VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

MaxVO · Joined: 25 Jul 2012 Posts: 1

Hello VO-BB! I am an aspiring voice-over artist and have been researching "gear" for a few weeks. So far, I know I want:

1. Shure SM7B

2. Cloudlifter CL-1

But the part I'm stuck at is: (a) pre-amp and (b) converter (or whatever you call the thing that the makes the pre-amp go into the computer to record).

After I buy the SM7B and the CL-1, my leftover budget is in the $600 range.

I am definitely not against buying a used preamp/converter if I can get more bang for my buck!

All I am planning on doing is single-mic voice-over work. I know the SM7B need at least 60 db of max gain, so I need a fairly strong preamp.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Max

P.S. - being a complete beginner, I would prefer equipment that is easy to operate (I'm no sound engineer).

Bish · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 5:50 pm Post subject:

Hey Max, welcome to the board. I have the SM7B which I use primarily for long-form narration. I don't have the Cloudlifter, but use the FETHead instead. It's exactly the same, giving a clean 20dB of gain. Now, this set-up will open up the entire world of pre-amps.... you don't need to look for one with massive amounts of gain as you're using the Cloudlifter, which is effectively doing a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

Talking pre-amps is a bit like talking religion... everyone has a good solid argument for the one they like. There are two paths you should consider... avoid complicated, chose either simple, or relatively simple.

Simple... a no-frills USB converter like the MicPortPro. Many people here swear by them. I think I read that it's quite happy with a dynamic (such as the Shure) and a Cloudlifter. There are plenty of people here that swear by them.

Also simple... a basic M-Audio pre-amp/USB interface

Relatively simple... get a solid & trusted pre-amp like the dbx286a... they turn up here occasionally (used) for around $125. In fact, I think someone's selling one at the moment. Then interface that to a basic M-Audio unit. It will give you some solid outboard processing and will work nicely with the SM7B. For the money, the dbx unit is solid gold.

Now, as much as I hate spending other people's money... if I had $600 burning a hole in my pocket for a pre-amp/interface, I'd be straight on to Sweetwater ordering an Apogee Duet2... but I've got a Mac, so that may not be a choice for you.

I'm sure others will chime in... and you'll end up with a lot of good options. We love spending other people's money... it's the vicarious (and cheaper) solution to GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).

Edit: If you haven't committed to the CL-1 yet, check-out the FETHead (zenproaudio has it for $99). It works nicely with the SM7B as it fits in-line on the mic's output (or pre-amp's input if you like)... one less cable in the chain... one less cable to go faulty.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Good advice from Bish. With the Cloudlifter, I'd go with the M-Audio C400.

Good converter, monitor outputs, and headphone jack. Gets good reviews and M-Audio has been making interfaces for a long time.

I use something similar, but it's firwire - konnekt 6.
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Dale · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 6:18 am Post subject:

+1 to Bish and Bill's advice.

Jason Miller posted a shoot out, with CL, Apogee, and M-Audio samples included, regarding audio interfaces for the SM7B:
http://recordinghacks.com/2012/06/18/sm7b-audio-interface-shootout/

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 8:44 am Post subject:

Have you demo'd the SM7B? That is one (one of many) mistake I made when I entered the VO arena; I didn't demo the mic that I "researched" to determine what would sound best for me. I regretted that decision, because there are mics that I believe would sound better for me (but I don't have money to switch). I have a pro-audio friend who can get me demos of Neumann and Sennheiser, and I didn't take advantage of it....poor choice.

That said, I would ABSOLUTELY recommend that if you have $600 for an interface you follow the advice of Bish. I have the Apogee Duet 2, and that interface is incredible. Really low noise (by itself, with the gain set at 50db you get a noise floor of about -80db...then it just depends on your mic/components/environment), really clean preamp, and really clean converters.

I've tried quite a few interfaces, and this one is THE keeper for me. I had the Apogee ONE before it, and it was too noisy. The Duet 2 is quite, clean, and sterile. The clarity is great if you want to add specific color with an external pre (you can bypass the Duet 2 preamp) and mic choice. The Duet 2 won't color it, so it is a great starting place in developing your sound.

Don't buy that mic unless you have tested it, and like how your voice sounds in it. It doesn't matter what reviews say, all that matters is your voice in your environment recorded on your gear.

