VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Vocalvoodoo]

Would anyone happen to have a Phanthera? Or even the Phantom? I'm really interested in getting one, but would like to hear some male voices though it. I have heard Vo-bb member Rob Ellis on one, which I think sounds fan-freakin-tastic, but would like to hear some other voices through it.

What really has me leaning towards that mic is how clean and clear it is. IMO, I've never heard another mic sounds anything like the Phanthera. It has a certain type of HD sound to it that's really pleasing to my ear, although it could be horrid on my voice.

I know the best option is to get one and see if it fits my voice, but I'd still like to hear other opinions and samples.

Thanks!
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Josh Mahler
http://www.vocalvoodoo.com

[Philip Banks]

Not sure if this is any indication but I don't know of any VO who owns one or of any pro studios (VO facilities/post production houses) in which they are found.

[Vocalvoodoo]

Thanks, Philip.

Yeah, it doesn't seem to be too popular for VO, but man, something about it really gets me. (from what I've heard at least) It doesn't seem to have that sizzle and harshness that a lot of mics can have, including some higher end mics, but still retains great clarity. It just sounds well balanced without the hype, IMO. I can be pretty harsh in the 5 to 7k region and tubby in the low mids. Seems like this one might be a match.

It sure would be nice to be able to check out all the mics I'm interested in side by side!

I'm currently using a 416 which I like perfectly fine, but I'm looking for a secondary mic for mellower reads and for singing. So in short, I don't really need another mic, but a different flavor would be nice.

BTW, Philip, have you done any voices for kids toys? My 2 year old has this little car hauler truck that talks, and every time I hear it say "Hello little driver", I think of you.
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Josh Mahler
http://www.vocalvoodoo.com

[Philip Banks]

Yes I have done a few jobs for children's toys including a little truck and even a bedside lamp/alarm with a dog Spy called Shades. I live in a strange world!!!

[Rob Ellis]

I'll weigh-in here, since I tried the Phantera but ultimately returned it, and settled, eventually, on a Gefell M930 and AKG 414 BXLS as my main mics---the 930 imparts a modern sound, the 414 BXLS more of a vintage one.

(I still have a 416 shotgun but it's more hit or miss on my voice and vocal style)

On me, the Phantera sounded a little clinical. On others that may not be the case, though I have talked with a couple of other VOs who expressed a similar experience.

Just bite the bullet and have Adam at Mercenary send you one. As you know, their return policy is quite generous.

[Vocalvoodoo]

Well, I tried out an M930 and didn't love it, so I finally ordered the Phanthera. I'll post samples when I get it.
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Josh Mahler
http://www.vocalvoodoo.com

[Mike Sommer]

One of the best mics I've ever used is a Brauner VM1 Klaus Heyne Edition. I can only say, I wet myself. --Oh nothing, it's only a $10,000 mic- thank you very much.

Transparent is the only word that describes it.

The more common and a little more affordable (yet still out of reach) Brauner VM1 is still just as lovely.

Here is Keith David On the BraunerVM1 KHE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpEYcLq1JDo

and Eric Claption
http://music.aol.com/video/eric-clapton-milkcows-calf-blues-aol/eric-clapton/1133274

BUT
The Phanthera is, as Rob says, more clinical, "Precise" sharper-- some say, and I agree, "Crisper."

Would I kick it out of bed, no. But like Rob, I like the Gefell, but the 71s.

The M930 is a great mic too, it's what I expect so many of the Neumann TLM's to sound like.

Also understand a good preamp is going to bring your mic to life. So if you're using the onboard preamp of and M-Audio interface, you're going to be sadly disappointed by a lot of mics. Just saying.
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The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

[Vocalvoodoo]

Yeah, I bet that Klaus version sounded GREAT!

I hear you on the pre's, I'm all good in that area though.

I think the clinical and crisper aspect is what I like about the Phanthera, at least the samples I've heard. I like that is sounds so clean and bright, but still is very smooth and balanced, at least to my ear. I usually prefer to go in as clean as possible, then dirty it up after if needed, or leave that to the producer on the other end.

@ Rob, BXLS is also on my short list. I've used the C414 EB at a studio I record at a lot and really like the sound of it. Not sure if it's one with the CK12 cap, but man it sure does sound nice.
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Josh Mahler
http://www.vocalvoodoo.com

[Mike Sommer]

[Vocalvoodoo]

Well, it would seem that you are in fact saying I'm wrong, but I understand what you're saying. I appreciate your opinion, but I just prefer to start clean and add color afterward, if needed, when producing. EQ before or after compression? No right or wrong, just a matter of personal preference.

IMO, It all comes down to matching voice to mic to pre, which is where I think the mojo comes in...all of them interacting perfectly to create that "magic". Not even a u47 is perfect on all things or voices. While the Phanthera didn't do it for your voice, it may be a perfect fit for mine...or not.
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Josh Mahler
http://www.vocalvoodoo.com

[Bill Campbell]

Keith David would rock a $100 MXL mic. His talent and ability to work the mic, any mic, transcends the actual equipment.

I believe you should use one or both of the industry standards, U87 or 416, and get on with business. If you get to the level of Keith David, as an example, you won't be picking the mic anyway. The studio will.
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www.asapaudio.com