Best mic to my voice?

[JoaoM.]

I have a male thin voice, I don't get out of tune so when I record it I like the result, but I think that I could get a good mic that could warm my voice.
My budget is 200$ (maybe 300$). Open to suggestions.

PS: If the mic could fit in my acoustic recording needs, it would be perfect.

Thanks,
JoaoM.

[Old Cane]

You might try an sm7b, an md421, an sm57, the AT4033 (used) or the MXL Mogami Edition LDC or some other tube mic. Mostly tube mics will be $1000+ but that MXL is pretty darn good for the money (~300). There are some Rode mics people really like but I'm just not familiar with them or what they cost.

[JoaoM.]

Originally Posted by Old Cane

You might try an sm7b, an md421, an sm57, the AT4033 (used) or the MXL Mogami Edition LDC or some other tube mic. Mostly tube mics will be $1000+ but that MXL is pretty darn good for the money (~300). There are some Rode mics people really like but I'm just not familiar with them or what they cost.

Thanks, unlucky for me in my local store they don't have MXL, but they have Shure. I'm already getting the sm57 for my acoustic (am I doing it right?) and I'll try it on my voice, I just want some other options to try on the store. Sm7b will be one and the md421 other, if they have it.
If I like one of those two I'm going to buy it used on ebay, because I don't have the money for new ones. Is it a good option buying used mics on ebay?

If someone have other mics that will fit me, shoot it.

Thanks,
JoaoM.

[Old Cane]

If can buy locally from other players rather than across an ocean or country borders it may be a better option but since you are sticking out there in the water it might be a bit more difficult for you. Here we have craigslist.org. If you have something similar there (local classifieds) that's good because you can go over to someone's house or studio and make sure it works.

[JoaoM.]

Originally Posted by Old Cane

If can buy locally from other players rather than across an ocean or country borders it may be a better option but since you are sticking out there in the water it might be a bit more difficult for you. Here we have craigslist.org. If you have something similar there (local classifieds) that's good because you can go over to someone's house or studio and make sure it works.

No, I bought my Tascam DP-008 on ebay, and it was from the states. I ended up saving like 150$ or more. I'm just buying the sm57 on the local store because I have a Boss ME70 that I never used and they trade me that for material with the same vallue of the pedal (I not getting only the sm57). And I fear the fakes sm57. But for other mics I'll buy them on ebay. The only thing I wont get oversea is the krk rp5, doesn't worth the risk.

[woodman]

I've found the SM7B to be an excellent vocal mike ... not as good for acoustic guitar, but works well on guitar amps. When you sing, you can get very close to the mike for deeper tones. You should be able to find one in the $300 range ... however, it doesn't have huge gain, so you might consider a preamp.

[JoaoM.]

Originally Posted by woodman

I've found the SM7B to be an excellent vocal mike ... not as good for acoustic guitar, but works well on guitar amps. When you sing, you can get very close to the mike for deeper tones. You should be able to find one in the $300 range ... however, it doesn't have huge gain, so you might consider a preamp.

Doesn't the preamp of the DP-008 work for it? I know its not as good as a decent 100$ preamp, but I wasn't thinking on spending money on other things, wasn't even thinking on buying a mic. For the acoustic guitar the internal mics of the DP-008 capture a great a sound.

[Fran Guidry]

The SM7b is an interesting case. Read through this whole thread http://www.3daudioinc.com/3db/showth...ght=shure+sm7b and see if you think there's anything magical about it. It's basically an SM57 with some circuitry that reduces the sensitivity and flattens the presence peak, then housed with an integrated shock mount and pop filter that keeps the source slightly further from the diaphragm than is the case with the 57 or 58.

Some years ago Bruce Swedien revealed that he had used an SM7 when recording Michael Jackson and that elevated the mic to mythic status.

All quality dynamic mics require more gain from the preamp than condenser mics. Their design results in lower sensitivity, so the preamp must make up the difference. In my experience folks aren't aware of just how great the difference is, or how much gain must be applied to make up the difference. And if your preamp is limited in the amount of gain it can deliver without noise and distortion, it will not let you make the best use of a dynamic mic.

Since you have phantom power on your recorder you should consider including condensers in your shopping list. AKG C535b, Shure Beta 87A or 87C, AT2020, Line Audio CM3, CAD M179 are all worth considering. I know you'll have a terrible time finding many of these in local stores, but if you have a sales rep you trust you can ask for recommendations for a less hyped condenser suitable for vocals and instruments.

Fran

[Old Cane]

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

It's basically an SM57 with some circuitry that reduces the sensitivity and flattens the presence peak, then housed with an integrated shock mount and pop filter that keeps the source slightly further from the diaphragm than is the case with the 57 or 58.

Kind of like saying my mesa boogie is basically a transistor radio with some tubes and different stuff in it, huh?

[woodman]

Good point, Fran ... with a 57 on hand, a good condenser would certainly expand João's capabilities, particularly for acoustic instruments.

