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Quicksilver · Been Here Awhile Joined: 29 Oct 2012 Posts: 217

I've been using a 416 and a Grace 101 (the earlier chrome model) for quite some time. It's a high quality combo and I love it. But my GAS is acting up and I need something new. I do commercials, narrations and am getting into radio imaging, mid range to deep male voice. I also am very familiar with RE-20's and I don't want to go in that direction.

The Grace and 416 are known for being clean/sterile and I might say a bit sibilant on me. I'm looking for a combo on the opposite end of the spectrum.

What would be good mic and pre for loads of warm, full, dark and thick colorful sound in a combo for ~$500-$1000?

Rode NTK + GAP 73?
???

Plugin or processing tips would also be very welcome.

Thanks in advance Smile

Drew

heyguido · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 11:42 pm Post subject:

It's a good mic and a good pre....

Time to spend a little work on mic placement and technique.

You can get a handful of different sounds out of what you've got.

Back to the woodshed. Ninja

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Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

FinMac · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 1:12 am Post subject: Mic and pre suggestion

Hei!

If you really want some specifics; a friend is using the CAD e100s with a Warm Audio 12 micpre. He really likes the combination. Smile

This will also meet your budget.

All the best,

Mac
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ballenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 3:17 am Post subject:

heyguido: The poster asked a preamp question. You either have a suggestion or you don't. He wanted plugin and processing tips, not a critique--unwarranted and unwanted--of his mic technique.

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

ballenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 5:11 am Post subject:

It might well be.

But there's a way to phrase a helpful suggestion that doesn't sound like a schoolmarm rap on the knuckles. Buzzkill may be a modern way to put it, but it in the end, it's rude.

heyguido · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 6:10 am Post subject:

Actually, ballenberg....

It wasn't a critique. It was a suggestion to experiment with mic technique and placement. Lots of guys who DO radio imaging get that classic sound with a 416.

Those of us who OWN one learn how to sneak up on it off-axis and talk dirty to it.

It's VERY effective.

You're the one who's calling names.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

Bruce · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 7:44 am Post subject:

Don might have put it a tich more elegantly, but he's right about 416s. Playing with distance and angle of attack can give you some noticeably different shades of audio. Worth a shot with your shotgun.

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

ballenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 7:59 am Post subject:

As far as the tech side of this discussion, I totally agree--When I first got a 416, I hated it...so I sold it. Whoops. Big mistake. Once I found out how to address it and what it could do, I had to go out and get another one..

Bish · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 8:05 am Post subject:

A couple of points:

1) Bruce should be reprimanded for "Worth a shot with the shotgun"... but he's the moderator, so whatcha gonna do, eh?

2) Drew admitted to having GAS... so given the wonderful opportunity of helping someone spend money, we should embrace it without reservation.

Finding the different options with existing gear by modifying existing technique is always a good suggestion. I'm always playing with distance, axis etc... partly because I have a tendency to get in too close and can edge towards the "intimate" even when it's completely wrong.

I'm using the e100s direct into my Mackie VLZ-3. I like it and I've had good feedback... however, that didn't stop me getting a bargain priced AKG Perception 220 just to try it out. It was highly praised by someone I respect... so far I'm liking it.

The good thing about "decent" microphones is that even if the supplier doesn't have a good return policy, they have a good resale value. The e100s is currently picking up some good karma, so if you get one, you'll probably only take a minimal hit if you have to sell it on. I'm seriously considering doing the same with a 416 at some time. I do believe that the only worthwhile test of a mic is the one carried out in your own space.

I have no input on a pre-amp, but try the e100s... it's truly a nice piece of kit, and it may just be the un-416 you are craving.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

yea I made the same mistake. Twice. Embarrassed

Never again.

Quicksilver · Been Here Awhile Joined: 29 Oct 2012 Posts: 217

What are some tips on 416 placement to get great and different sound?

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

IME with the 416, it's more about what vocal texture I use than it is how close I get to it....but that's just me and I probably still have more to learn about it.

ballenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:27 am Post subject:

Try it angled down toward your mouth--and compare that to what happens if you put it below, angled up--or try it more to the side, talking across it--then experiment with distances, until you find the combination you like best.