VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

DenaliDave · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 5:21 pm Post subject: It must be summer!

Must be summer around here! cool

I say that because it's been quiet, I expect people are busy with projects, gigs and SUN!

Anyway, I wanted to share my experience with the new mic in my locker that is now my go-to mic, the venerable TLM-67:

I've had it long enough now and used it enough now to have a few thoughts on it. . .

I originally picked it up because I wanted something that flattered *my* voice. I watched the frequency responses of my voice through various mics and noticed where I tended to be sibilant. I also noted where my peaks were. Do I have a lot of mid-range, high-end, or low frequencies in my voice?

Since I live in Alaska and can't easily "try before you buy" I found analyzing my own voice this way to be the best solution in avoiding a mic mistake.

While the TLM-102 is a great mic -- it doesn't sound good on me personally. It sounded sizzling, or deep fried. I found it to have an artificial "presence" about it.

My CAD is ... well...finicky and I'm probably going to sell it for parts or something on ebay. Maybe someone can fix whatever's wrong with it.

The D87 clone I have is a great mic for what I paid. It doesn't, however, have the fidelity nor the richness I hear from higher-end mics. It was custom made for me, so there's some sentimental value there -- and it's a great backup LDC mic.

My LDC's bases are now covered with the TLM-67. I'll upload a sample comparing it to the D87 in a bit here, and I think you'll understand what I mean.

To me, the TLM-67 adds a "high def" (not artificially boosted presence) and a smooth, pleasing, natural sounding mid range. When I first started using it, I was a little bit shocked. To me, it sounded like how I sound inside my head! Clear, clean, and well -- me. It sounds like ME, not me speaking into a certain microphone known for a certain sound.

Pros:
-I like how I sound on it
-good detail
-fairly flat response curve from Neumann's own literature (yes, I know it's only a guestimate from them...LOL)
-built like a freaking tank

Cons:
-a bit pricey
-transformerless
-not to nuts about the color

I haven't ever used vintage U67, but apparently there's a conversion kit someone on Gearslutz has come up with that requires no soldering and is reversible to turn a TLM-67 into a U67. I think they add the correct.

I don't get a "vintage" sound when I hear myself on the TLM-67 either. Apparently, that only comes out at high SLP levels (loud singing or instruments). Since I'm not shouting, I doubt I'll ever hear that funky vintage distortion.

Until I can get a clean sample comparing my two LDC's side by side with the "announcer test" -- I did post a video on here that I made using the TLM-67 (you all just didn't realize it!).

Time: The Cosmic Currency

Yes..there's a music bed and it's YouTube so the sound quality is degraded. I encourage you to listen with studio monitors or headphones though...that'll have to do for a few until I get a proper sample for you guys.

I haven't seen the TLM-67 mentioned as a VO mic by anyone really, and I thought you guys might be interested to know that SOMEONE is using it Laugh

As I said, I took my own unique vocal characteristics into consideration and looked at the projected frequency responses from several mics, and the TLM-67 seemed to be the safest bet dipping where I was sibilant and not hyping where it didn't need to. So, for ME -- I think the hours and hours of painful research paid off!
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paulstefano · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 4:50 am Post subject:

Dave, you're crazy! Maybe you should just be a full time equipment reviewer!
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DenaliDave · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:20 am Post subject:

Here's a three-way with the D87 clone, TLM-67 and a dynamic BCM-705:

I wonder if anyone can pick out the TLM-67?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ol5l7jlbaaz0pgi/3%20way%20mic%20deathmatch.mp3?dl=0
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"The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve." - Buddha
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paulstefano · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:49 am Post subject:

DenaliDave · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 9:26 am Post subject:

Interesting guesses....

Wink

And yes, I would love to review gear for a living. If I ever find time I may make some video reviews for my YT channel.
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"The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve." - Buddha
www.alaskamic.com

MBVOXX · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:10 am Post subject:

The TLM67 is a great mic for VO...

DenaliDave · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:45 am Post subject:

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

I like, in this order:

1. #2
2. #2
3. #2
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and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

DenaliDave · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 5:03 pm Post subject:

And Lance....

There's a reason!

cool

And all three are being run through the M5. I mentioned it someplace else on here but I had the M5 plugged into the "send" instead of the "return".

After feeling like I wasn't getting the sound I should, I double checked the FAQ for outboard preamps with Audient.

Sure enough, the FAQ states: