Thread: Vocal Mic Tests #2

No replies? No thoughts?
And I have some more samples of mics on male vox in the wings... the other vocalists from the first "tests".

I understand this is a rather time-intensive experiment, but am a little disappointed in the return so far.

Is there anything I could be doing to make this easier for you to participate??

I'll play when I have more time. Patience is a girl just down the street.

Of course - I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was doing (or not) that was creating an impediment.

Of the ones I listened to, I liked the 421 best. The Fathead is just too distorted to make a clear judgment. The 58 was a close second and the e835 third. I didn't like any of the condensers and I hated the Bluebird. Well. That's just my opinion.

I'm gonna wait for the movie...

Noted, apstrong.

I chose wavs b/c of the critical listening nature of the experiment, but it's not important enough to limit people's ability to participate.
The vocal indication is another great idea.

This being the first time I've done something like this, the process needs input and improvement.

Thanks!

If I may, this has been a commonality that I have noticed whenever a mic shootout like this occurs that includes this particular mic. The Bluebird mic always seems to sound very harsh and always gets bad reviews. At $300 though it is a medium sized investment, so what's the deal? What exactly does it sound good on and in what environment?

Apparently two people voted for the Bluebird. I'd just like to know why? Maybe I'm missing something.

The band in Vocal Tests #1 has 3 other vocalists, one of which we chose the Bluebird for. I've had mixed success with it - the main issue being a harsh high end and too much gain.

However, this mic has performed wonderfully for me on guitar amps (especially), as a room mic, and on SOME vocals.

I'm positive there are some things I could be doing as far as placement and gain-staging to reduce some of the issues with it, as dj noted.
Naturally, this is an experiment and a learning process for me as much as anyone else.

Originally Posted by soapfloats

The band in Vocal Tests #1 has 3 other vocalists, one of which we chose the Bluebird for. I've had mixed success with it - the main issue being a harsh high end and too much gain.

However, this mic has performed wonderfully for me on guitar amps (especially), as a room mic, and on SOME vocals.

I'm positive there are some things I could be doing as far as placement and gain-staging to reduce some of the issues with it, as dj noted.
Naturally, this is an experiment and a learning process for me as much as anyone else.

Well I definitely think there is a problem with proximity going on with all of the condensers. The vocalist is simply too close to the mic. The distortion I'm hearing comes from the diaphragm itself (IMHO) not from the preamp. Although, it may be a combination of both.

At any rate shouldn't the poll be about the results of this particular test rather than results that were achieved in past projects? After all, we don't have those past projects to base any opinions.

This poll is for this test. I was answering GFs question as to the discrepancy between opinions on the Bluebird, more than yours about why it got votes.

And I think you're right. I can attest that the preamp did not distort. Unfortunately, in my situation, I can't see the live room while I'm tracking, so I can't confirm your suspicion. I need to get a video feed running in there...

Unfortunately, in my situation, I can't see the live room while I'm tracking, so I can't confirm your suspicion.

Is the suspicion Hueseph's comment that it appears the singer is too close to the mic?

Did you use a pop filter?

Link - Thanks for your input. I prefer honesty over false positivity. As I said before, this was an experiment as much for myself as for anyone else - you and some others have made it a learning experience.

Ben - That's it exactly.
Pop filter - I did - the factory ones on all three condensers, and added a screen for the Bluebird, as I'm not fully confident in the little mesh screen that comes with it.

There also seems to be a digital spike on channel 1 of my Firestudio. The preamp level stays the same, but the recorded level is drastically higher and digital clipping is often audible. It comes and goes w/o any indication...

Finally, I think this vocalist was a bad candidate. His voice is rather raspy and "distorted" to begin with... add to that him getting too close to the mic, the possibility of a digital spike, and a lack of the scientific method on my part. And there you have it.

The first attempt was better (on my end). I managed to find the tests from the other vocalists in that group. When I get a chance to review them, and if they don't have the issues this test has revealed, I'll post those. In mp3 form, and only a single track per mic, probably a few less mics as well.

Soap, by pop filter do you mean windscreen?

Sounds like windscreen to me.


I've never gotten a pop filter with a mic purchase. A pop filter can be like a fence. Don't cross the line. hehe. It's a good way to keep the vocalist from getting too close to the mic.