Interestingly, I get different response and *apparent* gain from the 7B depending on whether I use the giant pop filter, the smaller one, or none at all. (I suspect the apparent gain is a function of getting in closer to the mike.)

[woodman]

Originally Posted by Old Cane

Kind of like saying my mesa boogie is basically a transistor radio with some tubes and different stuff in it, huh?

[RawjerLee]

The 58beta works wonders... both for live and recording.
Sm57 work for acoustic...

If you're looking for some cheap stuff for your acoustic needs, grab a pair of Behringer condensers... even though they're Behringer, they work quite well

[JoaoM.]

I heard that SM57 works perfect on some voices. Is that a rumor?

[JoaoM.]

Originally Posted by woodman

Good point, Fran ... with a 57 on hand, a good condenser would certainly expand João's capabilities, particularly for acoustic instruments.

Interestingly, I get different response and *apparent* gain from the 7B depending on whether I use the giant pop filter, the smaller one, or none at all. (I suspect the apparent gain is a function of getting in closer to the mike.)

What condenser mic do you recommend?

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by Old Cane

Kind of like saying my mesa boogie is basically a transistor radio with some tubes and different stuff in it, huh?

Are you saying that you think there _is_ some special magic to an SM7? Did you listen to the comparison clips and read the link? What do you think is the difference between an SM57 and an SM7?

Fran

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by woodman

Good point, Fran ... with a 57 on hand, a good condenser would certainly expand João's capabilities, particularly for acoustic instruments.

Interestingly, I get different response and *apparent* gain from the 7B depending on whether I use the giant pop filter, the smaller one, or none at all. (I suspect the apparent gain is a function of getting in closer to the mike.)

Woodster, you've put your finger on one of the hot buttons in miking. Sound pressure doubles every time you halve the distance. So when you go from 2 feet to 1 foot the SPL doubles. But when you go from 4 inches to 2 inches it doubles again. 2 inches to 1 inch - doubles again!!!! When you get close to the mic it's a matter of really big changes with small movements.

There really isn't any magic in audio recording, there's lots of subtlety though.

Fran

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

Are you saying that you think there _is_ some special magic to an SM7? Did you listen to the comparison clips and read the link? What do you think is the difference between an SM57 and an SM7?

Fran

Fran. I didn't listen to the link. Or read the thingey. I'm aware that the capsule is reputed to be the same as the 57 and 58. But I do own a 57 or two and an SM7. Although they share a common lineage and a fair bit of internal stuff too - they are quite dissimilar mics to my ears.

The differences between an SM7 and a 57? In purely objective terms - the body and grill assembly (this is waaaaay more important than a lot of folks think in contributing to a mic's sound) and the electronics - at the very least the sliders on the SM7 give a few more options. Subjectively the SM7 has more reach/ fullness on the bottom (this is more than just proximity effect, IMO), a smoother more rolled off top and a less peaky midrange bump. Flatter, smoother. But still has a definite character. SM7s are great mics. So are 57s. Regardless of their similarities, they are different sounding.

But, back to the OP. I have a fairly thin, nasal voice. I can choose from a bunch of different (and good) mics - but the best one for me is the SM7.

But, just because it is the best one for me and we both have thin voices, doesn't mean it will be the best one for you. The truth is,you really have to try them in your recording environment to really be sure. I know you are in Portugal, and that trying a bunch of stuff out isn't really possible.

So, do you have friends with some mics you could try?

I bought a Sennheiser mic to use on toms - I can't remember the number (not at home at the moment) - that wasn't too expensive and also worked really well on kind-of thick electric guitars. They're really small, not much more $$ than a 57. Might be good on your voice.

I agree that having a decent condenser mic could be a great asset. Does your Tascam have phantom power? Most condenser mics require that.

Cheers,
Geoff

[JoaoM.]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

I agree that having a decent condenser mic could be a great asset. Does your Tascam have phantom power? Most condenser mics require that.

Cheers,
Geoff

Honestly I think I might be good with an SM57 another mic, like a good condenser mic.
(The internal mics of the Tascam DP-008 are condenser mics, I think, and I love the results I have from it.)
Yes, it has.
What's your opinion on the condensers?

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by JoaoM.

Honestly I think I might be good with an SM57 another mic, like a good condenser mic.
(The internal mics of the Tascam DP-008 are condenser mics, I think, and I love the results I have from it.)
Yes, it has.
What's your opinion on the condensers?

Hey, a 57 and a decent condenser mic was how I - and many other folks started. So, yeah, if your Tascam has phantom power, I highly recommend getting a good condenser mic.

and you are lucky - when I was starting out, almost all of the condenser mics out there were over $ 1000. Now, there are lots of good ones for $100 - $200.

I just don't really know what they are. I think MXL was mentioned above - I've never used one but some of their condenser mics are supposed to be pretty decent.

Cheers,
Geoff

[JoaoM.]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

I just don't really know what they are. I think MXL was mentioned above - I've never used one but some of their condenser mics are supposed to be pretty decent.

Cheers,
Geoff

V67?

By the way I saw this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-KRK-ROKIT-G2-R...item5199f0276d

What do you think?