Mic for my voice type?

KngofNoiz · 10th February 2005

Hi, I need some suggestions. I want to upgrade my main recording vocal mic. This would be for recording just my vocals 99.99% percent of the time. I’m what you some call a “Bel Canto” Tenor. My voice is pretty high pitched, but not shrill. In fact, I think that’s the issue, my voice is very mellow and the current mid-line mics I have capture it in a dull sounding way. Mind you, mellow doesn’t equal soft in my case. I can get quite loud.
I sing pop and rock mostly, sometimes a little opera and Broadway. Vocalist comparisons: Jeff Lynne, Freddie Mercury (not as bright though, not nearly as good of course!) Michael Crawford, Lyle Lovett (in timbre, not pitch).

My mic preamp is a Vintech 1272. (I’m in the market for an upper line external DA/AD too.)
I currently have these mics: AKG SolidTube (way dull and muddy), and SM57’s, (which actually cuts through but is too thin sounding, but it’s closer to the sound I’m looking for)
So, any suggestions? Mic and DA/AD converter combos are welcome too!

Price range for the mic: $2,000 or less, although I’d love a deal!
Price range for the converter: same as above
Thanks!!!

De chromium cob · 10th February 2005

Everyone should have a Shure SM-7 for vocals. It should be mandatory....Should be able to find one for about $250 or so....I like the older ones better than the newer SM-7b.

chetatkinsdiet · 10th February 2005

I've got an old SM7 and new SM7b and there really wasnt' much difference except the "B" had a few low cuts or eq settings that the other one didn't have. I never touched them anyway. These are amazing mics. I'm stunned as to why they don't sell them at Guitar Centers and other stores like this in their so called Pro Audio departments. I guess they're too busy buying other eqs and nonsense trying to make their cheap large diaphram condensors sound good. It would be too easy to plug an SM7, dynamic into a decent mic pre and run with it.
PS...love the vintech btw. I have one too. It sound absolutely heavenly with the SM7. Even better, try an OSA or API pre with the SM7.
Later,
m

TyRip · 10th February 2005

De chromium, what is it that you like about the older models better? I am in the market for an SM7 and the only other opinion I had heard was that someone liked the SM7B a little bit better all around. I am just interested in what you think makes it sound better than the new B, well I guess more importantly, why you think it sounds better.

chetatkinsdiet, can you comment any more on any differences, or do you think you really couldn't tell and didn't care which one you reach for in your studio?

Thanks guys, and also, from what I have heard about them from everybody, I have no choice but to think the SM7 is the ticket for you as well.

De chromium cob · 10th February 2005

The newer one has a bit hotter output, and seems to have just a little more high end than the original to me. The lower output has never been a problem IMO....But its probably more that I'm just used to the pair I have and fear change.....

KngofNoiz · 10th February 2005

Thanks guys! From what I've read on the posts , I thought the SM7 would come up. That's a really good price too. The SM7 will help me brighten up the vocals a little bit and not put me in too much more debt? very cool.
I like the vintech too, it's older one, but has factory approved mods for 20 gain. So I could use a ribbon if I need to.

chessparov · 10th February 2005

Consider adding a Beyer M88 to that SM7
(or whatever). Killer mic for many vocalists.

Unfortunaly, what makes my voice desirable in acapella (it's bright), shows up as some sibilance
on the M88. This affects only a small % of singers overall though.
(SM7 or similar works better personally)

The M88 smooth high end boost is like a "shelf EQ"" on a high quality parametric or console EQ.

Somewhat bright without harshness...

Chris

10th February 2005	#1
KngofNoiz Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Memphis Posts: 31 Thread Starter	Mic for my voice type? Hi, I need some suggestions. I want to upgrade my main recording vocal mic. This would be for recording just my vocals 99.99% percent of the time. I’m what you some call a “Bel Canto” Tenor. My voice is pretty high pitched, but not shrill. In fact, I think that’s the issue, my voice is very mellow and the current mid-line mics I have capture it in a dull sounding way. Mind you, mellow doesn’t equal soft in my case. I can get quite loud. I sing pop and rock mostly, sometimes a little opera and Broadway. Vocalist comparisons: Jeff Lynne, Freddie Mercury (not as bright though, not nearly as good of course!) Michael Crawford, Lyle Lovett (in timbre, not pitch). My mic preamp is a Vintech 1272. (I’m in the market for an upper line external DA/AD too.) I currently have these mics: AKG SolidTube (way dull and muddy), and SM57’s, (which actually cuts through but is too thin sounding, but it’s closer to the sound I’m looking for) So, any suggestions? Mic and DA/AD converter combos are welcome too! Price range for the mic: $2,000 or less, although I’d love a deal! Price range for the converter: same as above Thanks!!!

10th February 2005	#2
De chromium cob Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,655	Everyone should have a Shure SM-7 for vocals. It should be mandatory....Should be able to find one for about $250 or so....I like the older ones better than the newer SM-7b. __________________ "I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives." Tolstoy Scott Benson Blue Ridge Mastering

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10th February 2005	#3
chetatkinsdiet Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,493	I've got an old SM7 and new SM7b and there really wasnt' much difference except the "B" had a few low cuts or eq settings that the other one didn't have. I never touched them anyway. These are amazing mics. I'm stunned as to why they don't sell them at Guitar Centers and other stores like this in their so called Pro Audio departments. I guess they're too busy buying other eqs and nonsense trying to make their cheap large diaphram condensors sound good. It would be too easy to plug an SM7, dynamic into a decent mic pre and run with it. PS...love the vintech btw. I have one too. It sound absolutely heavenly with the SM7. Even better, try an OSA or API pre with the SM7. Later, m

10th February 2005	#4
TyRip Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 320	De chromium, what is it that you like about the older models better? I am in the market for an SM7 and the only other opinion I had heard was that someone liked the SM7B a little bit better all around. I am just interested in what you think makes it sound better than the new B, well I guess more importantly, why you think it sounds better. chetatkinsdiet, can you comment any more on any differences, or do you think you really couldn't tell and didn't care which one you reach for in your studio? Thanks guys, and also, from what I have heard about them from everybody, I have no choice but to think the SM7 is the ticket for you as well.

10th February 2005	#7
chessparov Jr. Gear Slut 2nd class Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,761	Consider adding a Beyer M88 to that SM7 (or whatever). Killer mic for many vocalists. Unfortunaly, what makes my voice desirable in acapella (it's bright), shows up as some sibilance on the M88. This affects only a small % of singers overall though. (SM7 or similar works better personally) The M88 smooth high end boost is like a "shelf EQ"" on a high quality parametric or console EQ. Somewhat bright without harshness... Chris