VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Kelly Brennan · Contributor Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 31

Hi all, I would like to add a new mic.

The mic I currently use has served me well, but I want to find another that boosts the bass a bit more. I know I need to check out different mics and give them a shot with my voice in my studio to get a real idea. The question really is more of where to start to narrow down all the choices.

Are there mics out there that are "known" as more female friendly?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Kelly

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 7:36 am Post subject:

i have always found the shure sm7b to be a very "female friendly" mic.
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 7:45 am Post subject:

Avoid anything from Rode, like the NT1-a, and the Studio Project C1. Those are usually too sibilant for females. Haven't tried it on a female but I would asume my ~$150 Audio Technica AT2035 would suit a female voice quite well.

Lotta luv for the Shure sm7b these days, but it's a "screamer mic" and great for broadcast. For VO it needs quite a good preamp with lots of gain. I bought one once from a very nice lady who hated it. So dod I, and sold it within a week.
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heyguido · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:06 am Post subject:

Kelly....

What are you replacing? And what's your recording environment like?
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Kelly Brennan · Contributor Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 31

I currently use a Rode NTK (sorry Jacob). It has actually been great and I've booked my fair share of work from it ( jobs for Under Armour, Scholastic, Nickelodeon and the like) so it has been working out well, but I want to explore other possibilities. I have a home built studio. Pretty quiet so I am not worried about a condenser. Just itchy to try something new.

Thanks for the ideas so far!

Matto · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:08 am Post subject:

I have no real expertise in microphones. However I did just trial the Neumann TLM 103 and though I found it to have a great sound, it was a little too bright for my voice. I sent some audio to a guy who edits and produces for me and he said that it's a mic that often works for the ladies. I know there are some fella's out there that sound awesome with it, though.
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:09 am Post subject:

heyguido · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:27 am Post subject:

The mic you presently use doesn't suck.... and from your demos, I can say it represents you pretty well.

That said, I'd recommend making a friend at your nearest GC/SamAsh/etc.....
Make it a habit to drop by occasionally and "test" a new mic. Setting one up for a customer with a pair of headphones isn't a big deal. Let 'em know you already own an NTK, and are looking to add to your quiver. Most of all, don't rush it. Take note of mics you work with in client studios, and when you hear one you like, remember it, and add it to your list for consideration. Ask engineers you work with for their opinion. Ask the ladies here what THEY like. Many of them have similar ranges to yours. But, take your time, listen, and listen some more. Matt's suggestion of the Neumann would be a good place to start. I have a couple of Blue mics I like, and I'm sure others will chime in, too.

Finding another mic in the class you're already playing in can be expensive, and making a mistake even more so.... Gear Acquisition Syndrome.... (G.A.S.)....
It can be painful, nagging, and uncomfortable..... but it'll pass....
Shocked

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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

TLM 102 might be worth a try. Not overly bright, affordable and lotsa
tight low end.....

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:40 am Post subject:

TLM103 will warm things up nicely.

ricevoice · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 12:38 pm Post subject:

You could also try swapping out a different tube in the NTK, assuming you're currently using the stock tube. I found my NTK sounded significantly better (for my voice) once I put a NOS Telefunken tube in it... smoothed out the high end, gave it a little more warmth. It's a very simple procedure, too.
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Kelly Brennan · Contributor Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 31

Thanks everyone, I was thinking of trying the TLM103, so I guess I may start "scratching my itch" there!

@jacob, I was just teasing, even if you were dissing it, it would be cool.

@ricevoice - Switching a tube sounds frightening to me!

@heyguido, I hope I get over my G.A.S soon - there are a couple other items I was looking at, too! Smile

Lapianoman · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 1:25 pm Post subject:

Kelly, check out this video. At 15:53, there's a nice walk-thru on replacing the tube in a Rode NTK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vpss3hksr0

Frank F · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 2:43 pm Post subject:

Kelly,

You really do not want more bass or lows, you are looking for more body. Using your current NTK is not a bad thing, Changing the tube is the easiest way to help get what you desire. Choosing the right tube is another subject.

Although a tube change will help give the NTK a better sound, the Chinese capsule is the culprit in giving the shrill high end. If and you know of someone who can change the capsule (this is not difficult and is a quick painless mic mod), do it. A new capsule can cost from $80.00 to six or seven hundred dollars.

As for a new microphone? This is too subjective. I suggest you begin auditioning mics which fit you and your voice and price range. Look for a mic which has a low pass filter or bass roll-off. A couple of the tube microphones from MXL may fit the bill nicely and are under $400.00 USD. The V69 ME (once the tube is changed) or non-tube MXL V67G or GS are some good examples of quality mics for the Ladies. (And, NO, I do not work for MXL.)

The Neumann TLM 103 is a good mic and many women like using it, however just as many hate it. You may have heard of the Neumann U87 AI, this can be a good microphone (for around $2,000.00) when paired with the right pre-amp; otherwise is can be a ---hmm--- unique sound, not right for VO.

There a couple of things to review about choosing a new microphone. What is your mic style? Up close and personal, or putting some distance between you and the mic? Do you talk softly or are you boisterous with your VO's? Are you breathy or a fast-talker? What is your studio environment like? Etc., etc,, etc....

Choose a microphone which is designed for VO, not vocals and NOT podcasts. Check with local studio engineers on what they use when recording vocals for women, this will give you a starting point in your search and he/she might let you audition a few microphones for VO - if you are nice. (A good thing too: you might make a friend who could recommend you for VO down the road.)

I could point you in the right direction for a new microphone, but my suggestions would only make it easier to select from hundreds of microphones. You need to choose what works for you your, clients, in your environment, and for what you intend. No one else can make the decision.

Frank F
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Kelly Brennan · Contributor Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 31

@Frank, thanks for the info. I realize there are hundreds of choices and that's why I ask the question. If there are known mics that seem to work for a lot of women, that is where I was interested in starting. I don't have the time/opportunity to test hundreds of mics. Hoping to narrow it down, not afraid of the work.

I had already started asking some producers I work with, I've gotten these suggestion . . .

AKG C-414
EV PL-20
ADK A-51TL
EV RE20
KLM 27

Just thought I'd throw it on the board to get a starting point and then research from there.

Thanks