VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Fran McClellan · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 3:42 pm Post subject: Yes, it's another mic test

So, I'm thinking of upgrading my mic (pretty sure that's what's gonna happen). Right now I'm mostly using my AT2020, but then decided to dig out my old Studio Projects B1 and dusted off my little PreSonus TUBEPre to give them another try before I take the plunge into a new mic and preamp altogether. I don't like the hiss (or whatever it is I'm hearing that sounds weird).

I posted samples of each mic (just labeled mic 1 and mic 2):

http://soundcloud.com/fmvoice/sets/mic-test

Is the hiss as bad as I think or is it just my crummy speakers (which are definitely getting an upgrade)?
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Hi Fran. I like mic one better. The hiss is not problem. Sounds like you could use a mic screen/popper stopper and use the high pass button (in) on the tube pre.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

First question: what's your budget for a new mic?

Fran McClellan · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:32 am Post subject:

Hoping to stay under $400, but will go to $500-550. I'm actually thinking about the AT4033. I tried one at Faffcon and really liked it a lot
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

If you're a savvy e-bay shopper you could probably find a TLM 102
in your range----if that mic works for you.( Keep in mind though I am partial
to Neumanns)

No experience with the 4033. I've heard good things about it, but get the impression that it could be a little bright on female voices.

Jen Gosnell · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:55 pm Post subject:

Fran, I'm not hearing a hiss in my monitors or headphones. Are you talking about a constant noise? If so, try listening on something different than your monitors and see if it goes away.

For me, mic one shows more depth to your voice without taking away the bright quality, and I like that. Mic two sounds thinner for lack of a better word - I guess I prefer a tone with more roundness to it.

Sounds like you might just be in the mood to mic shop, though... Wink

Have fun.
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georgethetech · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 11:23 pm Post subject:

Mic 1 is better, and cleaner with lower noise floor. Mic 2 as an unacceptable level of hiss. Plosives would be fixed with a shift of your mic position off axis from your mouth either higher or to the side.
AT4047 is pretty sweet on lady voices, so is an SM7b with a CloudLifter.
Also, the CAD e100s might be pretty nice, since it doesn't get overly bright. TLM103 is not worth the dough, IMHO.
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Fran McClellan · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:55 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone!

Between the 2 I like the sound of mic 1 better (unfortunately, it happens to be the AT2020 which isn't playing nice with SC right now). The only thing is that, to me, it sounds a bit too muddy (or something...can't describe it). Mic 2 is the Studio Projects mic, but it does sound a little harsh and I think the hiss may be coming from my dinky little pre amp. Also, I usually use a pop filter, but removed it for the test.

I wish I had a place nearby where I could test out more mics Uncertain

I haven't tried any of the mics suggested, but would love to (gonna look into return policies and see what I can order Laugh

). I'm also not very used to working a preamp since I've been on a USB mic for so long and haven't had to play around with much else.
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paulstrikwerda · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:33 pm Post subject:

Here's a link to my recent review of the CAD E100S:

http://recordinghacks.com/2012/04/15/cad-e100s-voiceover-review/
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ChrisMezzolesta · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:25 am Post subject:

4033 and 4040 are nicey nicey! I've done VO and recorded albums with both, and they are great all-around mics without any gaps in coverage or quality (of course I say this as a non-trained person but with decades of talking into things - cups, elbows, cabinets, etc.!!!)
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Fran McClellan · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:29 am Post subject:

I did break down and get the 4033. Pretty happy with it so far (just got it Tues.). I also got the MicPort Pro and that's the only thing I've put it through. I'm thinking of testing it through my PreSonus tonight, but I have a feeling that's where the hiss was coming from before (BTW...love the M Hobo Tounge

so far!). The new mic plays well with SC too (yay!)
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:06 am Post subject:

that is one sweet mic! were we in the mic test room together with steve, fran? i lurved that sound, even though i already have a 3035, i kind of covet the 4033.

good on YOU!

also great that you now have the m Hobo Tounge

(we all love those, don't we??!), as it may help you isolate that hiss.
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Fran McClellan · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:11 am Post subject:

Thanks! Yep, I was in the mic test room too...that's what made me decide on that one (I became a little obsessed with it after that...lol!)
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:14 am Post subject:

i thought you were there, fran, but i had my head down reading copy and testing mics and basically hogging the spotlight. and for that, i apologize!
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Fran McClellan · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:17 am Post subject:

You were absolutely not hogging anything, silly! Smile

No apologies needed! Everyone was testing out the mics...that's what we were all there for Smile

I think I'm slowly, but surely becoming a gear-head (kinda...half the time I still glaze over in confusion when folks talk gear talk : Hobo Happy

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