Advanced Audio Microphones CM87 by Toadfish
After reading fantastic feedback for Advanced Audio across various threads on this forum, I contacted AA looking for advice. I was looking for a condenser mic to cover me on male rap vocals, and AA recommended the CM87 to me.
I can only account for male rap vocals and some less-aggressive bebop type stuff, but this microphone sounds absolutely gorgeous. I'm sure it will sound great on instruments/female vocals too, but, as yet, I haven't personally tried it.
I run the CM87 through a Neve-inspired pre-amp and Warm Audio's WA76 compressor and the vocals land in my DAW sounding as though they barely need any mixing.
Previously, when using my dynamic mics (which I still love), I was having a difficult time recording one of the vocalists I work with on a regular basis who had a particularly resonance-heavy voice. Now I record his vocals via the CM87 and the problem is completely solved. I was jumping for joy after I did that first test recording, haha.
I'm so grateful to the guys at AA for pointing me in the CM87's direction. Being the cynic that I am, when I asked for advice I presumed they would recommend the most expensive product to me, but I was proved completely wrong; this mic is actually one of their cheapest offerings (after dealing with my local Digital Village store, which has since closed, I got used to being recommended the most expensive products, rather than the most effect - AA's honesty is very refreshing).
Working with this mic is a treat every time. I highly recommend it to anyone in the market looking for a LDC for male vocals.
I'll be back for more mics from Advanced Audio as and when I need them. Fantastic company and products.