A Dark Mic???

[ckswartwood]

i see alot of posts for Bright mic's......but can i get a mic($300-$400) with a mellow *dark* sound. I hate that over sibilent "i'm trying to copy Neumann" B.S. I want to tweek the sound myself. Any idea's. My only thought was a MXL V69 Mogami. Any thoughts?--CK

[Dave Peck]

Maybe try an SM-7 or a ribbon mic.

DP

[Punchmo]

Although they are not made anymore, I think the CAD E200 is a dark sounding LD. Rather inexpensive on the used market too.

[thejook]

I think they acutally make the U87 in *black*, and I saw someone selling on eBay a CMV-563 with a black body...

That should be dark enough - I mean "none more black" enough.


ROFL! Sorry...couldn't help it.http://www.gearslutz.com/board/image...ies/nu/399.gif

[warhead]

A ribbon mic would be an awesome change for anybody trying to get away from the super detailed sound of condensors.

War

[Hardtailed]

The Kel HM-1 is exactly that: the budget mic for those that are tired of budget mic that try to sound like a U87.

It's not exactly "dark" since it has a very open sound, but instead of the usual presence boost, the 3-4KHz region is where the response is actually a bit lower (1-2dB max).

A very useful mic, I just ordered a 2nd one to use them as OHs

www.kelaudio.com

[commaKaze]

I second your thought on the MXL V69me...a really badass dark sounding mic...tweakable too. Nasty on shouty/screamy male vocals, killer as overheads.

I prefer to think of the V69me in a "it is what it is" kind of way, not a Neumann knock-off or anything, and I am quite pleased with it...and it has gotten much praise from a lot of industry folks who people like to get "approval" from.

If you want to get all whacky, it's easy to swap out the tube, and some claim to hear an immediate improvement with a better tube. I left mine stock cos' I love it as is...I've chosen it over a U87 at 2 different sessions for my vocals...others agreed it was the better suited mic for the job...of course depends on what source you'll be using it for...not knocking the Neumann...

[ozraves]

If you're wanting mics that you can tweak yourself, then look at the AT 40 series of mics such as the AT4040.

[jspartz]

I have one of the Tape Op / David Royer MXL-2001 mic's that I switched to a tube mic. I think of it as a darker sounding mic. You might want to check out the Mojave Audio mic. http://www.mojaveaudio.com/index2.html

I think it is basically the same type of mic. However I have not heard the mojave model myself. I did hear that its design stems from the one I have. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Jason

[e-cue]

Originally Posted by jspartz

I have one of the Tape Op / David Royer MXL-2001 mic's that I switched to a tube mic. I think of it as a darker sounding mic.

Agreed. I really like mine because it's a unique crayon.

I've got a handful of cheapy sweatshop mic's, and the other day I was thinking about the NS-10 tissue/tweeter setup, and decided to try it on one of the MCA's. I took a piece of tissue paper, split it in half so it was just one-ply, and wrapped it around the mic. The best way I can describe the sound was 'older' sounding- a lot less detail, less top end (definately not harsh), and over all sounded more powerful.

My client didn't want me to post any audio, but I'll try to retrack with it on my own time and post a before & after MP3.

[Roland]

Coles 4038, nice dark sound, its a ribbon and its not stupidly expensive what more could you want!

Regards



Roland

[drummin4christ]

I would also suggest something like a AT 4050. I just picked one up on ebay for $300. I also got a great deal on a C414 B-XLS which is supposed to be a pretty flat mic. I'm trying it out today.

[lofi_lothario]

AT 4047, SM7, M260DX and the M500 (a little brighter but nowhere near a sbright as the cheap chinese condensors). these are all in your price range used.

[warhead]

Also I forgot to mention, my EQ's make all of my mics dark when I want!

(sorry couldn't resist)

War

[ckswartwood]

Originally Posted by warhead

Also I forgot to mention, my EQ's make all of my mics dark when I want!

(sorry couldn't resist)

War

[Jim vanBergen]

Cheap: Used Beyer M88 or Beyer M160.
Not so cheap: AEA R92, which is darker than my favorite R84.

Supercheap: triple your popper stoppers, and sing really close but just off axis.
I've done this for effect, and it works with cardioid condensers nicely.

[ckswartwood]

Today i just recieved my V69 ME. It is VERY Mellow. It allows me to add color with a little Neve plug.:D/ It has a more prominate mid range and a very smooth top end. Definetlly Workable. It sounds nice on my voice and terrible on my acoustic guitar, all and all i like it and i am glad i got it. --CK

[Empty Planet]

Originally Posted by ckswartwood

It sounds nice on my voice and terrible on my acoustic guitar, all and all i like it.

Heh.

Way to go.

[kingofswing]

Have you considered a Rode K2. I love that mic for most vocal uses. Some say its on the bright side, but mine seems quite the opposite. I find it less sibilant then many other mic brands 2-3 times the cost.

Well worth checking out.

[Bodoc]

AT $99 a pop--get two.