VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

Well, it should be clear by my recent posts, that I'm attempting an upgrade. And I'm trying to be careful about my choices.

I now know I shouldn't combine pre's…I've also found out that my m-audio USB interface is a pre. So, after taking close look at some comments out here, I'm thinking of replacing that with an Echo Audiofire 2. It looks like a great straightforward interface.

I think this will give me a cleaner chain.(?)

OK, here's where I'd like some more input: A 'possible' mic upgrade on a budget of under $400. but, only if it will make a noticeable difference.

I currently have a Studio Projects C1 & an AT4040.

I've heard good stuff about Studio Projects CS5, but is an omni-directional mic really necessary for VO in a stationary setting?

Or, is there a decent tube or other condenser mic within my range that would be worth the change from what I have?

I'm pretty sure that all of my intent is not just an early-onset of Gearitis…

**(side effects of Gearitis may include: Impulsive research, Sweetwater rep-stalking, spousal-pleading, anxiety, ebay staredown, night sweats, forum hoarding, fetal positioning accompanied by rocking, self-deceptive justification, heart palpitations, midnight pacing, unexplainable cash migration, spousal eye-rolling, and anal leakage)** If you experience a Gearitis that lasts longer than 4 hours, consult your VO-BB Forum.

Depthpersuasion · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 12:14 pm Post subject: F-20 Condensor Mic

I'm not pro in the tech-knowledge of the audio hardware, but I've been fortunate to have my hands on a little known premium condenser mic from Equation Audio called the, F-20.

With the proper sound room and inner face it should make sure your best is heard.
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Frank F · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:11 pm Post subject:

Judge your microphone by your voice, your chain, and your recording environment. What works for me may or may not work for you.

There are so many great microphones priced from under $100.00 USD to over $3,000.00 USD to choose from; it is difficult to make a recommendation for your sound environment and voice.

Find what YOU like and stick with the particular microphone until or unless you find it is not working for your voice and studio.

Some here will tell you an MKH 416 is great for VO (I personally do not believe that, but if it works for you...), others will tell you to spend thousands of dollars for a good VO (not vocal) microphone, and still others will tell your THEIR particular favorite. Audition what you can afford and return if it is not what works for your environment.

O.K. now you have read the "talking points" it is time to get on to the opinion side: For around three grand a U87 is prime, for about $600 including the modification from Oktava Mod, an NT 1-A is nice.

Choosing a microphone is a personal and business choice. Choose wisely. Do not listen to others opinions and take is as written in stone - even mine; without doing your own research.

Frank F
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Depthpersuasion · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:19 pm Post subject:

I concur with, Frank completely.
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asnively · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 4:08 pm Post subject:

If you've got a decent room, I think the C1 sounds like a pretty expensive mic. Are you unhappy with it?
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markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

I'm pretty OK with the C1, Amy. Maybe the new interface will give me a cleaner chain for starters.

My question about the mic was the last thought in my small upgrades. I've been curious about the Studio Projects CS5, as I've seen it mentioned out here.

Mainly, I want to know if an omnidirectional mic has any advantages over a cardioid pattern for VO...

Frank F · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 6:12 pm Post subject:

markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

Thanks for the link Frank!
Wow... I'm sorry everyone, I've been using the wrong terminology. What I meant to say was a variable pattern mic, not omnidirectional.

Has anyone had good luck with the CS5?

Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 8:20 pm Post subject:

For VO, 99.44% of the time you'll only need a Cardioid pattern.

With a Hyper Cardioid patter, you're going to get a tighter focus - like that of a shotgun mic.

Each of the patterns of the CS5 will give you a different sound.

What the CS5 has to offer more than anything, is that the capsule has a smoother sound, compared to the C1.

Now we can send you on all kinds of wild goose chases. But the they only way you are going to understand, is to try it out for yourself. With that said, I would stay where you are, make your interface and preamp choice, then go for a mic upgrade after that if you need to.
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markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

Thanks Mike, that is very helpful advice.

Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 12:50 am Post subject:

If the price of all mics were fixed at $100 which one would be best for your voice? My guess is that it wouldn't be the mic which genuinely retails for $100.

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

I had the CS5. It is excellent, especially for character work, but it's very flat and smooth sounding and doesn't cut through a mix at all. No "air" to it either. Sounds vintage, but not in a flattering way. Still a great mic. A few times when I was working closely with a all-in-one director/editor they didn't chose it over other mics. If you have the new SP C1 which has a red SP badge on it, it's a terrific VO mic. If you have the old C1, go for the new one.

I had a AT4040, liked it, but honestly the new $99 AT2035 is better for VO, look into that one. Thought the low end of the 4040 was pretty muddy.

Right now, I'm going with a Sennheiser MK4. Cuts through a mix like most Senny stuff does, but it's not harsh. Has a good top end, better than AT stuff. Sounds like a mix between a TLM 103 and 102. Kinda like a 103 with more heft to it, but not as much "air" as the 103. Ace VO mic for $299. I've owned the 416 and 103 and this is my favorite for my voice.

So, look at new CS1, AT2035, and MK4.

BTW, I'm not using a $1000+ mic again until I can have better acoustics.
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markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

Thanks for the thoughtful comments Lance! I do have the new SP C1 and I like it pretty well. I'll give a look at the Sennheiser. Tell me, I always hear the terms "air" and "cutting through the mix" when people describe mics. What do these terms mean?

Mike Sommer · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 12:26 pm Post subject:

+ 1 on the CS1 rev2 m. The capsule change was a big improvement on this mic.
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

Monk · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:12 am Post subject:

I'll second the Mike Joly modded Rode NT-1a. It sounds fantastic. I have a couple of them now.

that being said, I recently bought the U87. If everyone is trying to sound like a U87... why not buy one and be done with it.

of course I'm also building a room to put it in, so that all of it's sensitivity doesn't hear the refrigerator, the dog chasing rabbits in it's dreams, and the occasional sound of "The Price is Right" from the neighbor...

As you improve the quality, you need to improve the environment you record in.
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