Vocal Compression ???

[larsongs]

Originally Posted by albee1952

You're going to hate me for saying this, but I would sell the TLM49 and buy a new mic I had the same mic and always put it up as my "go to" for vocals(it was the best mic I had at the time). But I had a very seasoned demo singer come in and she asked if I had any other mics as she was not happy with the sound. After listening to my 2 other "vocal" mics(MXL V89 FET and V69 tube mic) she felt the V69 was much better(and I had to agree). So I started trying all 3 on the next several singers to come thru and all chose one of the MXL's over the Neumann. Fast-forward a year and I bought Miktek C7(FET) and CV4(tube) and retired the MXL's and the TLM49 and singers never complain anymore All these comparisons were with an API 312 clone(Five Fish X-12) which is still my "go to" vocal preamp(I have a pair and often track both Miktek mics and choose the best during mix). Love the Vintech 273(I own a pair of 573 preamps that do guitar and bass on nearly every session) but would go easy on the EQ knobs(maybe nothing but cut the lows as you would with a hi-pass filter, or maybe a tiny boost at 12K for "air"). Pair that with a good compressor(Warm Audio WA2A is really good, despite the price) and keep the compression gentle(you can always add more during mix) and do your vocals in a well-treated room(when I did the shootouts, I had an exceptionally good sounding booth). Just one opinion

I used to use a cheap Art Tube Pre Amp & a USA built Cad Condenser U87 clone & I swear it sounded better on Vocals than this TLM49 & the Vintech 273 Pre Amp. Both Setups with the same DBX Compressor. Did I buy into the Hype?

[The Weed]

I have the TLM49 and it suits my voice. I only do voiceover primarily for radio and TV commercials and corporate videos, not singing. It replaced my Rode K2, which, again on my voice, it suited too. I've actually matched an old read I had to replace some dialogue on that was originally done on the K2. Depending on how you work the TLM49, it can approximate the sound of a tube.

I've also used the TLM49 on a female VO and it was great on her voice too. Is it for every voice and vocal chain? Certainly not and, as always, YMMV.

My chain is: TLM49>Grace m101>RME UFX>Pro Tools

I save any and all processing for plug-ins, if requested by a client. Otherwise, clean and uncolored and as recorded and the client does the processing and mixing.

BTW, I had a DBX286A in the beginning of my home studio days 16 years ago. I didn't have it long. I sold it because it had too many variables to change to dial in a sound I and my clients liked, doing it by myself. I just went the clean and clear route. Again, YMMV.

[JFreak]

For uncoloured sound, I use Neumann KMS105 mic into Focusrite ISA preamp. I have ISA1/ISA2/ISA8 to choose from, but they're all pretty much the same, except ISA1 is special :) point being, I like to shape the sound after recording.

I don't have the ISA4 but if someone has a bargain please offer me on PM :)

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by JFreak

For uncoloured sound, I use Neumann KMS105 mic into Focusrite ISA preamp. I have ISA1/ISA2/ISA8 to choose from, but they're all pretty much the same, except ISA1 is special :) point being, I like to shape the sound after recording.

I don't have the ISA4 but if someone has a bargain please offer me on PM :)

Sorry, but my ISA-428 isn't going anywhere. FWIW, re the 273, a while back a friend and I did a little shootout of all our vocal mics on female vocals and ran a pass with each mic thru his 273, and another pass thru his Avalon. He preferred the Avalon, while I preferred the 273

BTW, if you go shopping for an ISA-428, try to buy the Mk II version. The original(with the VU meters) uses a conventional power supply that runs VERY HOT and will fry things inside from the excess heat. The Mk II version uses a switching supply that stays way cooler(junior) and sound is the same(and the old digital option card WILL work in the newer unit)

[joachim]

What has this whole thread to do specifically with PT 10 ?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by joachim

What has this whole thread to do specifically with PT 10 ?

From what I have read, absolutely nothing Maybe a moderator should move it to the General section

[larsongs]

I have PT10 & this is where I spend a lot of my time.

By all means if it could help other es feel free to move it.

L

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by albee1952

BTW, if you go shopping for an ISA-428, try to buy the Mk II version. The original(with the VU meters) uses a conventional power supply that runs VERY HOT and will fry things inside from the excess heat. The Mk II version uses a switching supply that stays way cooler(junior) and sound is the same(and the old digital option card WILL work in the newer unit)

What if I like the weight of conventional power supply and the VU meters...

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by JFreak

What if I like the weight of conventional power supply and the VU meters...

well, as long as it works, it does make a great hand warmer

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by albee1952

well, as long as it works, it does make a great hand warmer

Yep. I find it warms the sound too...