Mic Suggestions for female vocals (listen to short clip)

[PT User]

Hiya all,

I have been thinking of purchasing another mic for my girlfriends vocals. Im currently using a Soundelux u195 and a Rode NTK (not hi end I know) but looking to make the jump towards something in the highend side of mics. I feel the mics that I have been using are on the bright side of things. I end up eq'ing alot to calm it down. Im looking for something a little smoother. Im wondering if listening to a clip you guys could make some suggestions. Main pre's are Vintech 1272 and Avalon 737sp. This clip was done using the Avalon and Soundelux. I have been thinking possibly a ribbon but I have no experience with ribbons. Maybe I need both pre and mic but all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks
Eddie

[squeegybug]

Sounds good, but I can hear where you/she might want a little calmer high end. FWIW, you'll have to experiment of course.... here are a few suggestions:

- Have you tried the U195 with the Fat switch on? Actually it only boosts the bass shelf, but subjectively... it sounds as though the treble is reduced. Couple this, if necessary, with the HPF and you can get some more options out of that mic already.

- A similar thing can happen from using the mic flat, but rather than cutting treble, try *boosting* a little low-mid parametric EQ -- say +2 to +4 dB at 300-350 Hz, Q=2 or 3 or so. Makes the ear hear more meat, and less treble.

- What do you think of either mic into the 1272? I've liked the sound of that preamp for some "mellowing", but maybe doesn't suit your needs?

- What converter/sample rate are you using? Have you tried high rates like 88.2 or 96? Can often smooth things out in my experience so far.

- But sometimes it's just not the right combo for the singer, and you need different mic/preamp. I happen to mostly prefer a wide-open transformerless preamp like Gordon, but the A Designs tube preamps are also good for a "pretty" midrange and softer/smoother highs. For less $ the Focusrite ISA 428 is a good bargain, but not really a "huge" sound if that's what you are looking for. Speck MP5.0 is also a great value, a really useful preamp.

- For mics, to clarify and present more accuracy I like the Sony C-48, a very natural sound. For a little less neutral, but still an organic tone, I went with Neumann M 149. Both of those mics have a good top end, without so much hype.

I have the R84, it's a great mic, but haven't preferred that on female singers too often.

Steve

[PT User]

I havent experimented lately with the fat switch, but from what I recall she didnt care for it on. But I will definately go back and do little more experimenting with it.

As far as converters I'm using Mytek 8X96. I normally run my sessions at 48k.

The Vintech.....Great on Male, rock (u195) and hiphop vocals(ntk), but I really dont like it on female vocals doesnt pick up enough transients in her/female vocals. I guess not fast enough. Its too much on the mellow side for females in my very inexperienced opinion.

Thanks for all the suggestions/info. Very cool of you to give such a great reply.


Thanks
Eddie

[mrhappyballoon]

I like those converters a lot, same with the Avalon. The first question is, how much money are you actually willing to spend? If money is no issue, I would suggest trying a Soundelux e47c, Brauner Valvet, and Neumann M-149. Those are in order from thickest to least thick. Sometimes the e47c can be a little too thick, but it is also perfect in other situations. For preamps, the Avalon is great, but if you want a bigger cleaner sound I would suggest a D.W. Fearn VT-1 (or VT-2 for two channels). I love the Fearn on acoustic guitar, vocals, drum overheads, and almost everything else, it sounds absolutely amazing.

[Bat Head Sound]

Crowley and Tripp Studio Vocalist

[PT User]

Originally Posted by Bat Head Sound

Crowley and Tripp Studio Vocalist

Bat Head, do you have any clips you can post using the Studio Vocalist on female vocals?
Just a thumbs up, really doesnt say much. Hoping you can give some details on the mic or even some clips would be really helpful.

Thanks
Eddie

[PT User]

Originally Posted by mrhappyballoon

I like those converters a lot, same with the Avalon. The first question is, how much money are you actually willing to spend? If money is no issue, I would suggest trying a Soundelux e47c, Brauner Valvet, and Neumann M-149. Those are in order from thickest to least thick. Sometimes the e47c can be a little too thick, but it is also perfect in other situations. For preamps, the Avalon is great, but if you want a bigger cleaner sound I would suggest a D.W. Fearn VT-1 (or VT-2 for two channels). I love the Fearn on acoustic guitar, vocals, drum overheads, and almost everything else, it sounds absolutely amazing.

Cool Happy,
I love the converters and the avalon isnt great but not bad either, very usable.
My budget is 1800.00 tops, I would love to stay in the 1500.00 to 1600.00 dollar range but 18 is feasible.