To tell you the truth, I'm not impressed with the 103 on vox.
I'll throw it on an acoustic, and use it as a room mic, but it's hard to get a good vocal sound with it.

I suggest looking at the [="http://www.audio-technica.com/cgi-bin/product_search/wired_mics/mics_by_line.pl?product_line=Microphones%3A+40+Series"]AT 40[/]="http://www.audio-te…"]AT 40[/] series, [[url=http://="http://recording.or…"]Blue[/]="http://recording.or…"]Blue[/], hell even a cheap Oktava for that matter.

I offer this because if you've got money to burn you can never have too many mics!
:D

I agree. And I think some of it has to do with matching the mic and the performer. I noticed quite a difference in my own vocals when I switched over to a [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.seelectr…"]Z5600a[/]="http://www.seelectr…"]Z5600a[/].

(I was using a cheap Oktava before -- the MK219 that Ben linked to.) :D

I mean, if you aren't getting what you need out of your Aphex, then maybe try some different microphones. Even a "cheap" mic is better if it sounds better with your voice.

Just my opinion of course.

First things first -

NO.

Do not get a graphic EQ. Graphic equalizers have NO place in recording chains. They are for live sound reinforcement or PA. The exceptions to this rule are SO few and far between that it's not even worth mentioning - period.

In fact, avoid EQs in general. If you need an EQ, be prepared to shell out big bucks. Big Bucks.

Accomplish EVERYTHING you can using microphone and microphone placement instead of EQs.

Similarly, don't get aural exciters, or other effects. They won't get you that sheen.

What will is a properly voiced microphone and a nice preamp (which, BTW, the ones in the Ramsa are pretty darned good.)

I have found the Blue Bluebird to provide a very nice sheen on many vocals. For a mic with huge body and sound, go for a Soundelux u195. These are two different price points, but there are plenty of similar options out there.

Sell the TLM 103 (a mic that I find has such limited use, it's not worth owning) and get a couple lesser priced mics and have fun. Don't worry - when clients call and ask if you use Neumann mics, you can say "We did, but we've found better stuff now..."

Cheers-

Jeremy

The sound that you describing I was able to accomplish with a Shure KSM32 into a TASCAM M2600 piece of crap without a problem. I stuck on a little DBX166 to the tune of 20-30 DB at 20: 1. Right, not much, LOL! The vocal sounded great so you should be able to accomplish this with far less effort.

Cheap but good
Ms. Remy Ann David

The KSM32 (and other siblings) are wonderful mics! I wish people would buy one of each of the KSMs instead a TLM103 and a pair of KM 184s!

Yup, I always believe in a Shure bet. My Santa Claus already came and went. I missed him. I heard the bells ringing as he went by. I hope I'm not losing my good humor over this?

Strawberry shortcake
Ms. Remy Ann David

Hey, Vander!

When I said the Oktava was cheap, I was talking about the price.
I have a pair, and though they are both as different as night and day, I still like to throw them up on occasion - just not as a stereo pair, grrr!

8-)

bent wrote: Hey, Vander!

When I said the Oktava was cheap, I was talking about the price.
I have a pair, and though they are both as different as night and day, I still like to throw them up on occasion - just not as a stereo pair, grrr!

8-)

I hear ya! I still use mine all the time. I just prefer the Z5600a for my vocals these days. A friend of mine turned me on to it via his Gemini. They are actually really nice sounding mics for the price. (I just wish I would have waited a bit and got the Z5600aII that has a pad switch -- No pad on my model.)

Talking about this, it will probably be time for me to add to my mic collection soon. :roll:

The only GRAPHIC EQ I would ever use in a recording chain would be the ones made by White. And they're cut only.

That isnt where the 'sheen' comes from.

I agree with Cucco. No TLM103 for vocals except on a certain voice. Other than that, they are decent mics. There are many mics at half the price that sound as good.....some twice as good.

I will say that with those pres in the Ramsa, you should be getting something CLOSE to the 'sheen'....

I've used the API Graphic EQ's that you can get for the lunch box, it was great!! MCI used to make them for the old 500 series consoles... good too. This being said, I wouldn't go inserting a 31 band 1/3 Octave Klark Technic on a vocal....lol

Actually, API made them for MCI. Along with the 500 series microphone preamp for smart people who made a mistake by buying MCI consoles. I was always underwhelmed by the sound that came out of those boards and Criteria, but then they always sounded like the Bee Gee's.

Fort Lauderdale Music Centers Inc. may Jeep RIP
MS. REMY ANN DAVID

I agree, never really loved those desks, but sometimes you've got to work with what's provided.

Cheers.