NEW Vocal mic--advice please?--

[dalby26]

hey

so was wondering if i could pick your minds for your advice on what mic to buy next

I am a composer and producer, working for my own label over here in the uk, i use pro-tools and logic pro, with bfd, waves, motu SI, guitar rig, etc (we use the mbox as our interface)

we also have a recording thread to our company, the mics we have at the moment are...

2x audio technica 2020
1 x sm 57
1 x at 4040
1 x sm81

(we are poor college/univeristy students so our mic list is limited and basic, but we've always improved as we have gone along)

anyway

so i have about $800-$1000 (£450-£550) to spend on a new microphone, for vocals i think

what are the best suggestions for mics in this price range,

i want to buy something that is going to last me 10 years at least, that sounds great, is an industry standard and has a reputation of delivering

i have been looking at akg 414's and the neuman 103's....

are there any hidden gems that i don't know about etc?

i want an industry standard mic though, its my 21st bday present and xmas present

happy xmas me, ha

but all advice would be much appreciated

cheers

mike dalby
www.dashmusic.co.uk
www.myspace.com/dashmusicrecords

www.myspace.com/tuffbreakentertainment

[borism]

http://www.oktavamod.com/mk105.html

This is very nice!!way nicer than TLM-103

Good luck

[jdjustice]

Originally Posted by dalby26

so i have about $800-$1000 (£450-£550) to spend on a new microphone, for vocals i think

what are the best suggestions for mics in this price range,

i want to buy something that is going to last me 10 years at least, that sounds great, is an industry standard and has a reputation of delivering

i have been looking at akg 414's and the neuman 103's....

are there any hidden gems that i don't know about etc?

i want an industry standard mic though, its my 21st bday present and xmas present

a couple to consider:
01. Audio-Technica 4047/SV ($550 USD)
02. Audio-Technica 4060 Tube ($1000 USD)
03. Mojave Audio MA-200 Tube ($1000 USD)
04. AKG C414B-XLII ($1000 USD)
05. Soundelux U195 FET ($1080 USD)
06. Microtech Gefell M930 ($1150 USD)

i say no to the Neumann TLM-103, although it has its uses i like these mics better for vocals. full disclosure: i have never used the Mojave Audio mic so i am just recommending it based on the fact that David Royer is an excellent mic designer and i have heard good things about it. out of that list my top two picks are the Soundelux and the Gefell, with a close third being the AT4047/SV.

hope this helps!

J.D.

[Thumper]

Look long and hard, and listen closely to an the Audio Technica 4060. I think it's the most under-rated, awesome sounding mic for vocals out there in the $1000 range. Can be had for much less if you do some price shopping on the web.

Also, maybe check out some Peluso stuff, although that might be just north of your budget.

[tINY]

Look at an RE20 - it's a bit different that what you have and it will do things (bass, kick drum) that your other mics will have a hard time with.




-tINY

[petsematary]

I use a M930 at work - it sounds amazing. Way better than the muffled dynamics like the RE20 & co. The preamps I don't really know anthing about - all studios are custom made Mandozzi (some swiss company) but the mics sound really, really good. I sing into them sometimes and that sounds good too. Or not really good cos I can't really sing but that's not the mic's fault. Seriously, if I had the money I'd buy a Gefell M930 myself cos it's the best mic I've ever heard on my voice.

Here's a pic:
(studio is not all yellow, it was just a crappy camera)

[caglej]

Great list J.D............


JC

[shanabit]

I second the no on the Neumann since I have one I can say that
id pass on the AKG as well for the lead VOX, my opinion of course since Ive sang through both and found them both lacking the sheen, body, air, you name it.
great on other things just not VOX IMO.

[dalby26]

thanx for your advice guys

[Acoustic Cloud]

oktavamod

[Third Story]

I think I hate the words "industry standard"!!! but good luck with your search bro!

[krs]

try and find a used Beyer MC740, this is a versatile and accurate microphone.

[requiem]

Brauner Phantom AE can be had for under £700

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Look long and hard, and listen closely to an the Audio Technica 4060. I think it's the most under-rated, awesome sounding mic for vocals out there in the $1000 range. Can be had for much less if you do some price shopping on the web.