Anyone using a Shure VP88 ?

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2002 12:59 pm

I'm thinking about trying this mic with my USBpre and an ibook running PT free for live stereo recording. I'd also like to check it out as an overhead in the studio.

Anyone here using this mic ? I'd appreciate any feedback.

Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2002 12:08 pm

Yes, I have one. It's good on OH's. very mono compatible. Not musch luck as drum room mics. I also like it for Acous GTR, even in mono. Only complaint is self-noise is more than I'd expect from such a nice mic. good Luck

Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2002 10:56 pm

Thanks for the reply Ken. I just caught John Scofield a couple of weeks ago, they were using a VP88 over the drum kit, it sounded very good.

Interesting that you feel it has high self noise, I guess in a live situation, or with drums, that wouldn't be an issue.

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 5:49 am

I recall reading that Dave Matthews Band was using two VP88's over Carter Beauford's kit for live performances.

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 7:06 am

I have a VP88 and it is indeed noisy. Self noise is about (23 dBA)

It works well in loud environments (drum overhead or boiler factory).

Low frequency response is lacking.

It was really designed for ENG use as it is totally mono compatible.

I wish that they had used SM 81 capsuldesign for the cardioid rather than the SM 85 capsule with its extremely hyped high end.

Not terribly high output either, but general sound is better than other MS microphones until you spend over $1000. :w:

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 10:36 pm

I was just listening to some live tapes recorded with a rented VP88 direct to DAT. The mic was hung from the ductwork at the Beat Kitchen in Chicago. Four acts were recorded and they sound quite good. Of course the house mixer at the time (James Coffee) is one of my favorite live guys.

YMMV

Posted: Thu May 30, 2002 10:01 am

FWIW,

I also have a VP88: all the comments are pretty accurate - it is a bit noisy, and there are better mics for overheads, but I use mine primarily for field recording/ENG etc. tho using it in MS can be a really nice option for mixdown ( so long as the source is loud, and not extremely ambient...)

YMMV,

Jay
PlugHead Productions

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