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  #1  
Old 09-18-2006, 08:03 PM
vsideproductions vsideproductions is offline
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Default Vocal Mic and Vocal/Instrument Preamp

I'm looking for advice on which good quality vocal microphone to buy. I'd also like to be able to use the mic for general placements such as acoustic guitars, but primarly vocals. Also, what'a a good front end preamp for this new mic. I was thinking something like a Neumann and a UA Pre, but which ones? Or maybe it's neither...All opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

S. Foster
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  #2  
Old 09-18-2006, 09:36 PM
Matt Whritenour Matt Whritenour is offline
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Default Re: Vocal Mic and Vocal/Instrument Preamp

Quote:
I'm looking for advice on which good quality vocal microphone to buy. I'd also like to be able to use the mic for general placements such as acoustic guitars, but primarly vocals. Also, what'a a good front end preamp for this new mic. I was thinking something like a Neumann and a UA Pre, but which ones? Or maybe it's neither...All opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

S. Foster
what is your budget?

I have a Neuman TLM 103 and it sounds great on both Vocals and Acoustic Guitar.

I run it through my Presonus Digimax LT and I used to run it through my DBX 266XL compressor and it sounded really good, then I got a Distressor and WOW! it sounds amazing. Now imagine if that was going through high end pre and the distressor.

I have had the distressor for about a month or 2 now and everything I try it on it just makes it sound 100 times better.
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Old 09-19-2006, 07:36 AM
vsideproductions vsideproductions is offline
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Default Re: Vocal Mic and Vocal/Instrument Preamp

Hey Matt, thanks for the advice. I don't really have a budget - I just want to buy this gear once, so it should probably be of good, professional quality. Maybe like $6,000, if I had to put a cap on it. If it's more, then so be it..

So you swear by your distressor? This is just a compressor, isn't it?
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Old 09-19-2006, 10:10 AM
Matt Whritenour Matt Whritenour is offline
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Default Re: Vocal Mic and Vocal/Instrument Preamp

ok so you have a great budget to work with.

Well first off the only 2 Neumann Mic's I've worked with are the TLM-103 and the U87.
I used the U87 when I was in school a couple time's and I was never a big fan of it, it always seemed kinda thin and brittle to me, which I've read that the U87 is more of a selective mic where it's only great on certain type's of voices.
Then I use the TLM103 for my own studio and I love it.
I've used it for vocals, acoustic guitar, outside kick drum, and electric guitar. And the only thing I didn't like it on was electric guitar (it was distortion so it might be differnt on clean).

If you wanted to get the TLM-103 then I would recommend the Aniversary Edition because it comes with the Shock Mount.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TLM103Anniv/
It just stinks that the price has gone up on it, it used to be $1,000 but I was able to snag mine for 700 because American Music Supply messed up on there website.

For Preamps, I'll just show you a link to some that I am looking at getting. I am not sure which one of these would be better for vocals, but they all seem to be really good pre-amps, so I don't think you can go too wrong.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1272/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/2610/ (there is a mono version of this also but it doesnt seem to be on the website anymore)
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ISA428/
http://www.mercenaryaudio.com/po50dumicpre.html
http://www.mercenaryaudio.com/po50sichmicp.html
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/X73i/

Then for the Distressor, yes it is a compressor, but it also has tape and tube emulation on it, and it just sounds amazing on everything i've ever put it on. Vocals, Acoustic, Kick, Snare, electric Guitar, Bass. It just add's so much to whats being run through it.
There are 2 differnt models you should check out and see what you like the best
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ELI8M/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ELI8XM/ (this one has all the same stuff as the first one, plus it has the british mod)
I would read about them off of there website because it goes further into detail then sweetwater. http://www.empiricallabs.com/

I hope this helps you out, and i'm sure other people will chime in there opinions also

-matt
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  #5  
Old 09-22-2006, 07:17 AM
vsideproductions vsideproductions is offline
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Default Re: Vocal Mic and Vocal/Instrument Preamp

Thanks Matt! I really like the look of some of this gear. I really appreciate your advice!

Is this the gear that others recommend too? What's the difference between the U87 Neumann and the 103? Which would be better for vocals and instrument miking?

Thanks!
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  #6  
Old 09-22-2006, 04:17 PM
humpback humpback is offline
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Default Re: Vocal Mic and Vocal/Instrument Preamp

I agree with Neumann as a choice - can't get much better. I'd actually recommend the M149 - its versatility (9 settings: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure 8, and one intermediate position each, plus 7 low frequency roll-off settings: 20-160Hz) and the incredible sound can't be beat. It costs more but your budget seems to be able to handle it. The TLM line (also look at the TLM 149) is a great one - I have never heard a Neumann mic with which I am not impressed - but if you can buy a Caddy, get it. For pre-amps I'd look at the Summit Audio 2BA-221 and add a TLA-50 compressor, also from Summit. These pieces are just fantastic - I'd put them head to head with UA any day. Beats Focusrite hands down IMO as well (though these are nice pieces too) - and you can't beat the prices on them. They're half-rack pieces that can be rack-mounted side by side with Summits's rack accessory, or - put on the included feet and put them one on top of the other on your desk.

I'm a bit of an evangelist for Summit I admit - but frankly I was blown away by every aspect of their company and products from the moment I first started dealing with them. Listening to the pieces I mentioned above you'd think you're hearing a $5k channel strip (IMO), for less than $1500. If you have a chance, find a place to let you give them a listen - I think you'll be surprised and pleased. Its odd they almost never get mentioned in these threads!

Cheers

Nathan lowe
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