Vox: mic or pre

hurricaneE · 28th May 2003

Just posted this at RAP and RecPit (Fletcher's forum), but for those who don't venture there:

As I listen to my band's new record, I realize, apart from upgrading to 2" tape (or the HD24 with Jim Williams' mod?), I need to do something to improve the vox. I typically used a Rode NTV through the Speck 5.0, but sometimes used my Royer 122 or KSM32 (I've got a U87 but don't like it on my vox), and sometimes through GR MP-2 or Haryd M-1.

Basically, I want a bigger, airier, more intimate sound, which I thought the Rode gave me (compared to the SM58 I had at the time) when I first bought it a couple or three years ago. It occurred to me I could put the U87 in omni and get up real close, but I don't have sufficient faith in the 87 as a vocal mic.
SO, the question is:

1) Should I buy a new mic (I'm thinking of the Lawson MP)?
2) Should I buy a new pre (I'm thinking of a Martech of DW Fearn single channel)?
3) Is there a third option I should consider?

I'm thinking I can raise about 2k and, for that matter, I think you can rent the Martech from the company (I've got a big session coming before I'll have the scratch to own). Thanks! -E

littledog · 28th May 2003

The third option, especially for getting that "intimate" sound could be a really good compressor. What are you using now for compression?

hurricaneE · 28th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by littledog
The third option, especially for getting that "intimate" sound could be a really good compressor. What are you using now for compression?

I just use RNCs in the mix. I've wanted to get something with character, but haven't been able to make that a priority. Maybe I should start now ... Any tips? Thanks! -E

littledog · 28th May 2003

What's your budget?

jspartz · 28th May 2003

I am in a similar boat regarding compressors. So not having a lot of input in that direction I would have to say that the microphone has the biggest impact and mic pre comes in second (not counting the artist performance). You might want to take a look at ribbon mics. They can be nice for an intimate sound however it might not get you the air you are after. It might be worth a try.

jason

vtone · 29th May 2003

I would suggest sticking with the u87 in omni mode and either upgrading to a sweeter mic pre or compressor. the rnc is good and I use one myself, but I'd be hesitant to use it on a lead vocal.

hurricaneE · 29th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by jspartz
[B]You might want to take a look at ribbon mics. They can be nice for an intimate sound however it might not get you the air you are after. It might be worth a try.

Yeah, I've got a couple Royers and a Beyer 160; I definitely want a condensor, but thanks! -E

hurricaneE · 29th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by vtone
I would suggest sticking with the u87 in omni mode and either upgrading to a sweeter mic pre or compressor. the rnc is good and I use one myself, but I'd be hesitant to use it on a lead vocal.

Yeah, but the RNC is all I've got now (I just use it at mixdown). Re 87: Damn! There was a Martech going for under a grand on Ebay yesterday, but the bulk of the feedback I've been getting is "new mic," so I chickened out (I couldn't get the pre AND a mic), but you're response would've been the excuse I needed to bid on the thing

-E

thethrillfactor · 29th May 2003

In one word... Microphone.

Rent the best microphone that works with your voice. This will take trial and error, but most rental companies will let you try at least three,choose one and just charge you for one(well at least here in NYC they do).

The Martech mic pre is a great vocal pre.

Something with an EQ would also be nice so you can fix any little anomalies that day.

Compressor wise, Tubetech CL1B,EAR660,LA2A the usual suspects.

hurricaneE · 29th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by thethrillfactor
In one word... Microphone.

Rent the best microphone that works with your voice. This will take trial and error, but most rental companies will let you try at least three,choose one and just charge you for one(well at least here in NYC they do).

WHere would you suggest I rent from? I'm in Washington, DC. Thanks! -E

thethrillfactor · 30th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by hurricaneE
WHere would you suggest I rent from? I'm in Washington, DC. Thanks! -E

Hi E,

Here in NYC, the two places would be Dreamhire and the Toy Specialists.

I am not sure what's able in the D.C. area.

Sorry.

NathanEldred · 30th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by thethrillfactor
Hi E,

Here in NYC, the two places would be Dreamhire and the Toy Specialists.

I am not sure what's able in the D.C. area.

Sorry.

Both of those companies can ship anywhere in the world. I think it's only a day or two via UPS ground from DC to NYC....probably about $30-$40 a mic per round trip for shipping (with insurance).

heylow · 30th May 2003

Yo E...

Sorry so off topic but what is this "Jim Williams Mod" you speak of and what does it do?

Curious,

heylow

hurricaneE · 30th May 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by heylow
Yo E...

Sorry so off topic but what is this "Jim Williams Mod" you speak of and what does it do?

Curious,

heylow

JW has done a mod for the Alesis HD24 converters that interests me; he says it outspecs (and, more importantly, outperforms) the RADAR if you use Alesis' 24/96 converters. -E

heylow · 30th May 2003

Pretty interesting in deed.....

Is there anywhere to read more about the mod? Inquiring minds and all......

Thanks!

heylow

28th May 2003	#1
hurricaneE Gear addict Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 411 Thread Starter	Vox: mic or pre Just posted this at RAP and RecPit (Fletcher's forum), but for those who don't venture there: As I listen to my band's new record, I realize, apart from upgrading to 2" tape (or the HD24 with Jim Williams' mod?), I need to do something to improve the vox. I typically used a Rode NTV through the Speck 5.0, but sometimes used my Royer 122 or KSM32 (I've got a U87 but don't like it on my vox), and sometimes through GR MP-2 or Haryd M-1. Basically, I want a bigger, airier, more intimate sound, which I thought the Rode gave me (compared to the SM58 I had at the time) when I first bought it a couple or three years ago. It occurred to me I could put the U87 in omni and get up real close, but I don't have sufficient faith in the 87 as a vocal mic. SO, the question is: 1) Should I buy a new mic (I'm thinking of the Lawson MP)? 2) Should I buy a new pre (I'm thinking of a Martech of DW Fearn single channel)? 3) Is there a third option I should consider? I'm thinking I can raise about 2k and, for that matter, I think you can rent the Martech from the company (I've got a big session coming before I'll have the scratch to own). Thanks! -E

30th May 2003	#13
heylow Gear Head Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Nowhere, Man Posts: 70	Yo E... Sorry so off topic but what is this "Jim Williams Mod" you speak of and what does it do? Curious, heylow __________________ *..::David Tomaloff::..* *..::The Dammitheads::..*

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28th May 2003	#2
littledog Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Boston area Posts: 874	The third option, especially for getting that "intimate" sound could be a really good compressor. What are you using now for compression?

28th May 2003	#5
jspartz Gear maniac Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Winona MN Posts: 169	I am in a similar boat regarding compressors. So not having a lot of input in that direction I would have to say that the microphone has the biggest impact and mic pre comes in second (not counting the artist performance). You might want to take a look at ribbon mics. They can be nice for an intimate sound however it might not get you the air you are after. It might be worth a try. jason

29th May 2003	#6
vtone Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2003 Location: Endlessly On Tour Posts: 745 1 Review written	I would suggest sticking with the u87 in omni mode and either upgrading to a sweeter mic pre or compressor. the rnc is good and I use one myself, but I'd be hesitant to use it on a lead vocal.

29th May 2003	#9
thethrillfactor Gear Guru Joined: Jun 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 14,177	In one word... Microphone. Rent the best microphone that works with your voice. This will take trial and error, but most rental companies will let you try at least three,choose one and just charge you for one(well at least here in NYC they do). The Martech mic pre is a great vocal pre. Something with an EQ would also be nice so you can fix any little anomalies that day. Compressor wise, Tubetech CL1B,EAR660,LA2A the usual suspects.