Vocals

feyshay · 12th September 2005

This is a cool forum, so I thought I'd ask another question about equipment, considering I'm a total slut.
I need to improve the sound quality of my vocals. I need a condenser mic (and will probably go with either the Shure KSM-27, C1, AT 4040 or 4047) for recording. For practice in the studio I also want to have better sound. I've got shit when it comes to a vocal channel. Shure Beta 58a, into a Presonus Blue Tube DP, into a Mackie DFX6.

I monitor through Event ASP 8's.
I'd like a cleaner vocal, with some compression options, and some equalization options.
I've got some great VST's (compression, delay, reverb, equalization), but too much latency and too much of a pain when practicing. Need something to make the live/studio a little better, but don't want to spend too much.
I'm thinking microphone, preamp, compressor, equalizer or microphone and channel (like a Toft EC-1 or ATC-2)
I want to keep this under $1200. What would be the best way to go. Any specific combination of products recommended.
Thanks.

rynugz007 · 12th September 2005

The AT 4047 is a great mic. Nice and thick on the bottom. Hi end is rolled off a little way up top. You can find them on ebay for less than $400 new.

After that i would get an FMR RNP stereo preamp and the FMR RNC stereo compressor in the funk logic rackmount kit which i think is around $650 or so for the whole package. I dare you to find a negative comment on the internet regarding these 2 pieces.

There you go, thats under $1200

**DrDeltaM** · 12th September 2005

As alternative to the FMR package, you could go indeed for the Toft EC-1, which gives you a very nice EQ as well, but the compressor isn't the transparant type. Not really that usefull for tracking vocals I fear.
The FMR combo makes you ready for stereo tracking as well, which could be a plus, unless you don't to intend to record stereo sources.

It might be worth to compare the quality that such a setup (FMR or Toft) gives with a mic like the Audiotechnica, compared to a higher end pre-amp with your Beta58. Pre-amps like Great-river ME1-NV, Phoenix DRS-1 and Daking Pre/EQ (adds very nice EQ as well, tho is like $100 over your budget) spring to mind.

hopeless_opus · 12th September 2005

I like the AT4047 a lot too. The SM7 which is being discussed currently in another thread is a great vocal mic as well.

Coming from the presonus pre, there are almost infinite choices that can improve your sound. The RNP though seems like a great choice for $500 and under. The GT Brick looks cool too at that price point for a single channel. Others that were recomended to me were the Grace 101 and Summit 221-2ba. For Compression the RNC is great and I am betting the RNLA is cool too. With a little research you can do really well at your budget these days.

I have an AT4047, and a buddies SM7 right now as my Vox mics for my little home setup. I am currently having my brother (who is an EE) build me a Hamptone JFET pre, it's $550 for the kit. If you can DIY, or know someone who can, the Hamptone and SCA stuff looks really cool.

Good luck!

12th September 2005	#1
feyshay Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,358 Thread Starter	Vocals This is a cool forum, so I thought I'd ask another question about equipment, considering I'm a total slut. I need to improve the sound quality of my vocals. I need a condenser mic (and will probably go with either the Shure KSM-27, C1, AT 4040 or 4047) for recording. For practice in the studio I also want to have better sound. I've got shit when it comes to a vocal channel. Shure Beta 58a, into a Presonus Blue Tube DP, into a Mackie DFX6. I monitor through Event ASP 8's. I'd like a cleaner vocal, with some compression options, and some equalization options. I've got some great VST's (compression, delay, reverb, equalization), but too much latency and too much of a pain when practicing. Need something to make the live/studio a little better, but don't want to spend too much. I'm thinking microphone, preamp, compressor, equalizer or microphone and channel (like a Toft EC-1 or ATC-2) I want to keep this under $1200. What would be the best way to go. Any specific combination of products recommended. Thanks.

12th September 2005	#2
rynugz007 Gear addict Joined: Dec 2003 Location: cincinnati, OH Posts: 463	The AT 4047 is a great mic. Nice and thick on the bottom. Hi end is rolled off a little way up top. You can find them on ebay for less than $400 new. After that i would get an FMR RNP stereo preamp and the FMR RNC stereo compressor in the funk logic rackmount kit which i think is around $650 or so for the whole package. I dare you to find a negative comment on the internet regarding these 2 pieces. There you go, thats under $1200 __________________ http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lov...62853367074878

12th September 2005	#3
DrDeltaM Moderator Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Belgium Posts: 4,347	As alternative to the FMR package, you could go indeed for the Toft EC-1, which gives you a very nice EQ as well, but the compressor isn't the transparant type. Not really that usefull for tracking vocals I fear. The FMR combo makes you ready for stereo tracking as well, which could be a plus, unless you don't to intend to record stereo sources. It might be worth to compare the quality that such a setup (FMR or Toft) gives with a mic like the Audiotechnica, compared to a higher end pre-amp with your Beta58. Pre-amps like Great-river ME1-NV, Phoenix DRS-1 and Daking Pre/EQ (adds very nice EQ as well, tho is like $100 over your budget) spring to mind. __________________ Mathijs Indesteege aka Mathew Lane mixing - mastering - audio restoration - plugins http://www.mathewlane.com DrMS. Focus on your stereo field. - NEW v3.2 OUT NOW! DrMS spatial processor - native RTAS/AU/VST plugin » Digital Audio Product Support Joystick Audio - Benelux High End Distributor http://www.joystick.be

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12th September 2005	#4
hopeless_opus Gear addict Joined: May 2005 Posts: 429	I like the AT4047 a lot too. The SM7 which is being discussed currently in another thread is a great vocal mic as well. Coming from the presonus pre, there are almost infinite choices that can improve your sound. The RNP though seems like a great choice for $500 and under. The GT Brick looks cool too at that price point for a single channel. Others that were recomended to me were the Grace 101 and Summit 221-2ba. For Compression the RNC is great and I am betting the RNLA is cool too. With a little research you can do really well at your budget these days. I have an AT4047, and a buddies SM7 right now as my Vox mics for my little home setup. I am currently having my brother (who is an EE) build me a Hamptone JFET pre, it's $550 for the kit. If you can DIY, or know someone who can, the Hamptone and SCA stuff looks really cool. Good luck!