Mic recommendation for Green Day/Blur kind of voice

[idavemm]

I'm looking for a condenser microphone that suits my voice type for recording.

I'm evaluating the purchase of the se2200A, from SE Electronics, I think it has a high value for its price. My budget could go to €350 ($460), maybe something more if I could get far more quality. I will be connecting it to an Apogee Duet II interface.

My voice is very similar to Billie Joe Amstrong (Green Day) or Damon Albarn (Blur). What would you suggest for this kind of male voice?

[RocksOff]

The SE2200A is pretty nice mic. I think it will work for you, but if you have a good preamp and a compressor that you can use to smash a little on the way in, try a 57. It would surprise me if at least one of those two haven't tracked with 57s on some vocals.

[idavemm]

The SE2200A is pretty nice mic. I think it will work for you, but if you have a good preamp and a compressor that you can use to smash a little on the way in, try a 57. It would surprise me if at least one of those two haven't tracked with 57s on some vocals.

I would like a condenser mic, because I already have a dynamic mic: the Blue en·CORE 100 :)

[RocksOff]

Well, there you go! Problem solved.

[loudboy]

Billie Joe uses a U-47 in the studio.

[whitepapagold]

Billie Joe uses a U-47 in the studio.

He uses different mics depending on song, producer and engineer.

The cheapest being an SM7.

[Duckmeister]

The work done on their voice isn't more about the microphone selection than it is about compression and EQ. Generally, to get that (hi-pass) "filter" sound a'la Song 2 is generally, just that, a bit of smash compression and a hi-pass, and you take off the hi-pass for the chorus. If you listen to something outside of that range, for instance, Stylo by the Gorillaz, there isn't really a lot of processing going on there besides taking out some low-mids, doubling, and a bit of chorus and a hint of phaser during some of the verses.

If you're really paranoid about mic choice for specific types of vocalists (and let's face it, every audio engineer has their tic), then it's really up to your own ears, you could use the exact same mic they used on the album you're trying to go for and it might not sound the same. Demo a bunch of mics in the range you're looking for and see which one works. Just in my personal opinion, the work one does in the mixing process tends to outweigh mic selection, unless of course you're doing something boneheaded like tracking a vocal on a drum mic.

[idavemm]

Ok, thanks for your answers.

I'll choose one between these:

- SE Electronics SE2200A
- Blue Spark
- Sennheiser MK4

Being the two first made in China, and the third made in Germany.

Would someone help me to choose one taking into account that I want the most clear sounding one? (and why not, knowing how my voice sounds)

[whitepapagold]

The work done on their voice isn't more about the microphone selection than it is about compression and EQ.

Boy is that untrue...

[RocksOff]

I would also recommend a Karma K58 in your price range. It's actually a very good sounding tube mic at a relatively low price point.

[idavemm]

I'm discarding the Sennheiser MK4 as I don't like its higher end.

I'm considering the AT4040.

Thanks RocksOff for your advice, although I want a condenser mic.

[Duckmeister]

Boy is that untrue...

My point is that it varies singer to singer. Some folks put more emphasis on it than others. What works for them may not work for you. Etc.

[whitepapagold]

What works for them may not work for you.

Boy is that true.

To the OP-

The reason an SM7 works well for him is because of the way you can hit it hard. If a singer spits loud, than an sm7 may work well.

But hes also running it into a chandler LTD-1 preamp. It can be a nice combination. With something less, it may not sound as good.

The AT4040 would be a decent choice for low end condensers. Just don't pick a condenser with a hyped top end- on cheaper mics it just sounds bad.

[idavemm]

The AT4040 would be a decent choice for low end condensers. Just don't pick a condenser with a hyped top end- on cheaper mics it just sounds bad.

Do you mean Audio Technica is a cheap brand? Because the AT4040 is one of their more expensive condenser mics.

A Neumann TLM 102 would be also a cheap mic?

[RocksOff]

I'm discarding the Sennheiser MK4 as I don't like its higher end.

I'm considering the AT4040.

Thanks RocksOff for your advice, although I want a condenser mic.

The Karma K58 is a condenser mic, albeit tube driven.

[idavemm]

The Karma K58 is a condenser mic, albeit tube driven.

Oh ok. Maybe I might have said a "pure condenser" mic :)

[loudboy]

Do you mean Audio Technica is a cheap brand? Because the AT4040 is one of their more expensive condenser mics.

