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Hey guys-

I am slowly but surely getting more and more into home recording. I have recorded in big studios, middle of the road studios, and home studios, and I am beginning to enjoy simple, minimalistic studio techniques (i.e. 4 track cassette, 8 track reel to reel).

I am looking to purchase a condenser for my vocals. I know that this is a very broad arena, but I am interested in hearing all opinions and recommendations.

Obviously, I am posting on th budget gear forum, thus looking for an inexpensive piece.

The sound I am trying to achieve is warm and intimate.

If you would like to hear a general recording of my voice, you can check out my song "Innocent" on myspace. Here is the link:

http://www.myspace.com/kyleharveymusic

Your help and consideration is appreciated!

Comments

Boswell Tue, 01/30/2007 - 14:29

kyleharvey wrote: I am looking to purchase a condenser for my vocals. I know that this is a very broad arena, but I am interested in hearing all opinions and recommendations.

Obviously, I am posting on th budget gear forum, thus looking for an inexpensive piece.

The sound I am trying to achieve is warm and intimate.

Why a condenser microphone? If budget is important, have you tried how your vocals sound using a dynamic microphone such as an Electrovoice RE20 or even a Shure SM58 put through a good preamp?

anonymous Tue, 01/30/2007 - 15:04

As you probably know, ther are a lot of vocal condensers out there, starting at pretty low price points. I'd avoid some of the real cheap Asian-made ones: MXL, ADK, Studio Project, Oktava (yes I know they're Russian). We've found that even the cheap tube mics are not as good-sounding as the classic NON-tubes (Neumann, AKG, Shure, Gefell, Audio Technica). Get something that will be high-quality, solid, and last for years to come. Of course, those kinds of mics can run in to some bigger bucks.

My recommendation for your voice: The Gefell UMT70S (or MT71, the cardioid-only version). It has the classic German M7 capsule (found in the original U47, M49), which is known to be smooth and creamy. It's detailed without being hypey or sizzly. High output and quiet.

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anonymous Tue, 01/30/2007 - 16:42

Thanks for the recco, Drewcifer.

Do you happen to know anywhere in the midwest that carries them? I would love to try one out while I am out on the road this spring.

You mentioned Octava. I have a friend who kind of has the same advice as you, although he said something about a mod that can be done to Octava's relatively inexpensively. Have you heard anything about this?

I appreciate your patience, as I am just trying to take in as much info as possible before making a decision.

anonymous Wed, 01/31/2007 - 07:18

I have a Studio Projects C1, and wouldn't consider in the same league as MXL or Nady Mics
I started with a Nady SCM900, which after some time I realized is a pretty poor mic, I got a SP C1 and the diffrence was very noticable.

I respect the Studio Projects line, them, and Rode mics are producing good quality mics for a reasonable price

I'm saving up for some SP C4's for recording my acoustic

As for the original post, I DO recommend studio projects C1 or Rode NT1, the C1 is crisp and is certainly a colored mic, and is great for some vocal styles, and not great for others

I do not own a Rode NT1, but is universally regarded as much more neutral than the C1.

Both companies make multiple models, and I have heard good things about the SP B1

jdier Wed, 01/31/2007 - 18:49

I really think that an AKG 414 is great for detail. Sometimes too much. I picked up a mint one for just under $500. Worth every cent.

For cheaper, I also have a Studio Projects C3 which has served me pretty darn well. I also really like the Studio Projects guys. They have serviced mics for me at no charge. Very nice to work with.

anonymous Sun, 02/04/2007 - 23:11

You might consider getting an AT4040 from Audio Technica. For right around 300 bucks it's a nice warm mic. But before purchasing any mic go to a store that will allow you to demo them. In comparing the AT4040 with an NT1a the 4040 is fairly warm and has a nice smooth top end. With the NT1a the upper frequencies seem boosted and while it provides great clarity, it won't be as "warm and intimate" as the AT4040 can be. But above all test them out yourself so you can hear the difference.