VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[whalewtchr]

+1 what Kara said.
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jonahcummings

[Lance Blair]

How about Neumann's flat-top classy TLM 193?

Really, I think the real solutions are 1.) get a new tube for the mic and 2.) how is your recording environment? Could some bass traps or treatment tighten things up? Maybe the low frequencies in your room are fighting themselves as they bounce about. Your room doesn't sound reverberant, but maybe some tweaking could help? I could never get any decent low end on my recordings with any mic or pre (even the 103) until I shifted to a larger room and treated it a bit.
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Skype: globalvoiceover
and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

[Dayo]

Just to muddy the waters; I've found the TLM 103 to be a loathsome mic for FVO's (no offence I hope to the many happy users here). To my ears it's just horribly aggressive in the high/mids for the female voices I've used it on. Result? Horrid shrieking sibilance.

Good positioning helps for sure, but even with some pretty stellar pre amps, I could never make it work.

Try before you buy!

By the way, if anyone can turn up a vintage C12 in good nick for $5k I'd bite their hand off! They go for way more - $20k would not be unusual.
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Colin Day - UK Voiceover
www.thurstonday.co.uk

[Tom Test]

Here are my (male) thoughts...

My Rode NTK became a MUCH nicer mic with a tube swap. I got my $75 Amperex NOS tube from a tube dealer named "Bowie." I've got his contact info if you want it - he has a great rep and will offer tube options based on your needs and sound. It really was a piece of cake to swap out the tube, and made an enormous improvement. Better low end and much smoother high end. So consider that as a cheap option.

I had a TLM-103 and just didn't enjoy using it. One big issue is how sensitive it was to mic placement. It had a very narrow sweet spot. After much trial and error, I have settled on a mic that has a very similar sound to the TLM-103, but with better bass and smoother top end, at about the same price. My "go-to" mic is the Gefell M930. I got it used from another talent here on vo-bb for a mere $850 (it goes for about $1200 new). It has all of the good and none of the bad of the TLM-103.

Regardless of my advice though, you really need to try out a variety of mics in YOUR environment. Sweetwater might be an option, I also believe that Mercenary will also allow you to audition several mics and return the "losers." I hope this was helpful, and good luck!
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Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

[Dayo]

Tom

I really like that Gefell M930 too. We had one on test here for a couple of weeks and I often wish I hadn't sent it back.

+1 for the Bowie man. A genuine good guy who has relieved me of waaaay too much money in the past couple of years.
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Colin Day - UK Voiceover
www.thurstonday.co.uk

[Kelly Brennan]

Thanks for all the comments. I just spoke with a local studio and they are going to let me borrow some of their mics over the weekend and try them out (so be prepared for a "taste test")!

I'm not sure of all they have, but I do know they have the TLM 103 and the BCM 104. I'll have to check and see if they have some of the other mics listed here. I'm thrilled to at least get some of these at no cost to try.

Maybe I'll check into the tube switching idea as well.

[Frank F]

Update: Kelly, I thought you might like to take a look at these microphones: Telefunken M16, Advanced Audio's CK-12, Alctron HST-11A and it's American re-branded mic - the APEX 460 ($200.00 street).

These mic's are all AKG C-12 ($11,568.00) knockoff's. In most cases these are a very good comparisons to the original C-12, although definitely NOT the original.

The Apex 460 compares well tube change to a 6072A.

The AA CK-12 runs about $900.00 and give a bit smoother response in the high end, and a larger, flatter, low end

The HST-11A can be difficult to find.

The Telefunken M16 is basically the Apex 460 with a much better tube and possibly a capsule change. The price: about $1500.00

There are available kits to upgrade the Apex 460 running from $70.00 for the electronics to $300.00 with an added capsule change and transformer. You would still need the tube change. A local person might make the mod changes for another $50.00.

My suggestion: think about the Apex 460 - and if you get one, change the tube for about $75.00.

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Lizden]

This has been a great thread!
Thanks!

I bought a TLM103 about 3 years ago and love the sound of it.
It warms up my voice nicely, and is the only mic I use.
That said, it is very sensitive, so you need a well treated space.
Luckily, I have that.

I DO want to get a Senn 416 as well...but for now, I'm OK with what I've got!
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Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

[Kelly Brennan]

Frank, I'll check all of that out!

Just last night a local studio lent me a Neumann BCM 104 and an Audio Technica 4050. I recorded a bit but haven't had a chance to listen back yet. I am hoping to "taste test" a Senn 416 and a TLM 103 next week. My plan is to post on here and see what ears other than my own think.

If I get a chance @ Frank, maybe I can test out a few of those you mentioned.

Thanks all!

[Bruce]

Frank, when you're trying to suggest a microphone for women, I'm not sure how wise it is to use the phrase, "(it gives) a larger, flatter, low end".

Does this mic make my butt sound big?

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[heyguido]

[Frank F]

Well... probably not the best choice in words. Whoops.

Bruce, you owe me a new keyboard. I laughed hard as I read your post.

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Rob Ellis]

[ccpetersen]

Well, and all this talk about "replacing your tube" just made me wiggle, too.
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Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

[Yonie]

I liked the M16. Gave some nice warmth and depth to my otherwise bright voice. Probably works well for an alto-woman. This is just speculation, you understand.