VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

FinMac · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:59 am Post subject: Ever hear about the Lewitt 640?

Hei,

Just got the Lewitt LCT 940, which is a hybrid mic, a Fet and a tube mic.

The 640 is the Fet only version and it is under a thousand but I do not know the price.

The mic sounds like the AKG 414 or perhaps better.

Here is a review on it in the Recording Hacks site.

http://recordinghacks.com/2012/07/20/lewitt-lct640-review/

All the best,

Mac
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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

Purple badge U87 or a 416 here.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

U87ai and 416, both of which I came back to after trying several other mics.

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 6:42 am Post subject:

Steve Knight · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 7:48 am Post subject:

I guess I'm a "#7"

I use the RODE NTG-3....I still think it's the best buy in VO,..

and yes, I still use a Neumann TLM-103 too

Andy · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:31 am Post subject:

CAD E100S--wonderful and not expensive at all!

Bruce · Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:31 am Post subject:

I've been using my Groove Tubes AM11 mics for over a dozen years now with no complaints. They sold originally for $500. There's one on EBay right now, and with a day left to bid it stands at $30. If it's in good condition that's a smokin' deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alesis-Groove-Tubes-AM11-Microphone-NO-RESERVE-/160980878328?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Microphones&hash=item257b3543f8

B
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Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

I have auditioned SOOO many mics since I started my studio in 2003. I came to realize eventually that the environment in which you record is such an important factor that is often overlooked. (This is where the late Mike Sommers would have chimed in....). A mic can sound great with your voice in on space and not in another.

I'll get to the point and tell you that my go-to mic is the Gefell M930, often compared to the TLM-103 but with a smoother top end. It's slightly more user-friendly that the -103 which I used to own, but it was hell trying to find the sweet spot with that mic. I've been using it for both narration and commercial work since I first got it a few years back.

I also have a Senn 416 I just scored off of eBay for $600 like new. It doesn't quite sound natural, but there is something about it that helps it "cut through" and reach your ears when mixed with music. I like it a lot so far, and will use definitely it for some commercial reads. Here in Chicago, it seems like 90% of the time in a pro studio, they are using either the 146 or a U87.

I have the CAD e100S...and I'm very sorry to report that I do not like it, on MY voice, in MY booth, with either of the preamps I use (a Safesound Audio Tracking Toolbox or a Jim Williams-modded ISA One from Focusrite). I will probably put mine up for sale soon.

Another mic in my closet that I truly love is a modded Rode NTK which also has an NOS Amperex tube from the 60s. It is so smooth and sweet. I also have a modded AKG 200 that's a lovely mic, but never gets used these days - it may also go up for sale soon. Both these mics were modded by a guy named John Bonnell, whom I found on eBay of all places.

Mics that I've tried and didn't like: RE-20, Heil PR-30, Shure SM-7b, a Mike Joly-modded MXL 909, AT2050, Studio Projects C1 (as well as the tube mic they made, not sure of the model #). I tried and liked the AT4037, but sold it after I got the Gefell M930. I liked the M-Audio Sputnik for awhile, but it died on me twice. There have probably been others over the years...

As it turns out, I'm about to begin working with Cliff Zellman on an Automotive VO demo. Cliff has asked me to record one sentence - one at soft volume and another take louder - with all of my mics, so he can decided which ones to use for which scripts. He doesn't want all the clips on my demo to sound like they were all recorded at the same studio, which I appreciate. I'm planning in recording all the clips in one session on Monday, and when I am done, I'll post a link to the files here for you all to hear.
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Tom Test
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Zach Meissner · Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:55 pm Post subject:

Can't wait to hear that mic demo Tom! Thank You!

BobbyH · Guest

Bish · Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 11:53 pm Post subject:

I have only a passing knowledge of the MKH 416. I have not used one in my own environment so do not hold a definitive opinion of it. On this board it is known by some (affectionately, I'm sure) as a chew-toy, and such comments have been the source of much merriment and rib-tickling fun. I was referencing this on-going (tongue-in-cheek) debate and was simply making a somewhat humorous allusion to the regard with which this fine Sennheiser product is held by some members of this board.

If you would like an in-depth discussion regarding the use of this popular shotgun microphone, it's various merits, demerits and possibly apocryphal stories about why it became the microphone de rigeuer in certain segments of the VO industry, they are littered in astounding abundance throughout the forum in the plethora of posts discussing that very subject.

But... to address your direct question... there are many who question this particular microphone's cachet and it's ubiquitous presence. Many feel that it has just the right qualities for cutting through a mix, but is not suited to other duties. However, what is unquestioned is the fact that the use of the mic is sometimes controversial. I am undecided, and would love to have one in my studio for a week so I could make an informed decision.

And that, was far too much explanation for what was basically an obviously humorous (and somewhat sarcastic) comment.

It's the way we roll here. It's compulsory. Wink

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Zach Meissner · Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:35 am Post subject:

This may be common knowledge around here, but in the case that it's not, I found this on the history of the Sennheiser 416, and why it's the defacto mic in many hollywood studios. Really interesting origin...

http://davewallacevoblog.wordpress.com/tag/harlan-hogan-mxl-vo1-a-mic/

BobbyH · Guest

heyguido · Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 2:25 pm Post subject:

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Bish · Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 3:27 pm Post subject:

Look, there's no need for this to be confrontational...

I made a joke based on the site's historical content and repeated comments about a certain microphone. I alluded to the fact that there was Kool-Aid involved and you questioned my observation and request that I back it up. There is something wonderfully ironic in that.

I freely admitted my ignorance as to how I would find the 416. I was clear that I was stating assumptions. I was not "slyly proclaiming superiority" as you would have it. It's interesting to note that even Neumann (owners of Sennheiser) have no idea why VOs use the 416.... but they do, and that's perfectly fine... I may use one myself one day.

It was a joke. It was erudite and witty, with a finely-crafted call-back to a continuing VO-BB meme. It was not a poor attempt at humour, and by any yardstick used on this board, it was funny.

Seriously, you don't walk into a community and start slamming the regulars before getting a feel for the place. It's quite rude.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.