VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Don G.]

First of all, I understand the whole "different mics for different people" thing, but I'm trying to at least narrow the field. Secondly, I also realize that physical size probably shouldn't be a criteria when determining what to consider, but that's what I'm doing. So, all that said...

I'd love to hear recommendations of mics with a small profile that I might consider trying out. I understand that something will be sacrificed without the large diaphragm mics, but I'm looking for something that will obscure a monitor the least, in a limited space for recording. Right now I use a Studio Projects C1 for pretty much everything I do at home, and the thing is huge and heavy, as anyone who owns one can attest. It's great for what it is and for what I need, and I sound good enough on it to match things I do in other studios on 87s and 414s. I've always dealt with the size of the C1 fairly simply; by printing out my scripts, so I can keep them out out of the way of the mic But I do have an extra lcd monitor sitting around doing nothing, so I'm thinking I might like to try putting it to use for scripts (and perhaps saving a tree or two in the process).

Budget? Like I said, I use a SP C1, so that's where I'm coming from, although I fully understand that something small that sounds reasonable on a male voice might not exist in the lower price ranges.

So whether from personal experience, hearing about something through the grapevine, recommendations from other folks, or whatever, I'd love to hear about some mics (and approx. street prices) that you think would be worth considering. Thanks.

[cackerman]

EV RE-20, perhaps.

[Monk]

My RE-20 is awesome, especially for close mic'd work.

Plus it's very forgiving on the space, it's my travel mic as well.
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[cackerman]

I RELY on things that are forgiving. My wife...my computer...friends...my recording software. Pretty much EVERYTHING in my life. Hmmm. I'm detecting a character flaw, here.

Seriously, I LOVE RE-20's. Must be all those years in radio. "No, really. I started when I was 14."

[Charles Nove]

Microtech Gefell M930. Sounds great and it's tiny! (no, not Tinny)
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[Philip Banks]

Sennheiser MKH50, very small, looks unimpressive yet sounds superb. The downside ...it's around $1400

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/79497-REG/Sennheiser_MKH50_P48_MKH_50_Super_cardioid_Condenser_Mic.html

[jrkaiser]

Phillip, that was my recommendation as well...

[Don G.]

Ah yes, I'm sure there are several choices in the $1k+ category. But my champagne taste has more of a beer budget.

And unfortunately, the RE-20 is about the same size and weight as my C1, just oriented differently in use. I've used them forever (another old radio guy) and in fact tried one out here at home along with a bunch of others a while back. If I were inclined to keep several mics, an RE-20 would probably be among them.

I remember a studio I worked at years ago used AKG C451 (I think) mics in the VO studios. I thought it was a little strange, but the owner produced some award winning spots in those booths.

Thanks for the comments thus far. Feel free to keep 'em coming if anything else comes to mind.

[georgethetech]

Umm, get a used 416 or 415. Shotguns can be placed completely out of the line of site, set above and pointed down toward you.
The Rode NTG-3 is a nice shotgun for $700, too.
Don't fight it, go shotgun.
Really.
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[Deirdre]

Must ask Don— what does it matter how much a mic WEIGHS?

I have an RE20, and RE27 and an SP C-1.

I love my RE20, adore my C-1, and don't care for the RE27.

The RE20 and C-1 have distinctly different sonic signatures and the RE27 doesn't sound like me.

Angling your seat is the way to alter your axis. My chair is a swivel jobbie— I am 45° to my desk when I record, alongside the mic. I can either use the screen or printed paper on a stand on my desk. The mic is near my cheek, off the the right, totally out of obscuring range.
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[BenWils]

Why not just get an M600 and mount the mic sideways so it is out of your way?

Also, I am assuming you hang the mic from above. You could also mount the other way. That would allow you to see the monitor better as well.

Just some thoughts.
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[Don G.]

Thanks, everyone.

Deebs, the weight is an issue only because my mic boom (HEIL PL2) is having a tough time with the C1, which is heavier than my B1 which it replaced.

I'm borrowing a KM84 (out of my price range) and a Beyer M88 (dynamic, but also recommended) from work just to check out. This isn't a pressing need, but I am curious as to other possibilities if they exist.

[Deirdre]

Beloved Don—

Get a new mic arm.

xo
Deebs
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[jrkaiser]

Or a couple of larger/heavier springs...

[flaspots]

FWIW, I use an AKG C3000B and a VAC-6 popfilter (one screen only).
Quite happy with it.