A Neumann TLM 102 would be also a cheap mic?

As far as LDCs go, I like to group them into 4 categories:

<$300 - These are generally re-branded Chinese mics. Some gems here, but generally they're hyped in the high-end and sort of harsh sounding. QC is all over the place.

$300-600 - You can get nice stuff here, like Shure and AT, but overall, they tend to be generic sounding. Honda Civics - they'll get the job done nicely, but not any real vibe or color.

$600-1200 - Starts to get good here. Lots of nice choices, and you'll get distinctive character, which when used on the right source, can be veery nice.

>$1200 - The really good stuff, magic is here when you get the right mic on a great singer.

[idavemm]

Thanks loudboy, I think I got it.

So, recording engineers with a great collection of expensive mics can give the right one to the singer. This is the magic you are refering to, I think.

But for the rest of us (hobbyists with a tight budget), it's better to save some money to get one of those general sounding mics.

:rimshot

[whitepapagold]

Do you mean Audio Technica is a cheap brand? Because the AT4040 is one of their more expensive condenser mics.

A Neumann TLM 102 would be also a cheap mic?

AT is an affordable line of mics.

The TLM 102 is in the lower end of Neumann.

I would take a higher AT mic, than a lower Neumann. BUT the only way to really know is to try them. It also depends a lot on the space you record in. If you are tracking at home, then the room will have its own influence and the room influence is HUGE, close mic'ed or not.

So its a combination of the mic's interpretation of your voice in your room.

Sadly, theres just no way to be sure. And a condenser while adding usually to a more open top and broader spectrum signal, will also add to the problem areas. As in if the mic enhances your recording, it can also enhance the problems with the recording.

Don't think a condenser will be the best choice- it may not be. And again, the cheapest mic Greenday uses on Billie is an SM7- a dynamic mic for about $350.

If I were you and couldn't try before I buy, I would be prepared to-

Buy a mic. Try it. Then sell it and buy another if you don't like it. Don't get married to it just cause you spent some money.

As for condensers, you will never get the same sound as most great recordings in that price range. The mics we use on lead singers to make records here are between 4 and 7 grand...

But amazing things have been done with affordable equipment and a great performance.

[idavemm]

Well, I don't aim to sound professional because I want the mic to record good demos. The day I will want to sound professional I will go to a professional studio with expensive mics and a good technician :)

I was considering the SM7B, but it could not be as good as a condenser mic for acoustic guitars, so I think it's discarded. Also, I have a Blue encore·100, very similar to a SM58, so I could try to compare.

I understand those problems about the room, but I don't care much as a Reflexion Filter would minimize them.

[loudboy]

I was considering the SM7B, but it could not be as good as a condenser mic for acoustic guitars, so I think it's discarded.

Ok, this is the first mention of acoustic guitars... <g>

I would recommend something in the Shure range - maybe a KSM-32? Or, as noted above, an AT.

Good solid mics, capable of recording an accurate picture of the source.

[idavemm]

Wow.. the KSM32 is more expensive than the AT4040 (which is indeed expensive for a hobbyist).

In that price range there are more serious contenders, as the Neumann TLM102 among others.

If the difference in price between the AT4040 and the KSM32 is equivalent to the quality, I could think about it :confused:

[whitepapagold]

Loudboy is right.

The KSM32 is a good mic.

[idavemm]

Loudboy is right.

The KSM32 is a good mic.

Of course it's a good mic. But it could be interesting to know about the difference in quality in respect to the AT4040.

[RocksOff]

The only way to know is to try them both.
There are many variables to recording. Additionally, if you're just demoing, grab an MXL or something.

[idavemm]

I'm demoing, but I want it to sound reasonably well :)

[whitepapagold]

Of course it's a good mic. But it could be interesting to know about the difference in quality in respect to the AT4040.

Of course its a good mic?

You have no idea- don't act like you do. It could sound like crap in your situation...

See this is the problem with inexperienced folks. You need to TRY them. Not post on the internet. There is no amount of reading that will help you make the right choice.

ONLY trying the mics recommended will answer your question. Nobody can possibly tell you which one will fit your voice better without listening. They can only tell you which ones might be worth checking out.

But nobody wants to hear that...

[idavemm]

whitepapagold, you still are not answering the question. To say obvious things you could say nothing.