Bish · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 9:40 am Post subject:

Words of wisdom from Jason. I have gone through many microphones on my path to what worked for me. I'll admit to playing at the lower-end of the microphone market... but you don't have to buy a Neumann or whatever to compete. There are people here who risk being tarred and feathered by stating openly that they don't like the U87 Smile

A word of warning though... if you want to test-drive a mic be very careful about testing in the store. You may be able to sit in Guitar Center and try stuff out, but you're not in your environment. Some will argue that it's a useless test. I think it will give you an idea, but should not be the ultimate test. I tend to impulse buy and then sell if it really doesn't work for me. This way I get an extended test, and if you buy carefully, it doesn't cost a lot to do.

I do a lot of audiobook work, and (with my voice) I like the sound of a dynamic mic on long-form work. It's easier on the listener's ears, and doesn't have the requirement of being razor-sharp for cutting through a mix. Initially, I had a Heil PR-40 which has a big following especially in the podcasting world. It just didn't work for me... it gave me a harsh edge which was a little fatiguing. I tried the SM7B and loved it.

Same with condenser mics... I have a bucketful of MXL mics which for the most part are very good for the price. The stand-out for me is the V88 which can be had for a little over $100. I will never part with this little gem, but the others are being re-purposed, gifted or sold. Recently, fellow GAS sufferers here pointed at the CAD e100s as a wonderful under-appreciated mic (price comparable to the SM7B). I checked the reviews, bought one and absolutely love it.

All these decisions have been made after extended use in my own environment. A new mic will usually have an initial wow factor as you justify the expense, but (I think) you have to live with something to learn how to use it properly. A mic that doesn't impress first-off, may grow on you as you find that it rocks if you use a 30º vertical and/or horizontal offset as you address it.

So... if you have someone who can loan you mics... great. I would look at some of the reputable on-line dealers (Sweetwater, BSW etc.) and check their specific return policy on microphones... or just go for it and be prepared to sell it if it doesn't work after putting it through its paces.

I like Bill's suggestion of the C400 (it's around $250). I would suggest that if you go with the Shure, hold off on the Cloudlifter until you know if you need it or not. The Shure output is definitely on the low side, but the C400 may be OK. Ditto if you put the dbx in your chain. The Cloudlifter (or FETHead) is there to solve a problem... you may find that you don't actually have the problem.

I only write at length because once I stop writing, I'll have to start editing audiobook files, and I'm a world-class procrastinator Wink

_________________
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.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 9:57 am Post subject:

Bish, I feel ya on the audiobook editing. I'm on 22/30 chapters on my current book, and I'm really realizing that a "calmer" mic sound would be great for it. My current ( modded rode NT1a) mic is really detailed and a bit too bright. I have to cut highs to prevent listener fatigue.

whalewtchr · Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 10:23 pm Post subject:

Hi Max VO. Good advice from everyone here. I have a Shure SM7B as well and I've used it on a couple of audiobooks, but keep in mind that most of the time dynamic mics are utilized for loud environments, singers that belt it out, loud shouting DJ's, highly processed commercial vo, mic-ing stage or studio instruments like cabs and drum kits-I love the mic, but as you mentioned, it requires a ton of clean gain. Back in the day you would find a lot of radio studios using SM7B's or RE20's, real broadcast workhorse microphones that could take a beating day in and day out. I feed my SM7B thru a Symmetrix 528e. I max out the Input to 60dB. The problem with my Shure (for audiobooks) is that I have to be spot on with the sweet spot (as it is highly directional) and when I did corrections or pickups it was a challenge to match it, plus the mic has a ton of proximity effect which isn't good for long form narration IMHO. It was a LOT of effort to get it right for an audiobook. The plus side is that it can reduce your lip smacking and mouth noises as well as ambient noise, downside is that for me I could not capture low volume nuances in audiobook dialogue with the dynamic as well as I could with my condenser. Don't get me wrong, I love my Shure SM7B especially for broadcast spots, for audiobooks, it would depend on the book, but for most books I'll probably go with the condenser and a good pre-amp. If you will be doing mostly broadcast type VO The SM7B and 528e is a good combo, though any decent preamp with 55+ of clean dB gain should do the trick.

Just got the Apogee Duet Two and it Rocks, the converters are simply unbelievable for the money. I was using an MBox Mini and the difference is night and day better for the Duet. I have not used the Apogee preamp (70db of gain) yet as I bypass it with the 528e. Keep in mind the Apogee Duet Two is not compatible with LE8 if you use PT and they highly recommend OS X 10.7.4 I believe Duet Two is also compatible with Mountain Lion.

Like Bish said everyone has an opinion on what works for their situation.

Good Luck!
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:34 pm Post subject:

@max, woud you like to buy my shure sm7b? gently used ...
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232