VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Chrissy · Guest

I too am setting up a home studio with limited $$$. I'v been reading the suggestions made concerning microphones, and the need to find one that suits my voice. I mainly do character voices. I know many of you do as well.

I've spent a lot of time on line and on the 1-800#s for Guitar Center, SamAsh, and Full Compass. I'm trying to do as much research as I can through these sources. I'm disabled, and was hit by a car five years ago. I can get around with the aid of a walker or forearm cructhes so I'm trying to limit the trips to test out equipment. There is a Guitar Center in Boston. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

Chrissy

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:34 pm Post subject:

What you need depends on your budget. I use an Audio-technica AT3035 that costs about $200 new. I love it, but it might not be right for your voice. I have an Mbox that I'm not so fond of, again, it depends on how you like the sound of it and what your budget is.

Are you on Mac, Windows?

Have you had any of your coaches or trainers give you suggestions for equipment that might match your voice?
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Chrissy · Guest

The only suggestion to me was to get a condenser mic. Thanks Jeff for the info.

chrissy

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 2:12 pm Post subject:

I'd suggest you search the archives of this board. There's a wealth of information collected here over the years.
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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 2:21 pm Post subject:

Chrissy:

I do a fair amount of character-style stuff, and the mic I love are my EV RE20 and Studio Projects C-1.

They make my producers very happy. The C-1 is nice and bright without being tinny, and the RE20 is the screamer, it can take nearly anything and not overmodulate.
If I were to buy something along the lines of an RE20 now, though, I'd look very seriously at the RE27.

Finding the right mic is like finding the right bra. Everyone has a opinion, but no one will ever be able to determine the fit but you.
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Lizden · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject:

Hey Chrissy!

Here's what I would do:
I've done quite a bit of business with Full Compass and have always been happy with the service.
My rep there is Martin Vire @ x1179
Give him a call and tell him that I told you to call him.
See if he has either the EV RE20 or Studio Projects C-1 that DB likes (If DB likes them they have to be good!)
See if he'll send you one to try-out...you'll probably have to give him your Credit Card number but they're really good about taking stuff back within 30 days...ask him...all he can say is no!

It's worth a shot!

Let us know how it goes!

Liz
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Chrissy · Guest

Thanks Liz for the contact suggestion. It helps to talk with someone who is recommended. I'll keep you updated.

cheers,

chrissy

billelder · Guest

Ditto on the Deirdre (Mistress of Mics) comments. I use the Studio Projects C-1, and RE-20. Mike is right about the C-1 being big and heavy. It's a weapon.<g> I started with the Studio Projects B-1 and liked the sound.

Musicians Friend will allow you to return a product if you don't like the sound. Problem being they don't sell Studio Projects or Electro-Voice. I, too, have heard great things about the Audio-technica AT3035. Rode makes a great mic, too.

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:27 pm Post subject:

Here is our own Maiku's Mic Shootout:

http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2093

Lots of different sounds, to be sure!
Between Kevin G's excellent suggestion (xoxo!!) and what I heard in Maiku's sound files, I knew I had A Mic I Would Like.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:43 pm Post subject:

I agree with everyone here! I was at a studio the other day that had a Studio Projects C-1 and I loved it! I'm thinking about getting one as well. Most on-line places will let you return a product in 30 days. You will have to pay for shipping- but it's a small price to pay to get a mic you love. Sweetwater.com is a great company that will also give you tech support. Ask for Delvin- he rocks!!
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Another mic to check out is the Shure SM7B. It's a great mic that doesn't "pop", isn't sibilant (especially good for most females), and it's
a Dynamic mic, which means it won't pick up alot of room noise.

I have six condensor mics, and sometimes I use them, but the Shure SM7B
is the bread and the butter.

It's clearly the best mic for my female talent.

FYI: Michael Jackson sang the songs on "Thriller" through an SM7B. Stevie Wonder and John Mayer use it too.

I got mine from BSW for $320, shipped.

richgates · Guest

One thing to also consider. According to Joe Cipriano and I'm sure many others, don't go cheap on your mic, unless of course it is the one that works best with your voice. It doesn't mean you need to spend 3k on a U87 but it is a good idea to buy the best mic you can for your budget.

asnively · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:05 am Post subject: Re: Mics

I was under the impression that a wide diaphragm condenser was the way to go, and that one should not use a dynamic for spoken word, especially if one is a female. Am I on crack?

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:00 am Post subject:

dynamic mics are great for singers which Bill references. They can be screamed into, take a beating, and have good sound for that function. They are not so good for voice talent which has much more nuance and subtelty.

That said, we go back to the original point that people have their own preference. And certainly some voice talent will swear by dynamic mics just as some swear by condenser. This is why we may all be able to give opinions, but the ultimate decision will be based on what sounds good for this particular person's voice.
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billelder · Guest

If you're thinking cardioid then the SM7B is a nice mic. It doesn't pop because the element is recessed about an inch or so. If you'd consider that, then your other options are a Sennheiser 421 and EV-RE20. I love the RE-20 for the same reasons Deirdre stated. Yes, the RE-27 gives more settings options.

I have never used one, but I hear that Heil PR-40 is a nice dynamic mic that claims to sound like a condenser. Leo Laporte uses one on his nationally syndicated tech show. I've heard good comments about the MXL 990 being a steal at $60. Also, the CAD GXL 3000 is on sale now. I haven't read any reviews about it. And my old friend, the Behringer XM8500 is a great sounding dynamic mic as long as you use a pop filter. Heck, grab a "990" and an "XM8500" and for under $100 you have a condenser and a dynamic mic. *

My humble opinion is that if you're only going to have one mic, a condenser will pick up the nuances of character VOs better than a dynamic. Now, to contradict myself, I just did a character VO for a DVD using the RE-20 Rolls Eyes

and the straight narration on the C-1. At an entry level price, there isn't going to be much difference in mics under $100. Under $200 I've found that most folks love the Studio Projects C-1 or the AT3035. Grab a mic that looks good to you and start reading.

*I think people hiring you won't be listening to the mic as much as your performance. Give a great performance and you can address the mic issue as money starts rolling in. I do understand that my opinions don't represent the majority of those here so I'd pay attention to everyone else and just stick this post in the back of your head. <g> To me it's better to be out $100 for a mic when getting started than $500. When work comes in you can always upgrade. I'm going by your first line, "I too am setting up a home studio with limited $$$." Hope this helps.