| I've used the 103 successfully on many vocalists through the Great River ME-1NV with the transformer "loading" engaged. That pre smooths out the mic really nice. It also helps if the room you are recording in is relatively dead. I usually had a Cranesong Trakker in the signal chain as well, then going through some UA 2192 converters. Got a great RnB and Pop vocal song with several artists through that combo.
I've since upgraded to better mics that usually get picked first before the 103, but the 103 is certainly capable of a great vocal sound with the right vocalists, pre-amp, and room. I don't think it deserves all the bashing it gets here. If you paid full price for it, then maybe it's not worth it, but I got mine a long time ago for a really great price when a certain retailer decided not to sell Nuemann mics any more and blew out their remaining stock for much cheaper than they were supposed to be able to sell them for.
Steve |