal is chest cavity resonance, the result is a very natural warm tone.
That's great stuff, Audiorulez. Thanks!
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#1835872 - 11/05/07 08:55 AM
Re: Mic + Pre @ $1K
[Re: papajenk]
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audiorulez
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Registered: 06/20/07
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You're welcome!!!!
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