Help me fill up my mic locker

[Herman Munster]

I recently recorded a project with a female singer and realized I need more mike choices. Here's a list of what I currently own:

CAD Equitek E-200 (dark, LDC)
Audio Technica 3035
Oktava MK-012 x 2
SM57 x 2
e609 x 3
SM58
Beta 91 (kick mic)

My sense is that I really need a better LDC/vocal mic. I'm considering either an Avant CV-12 or a Fathead II, but am leaning toward the Avant. I'm also considering a MA-200, but really don't want to spend that much $$$, but then again, you get what you pay for. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I have also considered a SM7b, but don't record a lot of rock vocals. Thanks.

[skiltrip]

The AT4033 works real well on both female and male vocals. Good all around mic to have in your locker too. Widely used. Well respected.

[Summa]

the EV RE-20.. I have no idea how much that mike would go for but it seems like a relatively cheap mike with god specs... I love it on some vocals... but it also doubles as a kick-mic.

[yellowbanana]

if you can spring for the mojave, do it. it will definitely be a step up from what you have now, and you'll love the sounds you can get from it. if you can't get enough, there are plenty of alternatives, the AT4033 as mentioned earlier is decent, as well as the RODE NTK/K2 with a swapped out tube. I have heard good things about Avantone as well, but have never used one yet. good luck

[BudgetMC]

MXL 960, with a Mullard 4024 swapped in.

After you spring for the tube and a shock mount, you're only in for $250... and I bet you'll thank me every time you use it.

I still get a silly grin when I hook mine up.

[Ubu4him]

SM7b.... i have heard it used on more than just rock vox... sounds amazing =]

[Arkestry]

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

I'm also considering a MA-200, but really don't want to spend that much $$$

You might want to check out Mojave's latest mic, the MA-201 FET. As I understand it, it is basically a MA-200 with a solid state circuit as opposed to the more expensive tube circuit. Consequentially, it streets at $700. I heard a pair briefly last week and my initial impression is quite favorable.

[drBill]

You might also want to check out a sputnik. warmth on the bottom ala a 47-ish flavor, and lots of air up top ala a C12. Works fantastic on some things.

[YRLK]

I'd vote against an RE20 on female vox. I would rarely use this microphone on anything, and it's certainly not versatile enough to be used on much to begin with. I can think of a mic I'd prefer over it for almost every application.

I would recommend that you consider selling the Beta 91 for a Heil PR-40. This is only because I've used almost every kick drum mic other than a FET47 (good luck affording that one for most of us, right!), and the PR-40 is amazing... captures full body, all sustain that you want, and is SO (and I mean SO) eq-friendly. *I actually sold my PR-40 because I didn't test it out enough, but once I tested a friend's again, I went out and bought another... didn't loose anything there though. =) Also, the PR-40 works very well on bass cabinets.

As for getting another LDC, I agree with the recommendations on the Audio Technica line... they are pretty nice, but perhaps you could should look into an older AKG 414B-ULS or even the M-Audio Sputnik. I think you'd be impressed with either of those, and both are very reasonably priced for what they offer. =)

Just some thoughts for you, my friend. I'd be curious to see how that 201FET sounds too. Only complaint I've ever heard the Mojave stuff is that it's a little bright, but see... it's really about what YOUR ears want to hear.

Try as much out as you can, listen to things in context, and make your decision. The best tools you will ever have are good ears and great passion. =) Best of luck to you, brother, and God bless.

B

[Herman Munster]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll keep on the look out and keep listening for you guys opinions. The Sputnik looks like a good option. I haven't found a ton of information on the CV-12, but it sounds like it might not be the warmest mic (and I need a warm, but not dark, mic).....

[GordZilla]

Buy two of every mic that Kel Audio makes... you won't regret it

[Arkestry]

Originally Posted by yrlk

I'd be curious to see how that 201FET sounds too

Well, I'll be using a loaned stereo pair to do a live radio broadcast on Thursday morning. It's a four piece indian classical ensemble. It will be a pretty straight ahead recording - no processing, just ORTF straight into the broadcast board - that should give a pretty clear picture of what the mics bring to the party . . . or don't. If the artist gives me permission, I'll post a clip.

[jbsg02]

Originally Posted by Arkestry

Well, I'll be using a loaned stereo pair to do a live radio broadcast on Thursday morning. It's a four piece indian classical ensemble. It will be a pretty straight ahead recording - no processing, just ORTF straight into the broadcast board - that should give a pretty clear picture of what the mics bring to the party . . . or don't. If the artist gives me permission, I'll post a clip.

anything in the Audio Techinca 40 series, especially the 4050