Still Searching-Home Studio VOCAL mic :-(

Stratman68

Stratman68

Axe-Master
Yes I am still looking.
Anyone have thoughts about these 3 mics-The price is important, shouldn't be but TBH the Warm Audio mics are just too heavy(as in actual weight) for my little home studio the way I have it setup. Also 50% more $$$$.
Anyway, if you feel like voicing an opinion it would help. Thanks. These seem to get good reviews most places I looked.

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone $699

Rode K2 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone $699.​

Shure KSM32 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone – Champagne $649. Black $599.​

 
Also an Audix OM7 and a Stellar CM5. The CM5 is a large D tube Condenser mic. Sounds OK but I want better. Was $399 over a decade ago.
 
Stratman68 said:
Nope. I returned it. I didn't like it on my vocals. I do have an SM58beta and a 57. :)
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What didn't you like about it? Too dark, too sibilant, etc?

The SM7B works well for me, usually, but if I want something a little brighter or intimate (also excellent for acoustic guitar) I've got a Neumann TLM102, same price range you're up against there. That little Neumann kicks ass. I used the Neumann for many of my own vocal tracks before getting the 7B and it was excellent, the 7B just does a few things naturally that I ended up doing in post with the TLM102. You will probably want the shock mount and a pop filter with the Neumann.

I know a few people who swear by the KSM32 but there's too much overlap on my TLM102 to justify having both. I'd have to be looking in the $1k+ range to make a mic purchase notably better than what I've already got (in the large diaphragm category). The TLM102 can also take some pretty decent sound levels to use as a near mic for a drum set or guitar cab etc.
 
ruso said:
If I’m not mistaken, aren’t the 7B and 58 similar in frequency response? What exactly didn’t you like?
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The 58beta is NOT for recording. SM7B Just didn't suit me, especially for what I am use to. It's only for me btw. I know it's an OK mic. Large Diaphragm Condenser mics fit me well. I can only go by what I feel (hear) when I sing and when I listen back to a recording. The CM5 used to be nice. It's been dropped a few times (yes I know) Not sure if thats the issue but it just doesn't sound good to me anymore. Of course I am older now, so who knows.
But I do know what I like.
 
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The Audio Technica 4033 is one that I like on vocals more than the 4050 than the KSM or the Rode.

The used AKG-414 XLS can sometimes be found in the price range and is a stellar vocal mic for the money.
 
fractalz said:
Neumann TLM 102?
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I am looking into that one. I was really sold on the Warm Audio WA-47 when it was $799 and before I found out how heavy it was.
From warm audio CS: Thank you for contacting us here at Warm Audio! The weight of the mic itself is about 2-3LBs.
I use the Rode Microphones PSA1+ Professional Studio Boom Arm on my desktop which soon will bean adjustable desktop (uplift probably) and the Stellar CM5
is half the weight of the WA-47 and it gives the boom some trouble. I like the arm though-make recording and playing guitar easy for me.
Ok why is this look bold? It's not. Font type I guess?
 
I have one of the Rode NT1A kits, which is surprisingly good at the price. Though I haven’t personally recorded with a K2, a friend who owns a small studio and has a great ear recommends it very highly, saying it’s one of the best sounding vocal mics out and commensurate with those several times it’s price. Were I in the market, I’d try it.

My fave is a Bock Audio LC called an iFet. I’m not sure it’ll be available any longer with Bock being taken in under the Universal Audio brand. Might be a bit out of your budget in any case, but it is a very versatile mic that was recommended to me by a senior VP at Sweetwater, and he (as you might expect) knew his mics!

Check this page to burn through a few hours comparing 50 vocal mics:

https://www.sweetwater.com/feature/vocal-mic-shootout/
 
Rick said:
I have one of the Rode NT1A kits, which is surprisingly good at the price. Though I haven’t personally recorded with a K2, a friend who owns a small studio and has a great ear recommends it very highly, saying it’s one of the best sounding vocal mics out and commensurate with those several times it’s price. Were I in the market, I’d try it.

My fave is a Bock Audio LC called an iFet. I’m not sure it’ll be available any longer with Bock being taken in under the Universal Audio brand. Might be a bit out of your budget in any case, but it is a very versatile mic that was recommended to me by a senior VP at Sweetwater, and he (as you might expect) knew his mics!

Check this page to burn through a few hours comparing 50 vocal mics:

https://www.sweetwater.com/feature/vocal-mic-shootout/
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link Rick-very helpful!
 
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