How do you guys use your RCA 77D's?

[thepilgrimsdream]

I have 3 of these. I have gotten good results, but I feel like I still can't get the feel for them with different settings and how to really get the most out of vocalists with them.

How do you guys use them?

I've been going between M and V1 for the bass roll off settings. The frequency response seems to be extremely different between different patterns. I still haven't really found how I like to use them yet. I seem to have to cut a lot around 1k while eqing them.

I feel like I don't really know what to expect, I'm not used to feeling like It takes that long to learn a mic.

What settings do you guys use/prefer?

Am I going crazy?

I've noticed preamps really make a difference for these. I'm looking at the AEA TRP. What have you found that matches them well?

Thanks,
Dan

[drBill]

Originally Posted by thepilgrimsdream

I have 3 of these. I have gotten good results, but I feel like I still can't get the feel for them with different settings and how to really get the most out of vocalists with them.

How do you guys use them?

I've been going between M and V1 for the bass roll off settings. The frequency response seems to be extremely different between different patterns. I still haven't really found how I like to use them yet. I seem to have to cut a lot around 1k while eqing them.

I feel like I don't really know what to expect, I'm not used to feeling like It takes that long to learn a mic.

What settings do you guys use/prefer?

Am I going crazy?

I've noticed preamps really make a difference for these. I'm looking at the AEA TRP. What have you found that matches them well?

Thanks,
Dan

Dan - you're right - they can get a bit of "honk" in the mids, but that's really their sound. I love to use 77's on big band-ish saxes - preferably thru Neve's - 1073/84's. It's like the 1940's all over again - I always feel like I've taken a time machine back when I pull up the faders. Wish I had some of my own, but like you say, they have a unique "sound" to them, and I find some other ribbons more versatile for my main uses so that's where I've purchased. Still....when you want that sound, there's only one place to go......

[Fletcher]

Having tried all of the rolloff settings... "M" is really the only place the switch should be - that filter is far from being musical or subtle in character. As for patterns - again, tried them all... and again - "bi-directional" is the only one that sounds decent in any application where I've tried the experiment.

They are amazingly susceptible to response change due to the loading that will occur from pre-amp to pre-amp. FWIW I've found 77's to couple best with the Thermionic Culture "Earlybird" and the NPNG pre's... which is not to disrespect the AEA TRP pre... just that it wasn't my cup of tea for that mic... and as always... YMMV.

Peace

[DrFrankencopter]

I'd agree with Fletcher's settings. Mine lives in the no filter, figure 8 configuration.

For vocals I like it with a 1073 type preamp, and some nice EQ to add some presence. You need to watch for proximity effect and 'plosives', but the sound is pure silk IMO.

Cheers

Kris

[thepilgrimsdream]

Thanks guys. I've been playing with the bass roll off, and I'm just leaving it in M right now. I like the figure 8, and your right fletcher, I'm finding the bi setting to be most suitable it seems.

I would love to have an Earlybird pre, but they are dang out of my price range. I'm thinking either the SCA N72 or a Vintech would be nice?

I've been wanting to get a 1073 style pre for a while.

[thepilgrimsdream]

I'm cutting around 6db of 1k on about everything. Is this normal?