ok ill help you spend some money how much $$one channel and you should go for the channel strip.But theres nothing wrong with a clean compressor for vocal is that one you have a good one

If you are set on those choices, then I'd go with the Lawson L47, API 7600 - DONE!

well that kinda makes it simple -what does that api look like

well that kinda makes it simple 2600$

Gaff,
I'm not 100% set on anything, really.. those are just the items that I've seen pretty good consensus on as far as quality (trolling this and similar forums).

I put the API on the list, but hadn't really looked too deeply into it yet - I'd heard such great things about the pendulum.

So - if I wasn''t set on that list... what do you suggest?

Money is an object here.. not looking for budget gear (obviously) but I don't want to go TOO crazy. I don't do this for a living anymore, it's just for me.
"-)

Well, there is is just so much too choose from that I could go on all day.

I think the Lawson offers great sound and value. Assuming your talking about the variable pattern model which I find to have extra value in using the mic in between the normal patterns which you don't get on other mics.

I have not yet really got to use the Quartet other than in demo mode which does seem to be a really great unit. But... I don't think it has the tone, character or flexability that the API offers. Now that new Quartet-II, that appears to be a tone monster. Another combo would be the GR NV mic pre with a GR Eq and then matched up with an old time favorite comp such as a LA2A and/or 1176 depending how hard/soft/fast/slow your looking for your vocals. Maybe even substitute the GR for a Vintech x81 along with a great comp.

I was actually looking at the L47 FET, which is about 1k cheaper than the tube/multipattern version.. but it's cardoid only. I've heard that it's great sounding - but again.. don't have much opportunity to test stuff around here.

I had considered going with a Vintech/compressor (distressor, maybe?) or a GRNV/compressor.. which would put me at about the same as the Quartet or Origin (the Thorax is a bit less expensive).. but with the GR, that would mean no EQ.. and I'm not sure if I want a 'Neve-type' for my vocals or not.. maybe they'd work great, just not sure.

If I went with that type of set up (say, a Vintech X73i) - what compressor would you go with? Distressor? UA-1176?
"-)

Well, the Vintech is more true to Neve like in tone than the GR version. More hit vocals have been made using the old Neve type mic pre sound than any other mic pre I'd be willing to bet.

I really like the distressor but almost never on vocals. The L47 is still a good mic just not as full and flexable as the tube version. But I thought he had a multipattern FET version as well? I'd email Gene and ask. A real fine and friendly fellow.

I guess another option would be to go for more on the mic (say, the L47MkII) and a GR1NV. That would be right about 3k total.. but then I have no EQ (which is the least of my concerns anyway.. good mic/pre shouldn't need too much) and no compressor but my K-T, which works.

SO the real question now is - how is my money best spent.. really-good mic and pre... or almost-as-good mic, and pre/eq/compressor.

By all accounts the compressor on the Pendulum and Origin are phenomenal and worth the price alone.

Damn - this just gets more confusing the more I think about it.. where are those damn lottery numbers.
"-)

hi there
my new favorite is the Soundelux 195 and the Millennia Origin - I have not tried the Pendulum, but LOVE the Origin - the 195 mic sounds great in front of anything!!!

Your can easily get a demo 195 and Origin if you want - email me and i'll direct you

Dan
mcguin@globalfrontiers dot com

Thanks for the tips..
While I'm doing all the research, I think I'm going to try to demo the K2, since I can try that locally. Even with my TL preamps, I'll at least be able to figure out if it works well for my voice.

I'll still probably try out a U195 or Lawson before making a final decision.. but what the heck.

Still staring at that Quartet - for some reason, it just calls to me.
"-)

I can't speak from direct expierence but the word is the Quartet is "not all that" ... but the Mercenary version, the "Quartet II" is a smoker ... top of the heap. The "II" is reported to be a substancial improvment over the original..

Wow - I'm surprised to hear that, Kurt..
I've been trolling this and other forums for a while now, and i've never heard anything but raves for the Pendulum stuff. The Quartet has the mic pre from their MDP-1 and the compressor section of the OCL-2, both of which I've been hearing people just drool over.

The Q2 is awesome, but a little pricey for me ($4500..ouch).

So - what would you recommend if not the Pendulum?
"-)

Like I said, I am only relaying others comments I have seen ... I have no direct expierence with the Quartet. You probably should listen for yourself and make your own assesment. I was not trying to steer you away from the Quartet, rather just relay a "heads up".

I haven't heard the Thorax yet so I can't speak to that at all ... all I have heard about it is the blurbs Sebatron has released ...

The Millennia is a great piece and very versitile .. It is also very elegant in both design and implimetation. After reviewing one I purchased it so that tells you what I thought. I really like the ELOP comp in the Origin and would pay the price just for it. The EQ and the mic pres are top quality. I like the black ones.

You cannot go wrong with the API either. It is a different animal that the SST-1. I think of APIs as suitable for rock and pop production but as Gaff mentions, they have been used for everything with success. If you like a solid midrange with a slight edge, the API is for you.

theres a origin on ebay 1800$

just saw a pendulum quartet on another forum - email me directly and i'll direct you
the ad reads "like new" - $2200
sounds like a great deal!

dan
mcguin@globalfrontiers dot com

ps - not mine