|
Post by stormymondays on Aug 17, 2018 14:27:43 GMT -6
I've decided that while I love that there are a lot of affordable mics/clones that can get you 90% of the way towards a classic sound, I really need a flagship/standard/workhorse/no brainer vocal mic. The studio is geared towards classic rock / folk rock / americana. I already have the mandatory hipster SM7B (which I happen to really like, by the way). I'm looking for the kind of "first call" mic that will be right or even awesome for most singers. Then once we have that baseline, we can experiment with more exotic or cheaper mics. I'm thinking of these options: -Neumann U87 Ai. It is what it is, it's out there in every studio, it's expected. Probably the right choice. -Neumann U87 P48, serviced. It's 600 GBP more than the current U87. Not sure if it's worth the extra expense or not. -Chandler REDD. It doesn't have the same brand recognition as the Neumann but I'm sure it sounds impressive anyway. Expensive! -Neumann U67 reissue. I will need to wait a few months on it. However, if it saves me from buying two 3,000 € mics, or six € 1,000 mics, it will be money well spent. -AEA R44. I will need to wait a few months on it as well. A ribbon is probably not the right choice for my intended use, but I'm interested in hearing your thoughts. I'm using these condensers: Advanced Audio CM47, JZ Vintage 67, Michael Joly LDC "67 inspired" capsule for Oktava body. Ribbons that I've used for vocals include Stager SR-2N, Royer R101 and Xaudia Reslo Beeb. And of course, the usual dynamics. I also have the Stam 67 on order, but I think it will be more of the same.
|
|
|
Post by matt on Aug 17, 2018 14:45:45 GMT -6
I really need a flagship/standard/workhorse/no brainer vocal mic. I'm a huge U47 fan. I'd love to own an original, but that would concentrate a whole bunch of cash into one thing. But a beautiful thing.
|
|
|
Post by indiehouse on Aug 17, 2018 14:49:00 GMT -6
I really need a flagship/standard/workhorse/no brainer vocal mic. U87
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2018 14:51:49 GMT -6
Pfff, rock? U67.... No brainer.! 90% of way there? Damn some of these "affordable mic's" sound better, still need something with a big Neumann logo on it to impress the clients though right?
|
|
|
Post by winetree on Aug 17, 2018 14:58:54 GMT -6
Besides the Neumann tube mikes, The orginial classic Neuman U87. The one with the battery compartment. This mic was the workhorse L.D.C. mic used in major studios for decades. My Walley Heider u87s, from the 1960's, look like someone pounded nails with them. They've taken a lickin and keep on ticking.
|
|
|
Post by bigbone on Aug 17, 2018 15:04:03 GMT -6
56 answer 56 different answer,!!!!
Get a U87, that's the mic client recognize the most,that's what count. !!!!
|
|
|
Post by spindrift on Aug 17, 2018 15:32:16 GMT -6
U67 Reissue or U87. Or U87 with MK67 MaxMod
|
|
|
Post by mcirish on Aug 17, 2018 15:46:39 GMT -6
I'm a fan of the U47 /U48. I've used originals on some sessions and nothing touched them. BUT, my Wunder CM7GS/M7 is probably 95% the same and .5dB of EQ would make them identical. Seriously, I would not buy a vintage mic unless you know exactly what you are getting. If the U47 has a PVC capsule, it may sound great or it may have already started deteriorating. A PVC capsule will go bad. It's only a matter of when. That is expensive to replace. A 251 is also another great option but many of the originals are literally falling apart inside. They don't have quite the heft of the U47 but it was very nice (in my sessions). There are literally dozens of truly great mics made right now for under $4k. Do they sound exactly like a U47 or U67? Does any two U47s or U67s sound the same? I doubt it. In the extensive tests I did with Thiersch and Beesneez capsules, you can get a truly world class sound in an affordable mic. BUT, you can't get the client saying "wow". If that is the most important thing, then you have to spend big money. Personally, I didn't care for the U87 in the settings I used it in. I also did not like any of the big ticket Neumann mics I borrowed in the last few years. They had a hardness that did not work on vocals (for me). I've used a Bock (Soundelux) 251 and 47 and they were both very nice as well. yes... I have an addiction. Lucky for me I know someone with a very large mic locker filled with things I could never afford...
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Aug 17, 2018 17:00:13 GMT -6
67 or 87 (non AI). Done.
|
|
|
Post by stormymondays on Aug 17, 2018 17:13:03 GMT -6
I wonder if the non Ai version is worth the extra price and hassle of buying vintage instead of new...
|
|
|
Post by wiz on Aug 17, 2018 17:46:56 GMT -6
I looooooove my non AI 87.