In my first message I was giving clear references about my voice type. If you can do nothing to help me, I think it's better to ignore my thread.

It's obvious that the best thing is to try them, but in my city there is nowhere to do it, so I'm asking for the closest one taking my voice type as a reference.

If you want to go on with obvious things (like your latest 2 messages) I will not answer you. Period.

[jmoose]

whitepapagold, you still are not answering the question. To say obvious things you could say nothing.

In my first message I was giving clear references about my voice type. If you can do nothing to help me, I think it's better to ignore my thread.

It's obvious that the best thing is to try them, but in my city there is nowhere to do it, so I'm asking for the closest one taking my voice type as a reference.

If you want to go on with obvious things (like your latest 2 messages) I will not answer you. Period.


The problem is that he's 110% right.

Nobody can tell you what's going to be good on your voice without hearing you. And even then if we wanna go the top 10% as you aspire, it can depend not just on the singer but on what the rest of the tracks sound like. Different vocal mics for different songs...

I did an EP, maybe 2-3 months ago (for a TGP members band) and between he and I the mic cabinet was really well stocked. All the $1000+ stuff and standards were there... his nice old Stephen Paul U87; my Neumann M147 tube & 103s; various BLUES; SM7; 421 etc

You know what we picked out all those?

None.

Used a Stephen Sank M260DX ribbon mic.

Why? It sounded "the best" on the singers voice and was her preference.

YMMV and all that.

[idavemm]

Ok, then what are we discussing about?

Normally the first answer to a question like mine is: "how the hell are we giving a recommendation without knowing about your budget?", the second is: "we are not magicians, how is your voice? man? woman? how do you sound like?", and finally the third is: "try some mics for yourself". Ok! That last answer would have been better in the first reply, IMHO.

For the rest of readers, even knowing your voice timbre, there's nothing to do here. Run to your local dealer and choose a mic blindly. If that does not work, bad luck.

[whitepapagold]

whitepapagold, you still are not answering the question. To say obvious things you could say nothing.

In my first message I was giving clear references about my voice type. If you can do nothing to help me, I think it's better to ignore my thread.

It's obvious that the best thing is to try them, but in my city there is nowhere to do it, so I'm asking for the closest one taking my voice type as a reference.

If you want to go on with obvious things (like your latest 2 messages) I will not answer you. Period.

Nowhere to do it? You can buy them online, try them, then return it and try another. Maybe not GC but smaller stores will let you.

Keep making excuses thats fine.

Don't answer me thats also fine.

Your asking for a comparison on a source/room that none of us can actually hear is ridiculous and not realistic by any means. And anyone saying different is FOS. But yeah, Im sure you know better and this isn't fruitless whatsoever.

Since I won't tell you what you want to hear Im out.

Best of luck.:facepalm

[RocksOff]

Is it just me, or does the OP have a bit of an abrasive demeanor?

[idavemm]

Best of luck.:facepalm

Best of luck? Yeah, writting that with a facepalm is very sincere :facepalm

[idavemm]

I have found an nice review here: http://recordinghacks.com/2011/11/28/the-best-200-condenser/

I think it's worth checking out, altough it's a low-end comparative. But for a non-professional studio application it's very interesting.

The AKG seems to be a good all-around mic. Another option to consider together with the AT4040.

[onemind]

I remember reading in one of the old recording mags that It's a cost effective solution to take an hour or two in a well equipped studio (with a good mic locker) to see what works best.

[idavemm]

Yes, thanks onemind to recommend it in a non-provocative way.

[onemind]

I don't know where you're located Dave, but high end vendors here in NY often have a Vocal Booth set up so you can at least hear yourself (or your singer) through multiple mics. I know B & H has this setup.

[idavemm]

I would love to live in NY, but I'm living in Barcelona, and here there isn't any option to test mics. I have asked every known music shop, none of them have a vocal booth, that would be fantastic. One of them said me that all brands seal the mic boxes, and for that reason they are not providing any way to try them. Sad but true...

Anyway, I'll find my way. Thanks.

[hhawkins]

What about these:

Rode NT1-A
AKG 414

[bengigone]

The Blue Spark is an awesome mic for what it seems like you're looking for. Very clear sounding and for an awesome value.

[idavemm]

Yes, it's an interesting option.

hhawkins, the 414 has few models, but all of them are very expensive for the price range I was looking at. Maybe a "stripped down" edition such as the AKG c214 would work.