Seannn Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Hi guys and gals, I received birthday/holiday gift money this month, and duck up some cash/change that I've been saving, and it looks like I have enough to invest in a nice studio microphone. I'm a keyboardist first, vocalist second, but I do sing in most of my demos, and I am finishing writing a five-song EP that will, of course, feature my own vocals. So, I'm mainly looking for a vocal mic. My max budget is between $500-1000. All of that being said, the more bang for my buck, the merrier me. I've heard some good things about Blue Microphones, and they seem to have them available at the music store I frequent. The following from the Blue line fall into my budget and interest me: Baby Bottle, Blueberry, Woodpecker. The latter looks beautiful (I hear it has a very hot pickup as well), but it's tough to know how it'll sound--I'm technically a tenor, but I don't think I'd have any trouble with any of those mics. My retailer also carries mics in my price range from AKG, Golden Age, and Rode. There are of course Neumanns, but I don't think they will fall in my budget. (The ones that do seem to be more for instruments.) Of course, I am open to other suggestions. So, do any of you have experience with Blue Microphones that you would like to share, or suggestions? I'll be saving the cash I have left for that mythical SV-2 keyboard, or another synth, or, well, there's always the mattress, err--bank. Thanks, and Happy New Year! Sean ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Everyone's voice is different. If you are primarily recording yourself, you'll need to try a lot of mics (if possible -- this is illegal in California, unfortunately). I personally find most AKG mics heavily coloured. That may or may not suit your voice. A good mic in your range though is the Shure KSM32 or one of its derivatives. I have been lucky to find this mic a good match for several radically different voices so far. It can lend some warmth without a strong overall bias to the response. You might be surprised about Neumann as there is a TLM model that is within range of your budget and is quite good, but I think it is more commonly used on acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments than on voice. Sennheiser has an even lower-priced model from this past year that is more or less a TLM mic. The Golden Age stuff is good value, but I'm more familiar with their pre-amps than their mics. They go for a classic sound, which might well match your tenor. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M_G Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Hi Sean, there is an awful lot of choices in that price range... You should check the Neumann TLM102, small mic with a big sound! As you live in Canada, have a look at Advanced Audio Microphones. Dave Thomas is a nice guy to deal with and has some very nice tube mics with excellent quality for the price. I have the AA CM47SE, great sounding smooth tube mic. Rode and Audio Technica have great mics in that price range too. (K2, AT4050,4047,4060) Good luck and Happy New Year Markus Studio: Hammond XK5-XLK5, Roland Fantom 8, Kurzweil PC3A6, Prophet 5, Moog Sub37, Neo Vent, HX3-Expander, LB Organ Grinder Live: Yamaha CP88, Yamaha Motif Rack ES, Hammond SKX Pro, Hammond XB2-HX3, Kurzweil PC3-61, Leslie 251, Roland SA1000, Neo Vent2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Does this local store have a good return policy? Another option might be rent-to-buy. If you decide to buy the mic, it doesn't cost any more than it would have if you bought it straight up. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted December 29, 2011 Author Share Posted December 29, 2011 Joe--yes they do! So that's something I could look into. (We also know the manager, and usually get very good discounts, but I'm not relying on those.) Wow, great suggestions! MisterM, I had never heard of Advanced Audio mics. I'm going to do some more reading on those and the TLM. Then, testing them would be optimal. ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meisenhower Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 I have two Neumann TLM-103's and I bought them for under $800 each on a GC supersale. I love mine! I've also had some really nice results with a Groove Tubes GT-66 tube mic, which can be had for pretty cheap money now, if you can find one. Yamaha C7 Grand, My Hammonds: '57 B3, '54 C2, '42 BC, '40 D, '05 XK3 Pro System, Kawai MP9000, Fender Rhodes Mk I 73, Yamaha CP33, Motif ES6, Nord Electro 2, Minimoog Voyager & Model D, Korg MS10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted December 29, 2011 Author Share Posted December 29, 2011 Hmm, the TLM is looking like a good option too. However, is the shock is sold separately or included? (One thing that I like about the Blue offerings is that custom shocks and sometimes custom pop filters are included.) ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meisenhower Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Hmm, the TLM is looking like a good option too. However, is the shock is sold separately or included? (One thing that I like about the Blue offerings is that custom shocks and sometimes custom pop filters are included.) Mine were included in both of my TLM packages. Yamaha C7 Grand, My Hammonds: '57 B3, '54 C2, '42 BC, '40 D, '05 XK3 Pro System, Kawai MP9000, Fender Rhodes Mk I 73, Yamaha CP33, Motif ES6, Nord Electro 2, Minimoog Voyager & Model D, Korg MS10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted December 30, 2011 Author Share Posted December 30, 2011 Hmm, the TLM is looking like a good option too. However, is the shock is sold separately or included? (One thing that I like about the Blue offerings is that custom shocks and sometimes custom pop filters are included.) Mine were included in both of my TLM packages. Excellent! Thank you for letting me know. ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M_G Posted December 30, 2011 Share Posted December 30, 2011 Sean, just a comment on the TLM Mics. The mentioned TLM 103 is a nice mic, no question. Great on acoustic instruments (guitar, strings) and on some voices..... But don't be fooled by the price and size of the TLM 102. IMHO the TLM 102 is the overall better mic, more tonally balanced especially vor vocals. Just to let you know. If the TLM103 fits your voice, perfect, but don't forget his "little brother" ! ;-) markus Studio: Hammond XK5-XLK5, Roland Fantom 8, Kurzweil PC3A6, Prophet 5, Moog Sub37, Neo Vent, HX3-Expander, LB Organ Grinder Live: Yamaha CP88, Yamaha Motif Rack ES, Hammond SKX Pro, Hammond XB2-HX3, Kurzweil PC3-61, Leslie 251, Roland SA1000, Neo Vent2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted December 30, 2011 Author Share Posted December 30, 2011 Thanks MisterM! I looked into both TLMs and I am impressed--heard a bit on YouTube too that impressed me. The 102 is definitely more affordable as well. I'm going to try and visit the local retailer sometime this week to speak with one of their specialists about my options. ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted March 15, 2013 Author Share Posted March 15, 2013 I thought I'd dig this up since I finally bought a studio mic! I had some other financial priorities over the past year and ended up spending money on other things, but I caved yesterday and went for a purchase. I chose the Blue Baby Bottle which fell within my new budget (I also got a sweet discount). I'm a tenor, mid-range guy and my vocals sound great through it. I think I have a grounding issue (could be my XLR cable) because when I touch the mic there's a hum but if I touch the metal part of the cable it goes away. I'm going to look into that. I'll be using it through my PreSonus FireStudio 26x26 whose preamps I like quite a bit. ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 ...when I touch the mic there's a hum Smartass answer #1. Then don't touch the mic. Smartass answer #2. Give the mic back the lyrics and stop touching the mic! Smartass answer #3. That's called a hummer. You really should stop touching the mic. Now. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 ...when I touch the mic there's a hum Smartass answer #1. Then don't touch the mic. Smartass answer #2. Give the mic back the lyrics and stop touching the mic! Smartass answer #3. That's called a hummer. You really should stop touching the mic. Now. Hah! ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zapper Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 ...when I touch the mic there's a hum Smartass answer #1. Then don't touch the mic. Smartass answer #2. Give the mic back the lyrics and stop touching the mic! Smartass answer #3. That's called a hummer. You really should stop touching the mic. Now. yeah, hands in the back - other parts can be in front... http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01673/Upton_02_1673900a.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George88 Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 If I could only have one vocal mic, my choice would be an SM7. I would suggest checking it out. Huge records were made with the SM7 on the vocal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stillplaying Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Do you already own or have acces to a preamp? If so what is it? I'm the piano player "off of" Borrowed Books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allister Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 another vote for the Neumann TLM102, great sounding and versatile mic. i have used them for drum micing, guitar micing and gives a nice jazz sound if you use a pair on a grand piano. Yamaha MOX8, Roland VK8, LESLIE HL822 Woop woop!!!! and a MBP running PT10 and Omnisphere. My Blog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrokeys Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Obviously Neumann makes great mics, but since you