RCA 44-BX Question

[notbadproduction]

I am working with a band that insists on using a vintage RCA44-BX to track their vocals. I found a place with one we can use for a fee (and some Telefunken Pres), but my dilemma is...we are going into a Presonus Firepod at 96/24 into Logic Pro 9…are we really going to be capturing the warmth of this mic or are we wasting our time (and money) feeding a good mic into a bad digital interface/environment?

[SHIRK]

Obviously everything in the chain (including A->D conversion) contributes to the final result. That being said, a 44bx can add a lot of vibe. The smoothness of the hi-end is a big part of the "Warmth" factor you are referring to. Just keep an eye on the proximity effect that comes along with this mic. If the vocalist is a quiet singer, you re going to need a lot of gain out of your pres. Not sure which Telefunken's you'll bee using, but I usually run my pre's close to wide open (50+db of gain) when recording vox with my 44bx. Also try to match the impedance of the preamp with this mic. I think the standard setting for a 44bx is 250ohms, so I often get the best results with a preamp that can operate close to this range. Preamps set at a higher input impedance will yield a darker tone.

I love this mic....and I've found that most singers love getting to use one. Just looking at it is inspiring, and (sometimes) that is the key to getting a great performance out of your singer. If that's what the band is asking for and they know what it sounds like, chances are they'll be excited to sing into it and you'll get a great performance. Once you have a great performance recorded, you'll stop thinking about the firepod's A->D conversion. my $.02

Also, don't forget a robust mic stand. At 12+ lbs, these babies need a heavy duty Atlas boom or something with a serious counter weight.

Good luck!

[notbadproduction]

Thanks for the input Shirk, I think this is going to be a good experience, and will hopefully sound as good as the studio time costs.

[Ward Pike]

You'll be fine. I had recent success with mine running into an Avalon pre, and there was plenty of gain and I don't even think a Tascam 238/cassette as recording medium could have ruined the sound (and that's saying something!)

[toneguru]

Great vocal mic.

Pre amp and impedance are considerations.

[audiotech]

The RCA 44BX has been on my shopping list for I don't know how long. If the ribbon is in great shape, you have a great sounding microphone. I was first introduced to the 44 BX in a radio studio back in the early sixties. Some seasoned announcers would cradle the microphone to take advantage of it's proximity effect. I think that they sound best about a foot away from the source using a good microphone pre-amp. I believe the BX version of the original 44 has a higher output level. I've still have an RCA boom stand waiting for its arrival, lol.

Dennis

[Dog_Chao_Chao]

Converters are not the most important piece in the chain. Actually it's probably the least important. Let's see: song/arrangement/source, performance, room/space, mic, preamp, converter!
And that mic has tons of mojo. I would just take advantage of having one around and track more than vocals with it. Drums, guitars...have fun

[notbadproduction]

They tell me the ribbon is original and in great shape, can't wait to hear it. We plan on cutting vocals and harmonies for 10 songs in about 5 hours...that's a little tighter time wise than I would like, but that's what the budget permits. Good news is the singer is very good at getting lost in a take and delivering on the spot, so I have high hopes for the outcome.

[McDingus]

Originally Posted by notbadproduction

We plan on cutting vocals and harmonies for 10 songs in about 5 hours...that's a little tighter time wise than I would like, but that's what the budget permits.

Aint gonna happen unless the singer is perfect or you are willing to use takes with mistakes.

Breaks down on a 3 minute song to 10 takes per song INCLUDING harmonies. And thats based off tracking for 5 hours without breathing, drinking water or taking a break...

And you've never been at this studio before or used the mic...

Good luck.

My only advice- mic distance plays a HUGE role with the 44. I prefer the singer backed off and not using the V setting.

[mobing]

reaks down on a 3 minute song to 10 takes per song INCLUDING harmonies. And thats based off tracking for 5 hours without breathing, drinking water or taking a break...

And you've never been at this studio before or used the mic...

Good luck.

My only advice- mic distance plays a HUGE role with the 44. I prefer the singer backed off and not using the V setting

thanks for your sharing !

[laddie.music2]

I have a mint refinished re ribboned 44BX that i've used into a crappy M-audio fast track pro 2, and it's great even there...

Believe me when I say, the beatles still sound great with lo fi mp3 conversion,

You can't scratch a diamond,

But you surely can't polish a turd,

your much better off having a great mic with shitty converters, then a crap mic with great converters.

The 44bx is amazing, you'll have a blast.