2014/11/10 15:27:59
Muzock
Hi, I'm getting into a project that I'm dreaming since a long time and I'm ready to start recording my voice.   I have not alot experience on singing.  I can sing on tune and I want to put the chance on my side.  I have a few good microphones but not realy one high end.  My big question is coming.  Witch mic (High end) should I buy?  I want a mic who will give me a boost for my confiance.  I mean, I don't want to pay for the name or any kinf of snobing thing.  I just want a microphone that will do the best job for me.  The price is important but I'm ready to sell some other thing if I need to...
Thank you for your input, I need it!!!  heu...Am I at the right portion of the forum for that thread?
2014/11/10 16:08:52
batsbrew

Witch microphone?

 
i like the warlock version myself.
 
2014/11/10 16:23:01
ampfixer
AKG C-214
2014/11/10 18:36:48
thomasabarnes
I have an AKG C414 XL II: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C414XLII/
 
It's a nice sounding high end mic for vocals.
 
Another popular great sounding high end mic for vocals is the Neumann TLM 103: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TLM103
 
Lower priced good sounding popular vocal mics are:
 
The Shure SM7B: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SM7B
 
And the AKG C-214, as pointed out above by ampfixer: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C214
 
Read the reviews on the Mics. And make shure you have a decent Mic Preamp, too. Something like a Golden Age Project PreAmp, or a Warm Audio PreAmp, or something better. Your audio interface is a very good one, so with a good preamp and mic, you will be doing great!
 
Let us know what you decide to go with?
2014/11/10 19:44:41
Muzock
Wow!!!  Thank's for all that input.  Yes1  I will come back to tell what was my choice.  Now, I'm reading every thing I can.  I have good pres Millennia and Focus Rite.
2014/11/11 01:51:11
AT
Well, you are set up for preamp, anyway, which is a good start.  But basically, until you try and work with a mic you won't know which one best fits your voice, tho any good mic should do a good job.  And the style of music you do.  The SM-7b is a good mic for rap (and radio) and kick and bass and some screamer rock voices.  For singer songwriter ballads, probably not.
 
Otherwise I'd tell you to get the Microtech Geffel lollipop or their bottle mic, a real Neumann m 7 mic capsule on a recreation of classic Newman mics.  Just like everyone from Frank to Mick used on their vocals (and everything else).  They will set you back over $5000, but they are from G. Newman's original factory.  So the first thing to do is figure out how much you can pay for your vocal mic, then work from there.  The MG is one of the best "recreations" but you ain't likely to hear much of a difference between them and a knock off at $2000 or $800.  There are lots of takes on the Neumann U 47, including Neumann itself, all across the price range.  A large condenser tube mic is usually the best for vocals, although FETs will work great, too.
 
Your best bet is to find the music stores in Montreal with a large stock of mics.  If you flash the cash, they should let you try them, extensively.  Sometimes there are problems since no one wants to have another's spit on the mic and sometimes the State puts restrictions on testing or returning, but a dealer will work with you if you are spending $500 or more.  Hell, my local GC let me test a bunch of Oktava 102s when they were blowing them out for $50 each.  Start with the most expensive you can afford - but test at least one higher priced unit just to see.  Dealers will always want you to buy whatever is overstocked and has the largest profit margin, but they will sell you anything.  Make sure you have a selection of different priced mics - and check out some of the same type models that are FET rather than tube.  They may let you take your favorite choices home to test in your recording space, which makes as much difference as mics.  A bad sounding room will only be better captured by a great mic, which is another reason why and SM7 and other dynamics will sound better - they have better rejection.
 
If you go to such an investment you won't feel sorry later.  You'll get a good-sounding mic for you.  You still may want to upgrade later, but you won't feel cheated in the meanwhile.  You got the best sounding mic to you at the time.  I use an old modded Oktava 319 (about $500).  It is still not as smooth as I would like but for most vocalists it works and I doubt if many casual listeners could tell the difference if I bought a Geffel.
 
@
2014/11/11 09:31:00
Guitarhacker
Before you buy anything.... it would be helpful to know what you currently have. You may actually have a good vocal mic already.
2014/11/11 11:39:36
Muzock
I have a Rode NT1A witch is the one all around mic right now.  SM58, SM57,a kit of CAD for drums, AT2020, 421, SE1A, AT3527, ATM63, D6Audix, Beta52A, KET HM-1
2014/11/11 20:27:24
johnnyV
I hate to say it, but you already have a very good collection of mikes for someone who hasn't started laying down a vocal track yet! As example I just chose the the AT 2020 over a bunch of name brand LDC mikes after trying them in a store. The AT2020 works for my voice and I'm super happy with the results.
 
I set a budget of $500 and ended up spending $120!!. So I bought a Shure Beta 58 for live performances and a Lexicon reverb unit with the money I saved. 
So like AT is saying you need to take your time and try a bunch until you get the sound you are after. I would certainly spend some time with the collection you have first.  I used a little A&H mixer and some good headphones in the store. Set the EQ flat, I like to get some cripness and I make different sounds with my lips to test. 
I can't see getting much more than say a 10% improvement over some of those mikes you already have. 
My research into the many, many LDC mikes on the market now has made me believe its's 80% marketing hype. Re packaging Chinese parts into cool looking containers. If it looks retro someone will pay 3x the money for it. 
SO I would disagree thet spending more money is the answer, You need to try them all with out looking at the price. Price is not the determining factor here. 
2014/11/11 20:32:18
Leadfoot
I get great results with my NT1-A. For the money, that mic rips! The Sennheiser 421 is a great mic as well. If you're having trouble getting a decent vocal out of either of those mics with your preamps you listed, then I would look at technique, not equipment.
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