are looking for a vocal mic at a somewhat lower price you might try an Electrovoice RE 20. This has been a radio standard for decades and obviously does good things for voices. It also works well for micing reed instruments like saxes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seannn Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 I've used the SM57 in conjunction with the SM58, both are decent mics and mics I'm very comfortable using live. The 57s make great instrument mics in studio; I've used both mics for studio vocals but I wanted something better. I use the preamps on the PreSonus FireStudio 26 x 26 which are excellent. @zapper: Yes. I've heard great things about the TLM102 (many of those things from this thread). If I had the money, I'd buy a pair of them for sure, not just one. Someone once told me to always buy mics in pairs, and I like that maxim. Lots of great things come in pairs. ~ Sean Juno-60, Juno-G, MicroBrute, MS-20 Mini, PX-5S, R3, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zapper Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I wonder if mikes with price close to 1000$ are that much better then mikes in 300$ range because I use rode NT1A and I am more then happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKeys Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 I have a Rode NTK and it does very well for vocals, guitar and sax. It has a tube that can be switched out for a bit warmer sound too. Jimmy Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others. Groucho NEW BAND CHECK THEM OUT www.steveowensandsummertime.com www.jimmyweaver.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stillplaying Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 If you've already got an SM57 and a SM58 - and your PreSonus box: Dynamic (if you haven't a treated room) - any chance of trying a Heil Pr35 or the SM7B mentioned above? Condenser: read the reviews online in SoundOnSound. NTK mentioned in last post. I had to do my backing vocals through their K2 and a Focusrite preamp at a recent folk session. I don't have a great voice - made my four ten second clips sound great. Again there's a SoundOnSound review. I'd be tempted to go for the Neumann TL102 and be done with it. You could only get one on your budget. If it's for vocals mostly - do I remember correctly you do your piano stuff via VSTs? - it'd be a good buy. I have a much cheaper SE2000. Relatively cheap and does the job (with a Joe Meek pre amp). If I need better quality for someone I'm recording then I do the main vocal somewhere with good gear - even rural Scotland has very affordable places with Neumanns and Focusrite preamps. £25 an hour with an engineer. I'm the piano player "off of" Borrowed Books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockhouse Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Studio Vocal: Audio Technica 4033 So warm and at the same time crisp! About $400 or less. Live: AKGD880 like a SM58 with a hint more presence without the harshness. About $100 ora bit more. American Keyworks AK24+ Diablo (with bow), Hammond L100, Korg M3 expanded, Korg Sigma, Yamaha MM8, Yamaha SY99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stillplaying Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Sound On Sound review of the 4033 mentioned in the last post. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/nov96/at4033a.html Old but still good. Review's from 1996. It's actually cheaper now. I'm the piano player "off of" Borrowed Books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekewaka Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I'm another Audio Technica fanboy, good stuff, even the low-end range. For live i use EV mics, Shures are fine but you could find even more interesting mics if you look outside the box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwin Funster Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 TLM 103 can be harsh on already screetchy male vox. FunMachine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Bryce Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I've used the SM57 in conjunction with the SM58, both are decent mics They're essentially the same mic. One has a ball-shaped windscreen that helps with the "pop" effect on vocals, one doesn't. dB ==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <== Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I've used the SM57 in conjunction with the SM58, both are decent mics They're essentially the same mic. One has a ball-shaped windscreen that helps with the "pop" effect on vocals, one doesn't. dB Somebody once told me that the polar pattern was slightly different. I never verified it, nor really believed it. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwin Funster Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 The 58 has a presence rise at about 6K . FunMachine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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