AKG SOLIDTUBE

[chymer]

Hey guys,
I have used an AKG SOLIDTUBE for years now, mainly on vox, and I have been really happy with it.
Im wondering if anyone has any opinions on this mic as I am starting to think I should get another mic to compliment it.

My opinion is that it is a very round, dark sounding mic. I always find myself adding air to this mic and mids as well, which isnt a bad thing becasue the mic smooths off some of the harshness in voices. It sounds great on female singers and on males with upper midrange harshness.

Anyway, I think I might need a mic with more air and upper mid detail without being harsh, if you know what I mean. For darker voices and also for acoustic guitars....I want it to be very useful on other things.

My go-to pre for most stuff is a TG-2 into a distressor then into a germanium tone control.

I have done a search on the SOLIDTUBE here on GS and i think the general opinion of the SOLIDTUBE is quite negative which got me thinking....

Im obviously used to the sound of the mic but if anyone has any real-world experience with the SOLIDTUBE and with other mics they think would compliment it or even replace it completely then I would love to hear about it.

Part of me thinks that getting a new mic isnt really going to make much difference, but maybe some of you disagree......

chymer

[TheSweetener]

I do like the Solidtube for exactly that purpose!
For darker voices we use the Brauner Phantom or the Groove Tubes AM-51.

Great mics with a lot of air and detail, but sometimes to harsh (but you can use the Solidtube there).

[Gregg Sartiano]

Solidtube's great on overheads -- a little known use...If you have one, try it in mono at some point to check it out.

[Stoneroses6300]

It is my main vocal mic and often I double track acoustic guitars with it for a super thick acoustic guitar sound that sounds pretty awsome actually...Point it below the bridge where you can hear your picking and it sounds great...

[ssaudio]

I always liked mine, then I took the internal popshield out and stuck a Mullard tube in and now it's one of my favourites.

[James Lehmann]

I find the SolidTube a very weird-sounding mic, especially on vocals - never works for me. I'd suggest that a Microtech Gefell M930 would be a much better replacement on almost everything - nice smooth highs and full-bodied. For sure, it will be a vastly different (and in my opinion superior) sound than you are used to with your Solidtube!

[chymer]

Thanks for the responses.
I never thought the solid-tube sounded "weird" and Ive used other mics.

I think I kinda like the darker mic....I used an AKGC12VR recently and it sounded pretty special at first, but then the highs started to sound a bit overbearing. the "esses" really poked out and ripped my ears off.

This is why I am in 2 minds about wether I should get another mic.....
If the SOLIDTUBE mic is indeed "wierd" sounding and I am just used to the sound then maybe I should be looking at other mics......

CHymer

[Plush]

I really like the SolidTube.

You have to have the right source for it and then it sounds warm and phat.
It does not offer up a lot of detail, which on some sources, like harp, is a really good thing. Rounded off, somewhat dull and useful in spite of itself.

[Mark Warren]

There is foam INSIDE this microphone between the mesh and the capsule. Take it apart and get rid of this foam. Then change the tube, I put a JJ's 12ax7 inside it. Makes it a very different and much improved microphone, not so dark anymore!!

[KrisNY]

I did my first rap vocal (a novelty, but still fun!) last week, and we ran the Solidtube, which I had never used before, up against an SM7, RE20, and 4033. The Solidtube won unanimously in a blind test. Very dark & agressive - definitely has its place.

[cap217]

well if it has to compete with a sm7 and sub $300 mics I hope it would win!

I just got one upgraded with no mesh and a NOS tube. Havent used it but it looks pretty hefty!