VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Talmadge · Joined: 13 May 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Charlotte,NC

I had a Mikey which was fine for auditions on the road and it's disappeared. Any recommendations for another replacement? I don't need/ use it a lot but would like to have something with me occasionally.
Thanks in advance!

Bish · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 6:59 pm Post subject:

Hi Talmadge... need a portable for the upcoming Faffcon Smile

It very much depends on what you're connecting to. There's a lot of people raving about the Apogee MiC hooked up to the iPad, but if you're looking for something more traditional... are you wanting a USB mic or are you using a separate travel interface (MicPortPro or similar.)

If I was buying something now and wanted something compact for the road, that would work with either USB or XLR, I'd be sorely tempted by the Studio Product LSM (Little Square Mic)... it's around $150~$170 on line, and has garnered some reasonable reviews.

I'm sure you'll get a whole bunch or alternate suggestions Smile

Good to see you here.
Peter
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asnively · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:40 pm Post subject:

OMG-- it comes in PINK? That's all I need to know!

(How tight is the pattern on this little guy? Is it going to pick up the whole hotel room and the ice machine down the hall? Would a little shotgun--like for a video camera or something--be more forgiving in an untreated space?)
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject:

I hadn't seen that one. You would definitely have to get pink...but only if you are AWESOME!

I've wanted to hear a review of the Blue Spark Digital.

http://www.bluemic.com/spark_digital/

This one is USB and iPad compatible plus it has a headphone jack for input monitoring, and a full-sized large diaphragm capsule.

I'm using an Apogee MiC currently myself. When is Sennheiser gonna make the 416-USB? Complete with a built in port-a-booth AND magnetic shock mount to attach to the luggage cart at the hotel!

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

My own search for the ideal travel mic continues....

I want a travel mic to:

1) sound good enough for auditioning, non-broadcast, and radio
2) cost less than $300 if possible (I'd be deathly afraid of losing, damaging, or having something like a -416 stolen)
3) is small in size and fairly light weight,
4) and works well in non-optimal recording environments.

I've been using an AT2050 (the multi-pattern version of the AT2035) as my travel mic along with the good ol MicPortPro and a silent Dell mini with SSD, but I don't like the AT very much. It is cheap (under $150) and VERY protable, but I think it sounds very thin.

After reading Paul Strikwierda's rave review of the CAD E100S, I purchased one of those (got a great deal at B&H). The CAD sounds very good - much better than my AT2050, costs about $325, and is directional enough to work well in a hotel room. (I plan on bringing this to FaffCon, by the way!!). But it is heavy as hell and comes in a bulky case.

I really like the sound of the MXL V88, which is very small too (though sadly it comes in a BIG aluminum box, you could probably make a smaller enclosure), and I found it for under $200. But it does pick up more room noise.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

As a point of reference, I've have a 416, an RE-20, and a Neumann TLM193 for regular use.

For travel I use a Samson C03U. It's amazing for what it is. A usb mic with a supercardiod pattern, medium condenser. Doesn't pick up much room noise.
The quality is more than good enough for broadcast final reads.
For $120 you be surprised with the sonic quality.
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heyguido · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:10 am Post subject:

Perhaps we need a Road Gear Show-n-Tell at this year's FaffCon.

Or better yet.... A Shootout.

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

Don!!!! I just had the exact same light bulb go off in my head. You beat me to it!

Amy, I will be at FaffCon next weekend, and I'd be willing to lead a break-out session about travel gear. I'd love it if I could hook up with Dan Friedman (or someone who has a similar skill set if Dan isn't available). We could talk about issues like:

Ideal travel mic options
Ideal tablet/netbook/laptop options for a portable DAW
MicPort Pro vs Shure competitor (product number escapes me) vs a USB mic
What can be done to prep your recording environment in a hotel room
Using Source Connect in a hotel (may not work...) or Skype
Ways to make it all as portable as possible (like a custom-made case that is as small and light as possible).

Whaddya think?

Don, will you be at FaffCon too? I hope I'm not stealing your thunder - I'd be happy to collaborate with you if you want. I'm geeking out already!
Sarcastic

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heyguido · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:41 am Post subject:

Tom... No worries. Great minds think alike..... Wink

Yes, I'll have my road rig along for the ride. Everything fits in a slim Ghurka backpack. 416, bus-powered 24/96 interface, quiet Samsung series 7 laptop, usb and network cables, and a set of vintage Sony digital reference cans. Only thing I haven't figured out how to pack efficiently is a mic stand.... and I'm working on that.

I'd be happy to show it, and participate. Dan would be an excellent resource, if he's available and willing.

I'm sure there are plenty of others who will be packing heat, as well.

Could be a really interesting and informative session.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 7:34 am Post subject: Re: A little mic for the road...

heyguido · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 7:40 am Post subject:

DougVox · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:02 am Post subject:

Tom & Don, I'm bringing my Apogee Mic, my iPad, and a Porta Booth Pro to the Faff-tacular; any and all of which you're welcome to use for your session.
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Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Talmadge · Joined: 13 May 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Charlotte,NC

I LOVE you guys. Absolutely. See you at Faffcon and I'll be happy... and then go over to Sam Ash and pick up what I need!

asnively · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 11:20 am Post subject:

I think it's a great idea--something that belongs at every FaffCon!

BTW, my road mic is an AT8035 (in an AT8410a mount) and I've been pretty happy with it.

Bonus: Harlan Hogan of Voiceover Essentials has been good enough to contribute a Porta-Booth Plus as a door prize! If you're doing this on Saturday--I can make that available to you. On Sunday, just make arrangements with whoever won it Saturday night.

(If you really wanna be one of the cool kids, place your order RIGHT AWAY and Harlan will ship your Porta-Booth to FaffCon!)
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the Amy Snively family of brands for all your branded thing needs.
Amy Snively
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