So let's say I have 1-2k for one Microphone....

[jdjustice]

Background -- Equipment -- I am currently running PT LE on a Mac G5 using the 002R with the following preamps:

1. Great River MP-2NV
2. Avalon VT-737sp
3. API 3124+

And the following monitoring setup:

1. Apogee Rosetta A/D/A
2. Coleman Audio M3PH mkII (monitor controller)
3. Genelec 8040A Pair
4. Tannoy Precision 8D Pair


Anyway, I'm looking for a new microphone. I currently have and use a 4047, a C414-XLII, and a BLUE Blueberry. I need something better (even though I love the 4047 and use it religiously) and my price range is $1-$2.5k...

So I am thinking:
A) Soundelux U195 or iFet7
B) Lawson L47MP mkII
C) Pearlman TM-1
D) Neumann TLM-49
E) BLUE Kiwi

And if I could afford it, the Soundelux U99 or E251C would be on that list.

I will be using this microphone EXCLUSIVELY for vocals; singer-songwriter style vocals. The voice (my voice) has a 3-octave range and though I can be dynamically soft and then loud I think I have decent microphone technique (I try to "compress" my own vocals). I might like a mic that has a proximity effect if possible because I enjoy singing up close to the microphone (at least on good ones where this causes a pleasant harmonic distortion).

I am not an extremely sibilant singer, so the comments about the U195 bringing out sibilance are not really a concern for me.

With this basic info could you guys help me to decide which mics I really should audition?? I have to pay (rent) these mics since they are not available in my local music shoppe.

Thanks in advance,

J.D.

[Mumblesound]

Get an AEA R84 and save some $$.
It's what we end up using for vocals 92.8% of the time.
About 78.6% of those times, we use the API 3124 with it.

Seamus

[sheltersoton]

yup i agree... i dont have the r84 but i'd say most of the time i end up doing vocals throughhalf the R88! it's just such a flattering result

[tINY]

For that kind of money in a boutique mic, I'd try several and see what I liked....

An AEA ribbon might be nice...

A vintage LDC (Neuman or AKG) might sound good.

Or, a plain old SM58......

What ever works works. Don't use price as a guide to what sounds best - you might find that an RE20 or an SM 87 works best for you.



-tINY

[rlnyc]

for a microphone which is aimed at vocals only, and if YOU are the singer, there is no other reasonable plan of action but to try several mics on audition and find out which is best for you. i notice that you live in the united states. there are several well known and reputable dealers who would be happy to send you as many mics as your credit card limit would allow, and be just as happy if you sent them ALL back and only paid for shipping. these dealers want to know that when you buy something from them you are going to be happy and satisfied and not suffer from buyer remorse. then you are likely to report how great they are and that leads to a good reputation for the dealer.

DO NOT BUY A VOCAL MIC WITHOUT AUDITIONING IT FIRST.

U195 - can be great for vocals. your vocals? nobody can say.

R84 - can be great for vocals. your vocals? nobody can guarantee that.

Shure sm7 - great for vocals. your vocals? well, you get the picture...

etc...

good luck. have sombody send you several mics to try and pick the one that turns you on.

best regards,
rlnyc

[T.RayBullard]

Gefell M990, Gefell umt800 , Gefell m930

[kats]

I'm going to give a thumbs up for the iFet7. I have one in my studio - and though it's not my "go to" vocal mic, it's my security blanket. It just never sounds bad. Lots of headroom for the screamers or super dynamic singers and never sibilance issues. It doesn't sound as expensive as a U47 or my latest fav (a tube 87), but when shit just isn't working I throw it up and move on comfortably. OTOH it's a great utility mic - great on kick, cabs etc. Very handy to have around, and because it's not a 5k mic I don't mind sticking it front of anything

[James Lehmann]

I'd consider adding Brauner to your list of stuff to audition - either the Valvet or the much cheaper Phantom could suit depending on the results of your trials and style of music.

I have a Gefell M930 which is a superb mic for under $1000 but I feel at $2000 it would probably be eclipsed by some of the more expensive Gefells.

[feyshay]

I think you'd be remiss if you didn't also consider this microphone. I look at this microphone as a steal (if you could ever have a steal for something that costs $1400)
http://www.charteroakacoustics.com/p...8b_details.htm