C 414 B-XL II Vs Rode NTV (Shrill Vocalist)

**Seansean** · 04-11-2010, 07:27 AM

I'm recording a band with quite a shrill sounding vocalist. Its high, screamy, and screetchy.

I have a C414 that goes through a Great River MP-1NV into a PreSonus interface into Logic.

I am considering getting something else to soften, and improve the week spots of the vocals.

here is an example of the vocalist on a previous recording(recorded with a Shure KSM32): http://www.mediafire.com/?wdyvozmyjvm

Anyone familiar with a RODE NTV? Would that be better off? I have also heard its better to keep a chain all solid state or all tube, any truth to that?

**hueseph** · 04-11-2010, 08:21 AM

Personally, I would stay away from the 414 for this one. Nothing against that mic. It's a great mic but if the vox are already shrill, I don't think that mic is going to make it any better. The NTV might help to tone down some of that shrill high end.

**Seansean** · 04-11-2010, 08:29 AM

Thats what I was thinking, Have you had any experience with the NTV? Are tube mics the way to go in this situation?

**hueseph** · 04-11-2010, 11:30 AM

Not with the NTV in particular. If it is anything like the NTK though, it is likely of a darker flavor than the 414. That however is a large assumption. I imagine it will be a trial and error thing. If you have the luxury of being able to audition the mics side by side, that would be the way to decide.

**TheJackAttack** · 04-11-2010, 08:07 PM

Shure SM7 would be the choice for a screecher. I'd also skip the C414 for this application and I own four of them. Also, if you can get an SM58 and get the vocalist to eat the mic to produce proximity effect you can thicken the sound too.

**soapfloats** · 04-11-2010, 08:16 PM

Completely agree. One thing I've learned using my 414s is that they don't lie - and don't cover anything up either.
I really think a good dynamic might be a better choice here than another condenser.

**Seansean** · 04-12-2010, 06:05 AM

I guess I may try a dynamic mic, I have always made assumptions that dynamic=live situations; condensers=recording situations (for vocals).

I have an beta 57, i was researching a sm7 a while back, are they the same mic?

look at the frequency spectrum of each mic:

SM57 vs. SM7 listening tests

**TheJackAttack** · 04-12-2010, 12:05 PM

The SM57 and the SM7 are comletely different microphones and a comparison of the two is apples and oranges. The Beta 57 again is neither of the previous two mentioned. The 414 does lots of things well if not ideal. Vocals is one area where it does not shine as much. For a shrill voice you need more of a purpose driven vocal mic and likely a dynamic. Yes dynamic mic's are also used in studios. The SM58 is a great vocal mic and the Heil PR30 or PR40 are also great dynamic vocal mic's. The SM7(b or whatever the current model is) is geared toward shrill and screaming. YMMV.

**Spase** · 04-12-2010, 10:44 PM

I'd use my Opus89 - it's a great dynamic mic for warming up vocals.

**datboywhip** · 06-28-2010, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by seansean

i'm recording a band with quite a shrill sounding vocalist. Its high, screamy, and screetchy.

I have a c414 that goes through a great river mp-1nv into a presonus interface into logic.

I am considering getting something else to soften, and improve the week spots of the vocals.

Here is an example of the vocalist on a previous recording(recorded with a shure ksm32): Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire

anyone familiar with a rode ntv? Would that be better off? I have also heard its better to keep a chain all solid state or all tube, any truth to that?

i have rode ntv and its a great tube mic for vocals, since you have a good preamp this would be a good combo it should help with the mid problem it has on some vocals