More importantly, it LOVES me 8)
Its also nearly doubled in value since I have owned it.
cheers
Wiz
|
|
|
Post by hadaja on Aug 17, 2018 18:36:15 GMT -6
surprised to see another jz v67 mic user. I find it quite a reasonable mic as well. I for some reason still love my AT 4060 mki version as well. It just works for some voices over a u87ai. Wait for the Stam u67 to arrive and maybe both our searches might finally be over for a decent vocal mic.
|
|
|
Post by yotonic on Aug 17, 2018 23:22:22 GMT -6
I agree with Wiz. I've owned pretty much everything and currently own a Neumann M49, U67, and U87. For me, the vintage U87 with an 1176/1178 and a vintage La2a is the quintessential sound of records. It's everything from Jackson Browne to Neil Young and Jay Z LOL. My most used channel is a 1976 U87 owned by Sly Stone into a Telefunken V72 preamp into a Urei 1178 followed by a vintage Teletronix/Babcock La2a. The La2a is the single most important piece of gear I've ever owned for vocals. Total game changer for tone, dynamics, and expression.
|
|
|
Post by jtc111 on Aug 18, 2018 1:21:20 GMT -6
I don't think anything is more versatile than a good 47. An original will cost you five figures but the Flea 47 will get you 99% of the way there for about a third of the price. Full low end, creamy mids, and a beautiful top end that will give you a little bite but is never harsh. The first time I heard myself through mine, I walked around with a smile on my face for days.
|
|
|
Post by chessparov on Aug 18, 2018 1:21:43 GMT -6
I find Klaus' concerns, regarding the more recent Neumann capsules, to be highly compelling. If it were me, I'd tread on the side of discretion, and start by getting one of the older U87's.
I get the impression, that with someone like David Bock, or Wes Dooley, personally heading up a company...
Most likely they'd have less concerns, ala Neumann, regarding capsule (or also tube with Bock) issues. Chris
|
|
|
Post by marylin on Aug 18, 2018 2:35:17 GMT -6
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,942
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Aug 18, 2018 10:02:35 GMT -6
Personally Flea 49 you can use it on anyone and it won’t dissipoint. Not a huge 87 fan probably to much time spent with AI’s but buying an AI seeing if it delivers and sending it to Shannon to make it what you want is probably still cheaper than trying to find a nice vintage at this point in time.
|
|
|
Post by mhbunch on Aug 18, 2018 12:19:06 GMT -6
Between my Pearlman Tm47 and aea 44 I’m totally set. 2 very different, very gorgeous sounding mics.
|
|
|
Post by stormymondays on Aug 18, 2018 13:32:14 GMT -6
Between my Pearlman Tm47 and aea 44 I’m totally set. 2 very different, very gorgeous sounding mics. Tell me more about the AEA 44 for vocals! Oh and great replies everybody! Keep them coming!
|
|
|
Post by sean on Aug 18, 2018 15:34:15 GMT -6
I’ve gone though this a bit...it’s tough. I have a Flea 49 Next that sometimes is the ticket, but other times it’s a bit dull. I’d like to get a “brighter”’option, maybe a Upton or Bock 251. U87 is a standard for a reason
|
|
|
Post by notneeson on Aug 18, 2018 17:32:05 GMT -6
I have a WA47 and when it’s right it’s great. It’s also proving useful on acoustic guitar where I haven’t typically been an ldc guy.
That said, I’d love to own an Arabella and I’d probably be better off with an 87 to bring people in.
|
|
|
Post by chessparov on Aug 18, 2018 17:59:53 GMT -6
IMHO the 44 ribbon is Thee "right kind of sound" for Folk based music and Americana. My second purchase for a commercial studio, after a U87. Chris
|
|
|
Post by Martin John Butler on Aug 18, 2018 21:03:06 GMT -6
The 87 is the world's most ubiquitous mic for a reason, they sound great on almost everything and vocals sit right easily. It's that simple, get an 87 and you're fine for a long time.
|
|
|
Post by spindrift on Aug 18, 2018 21:24:10 GMT -6
The 87 is the world's most ubiquitous mic for a reason, they sound great on almost everything and vocals sit right easily. It's that simple, get an 87 and you're fine for a long time. To add to Martin’s recommendation, if you go 87, you’re better off going 87i vs. 87Ai. the Ai’s capsules can be hit/miss....but if you do go 87Ai and get one with a good capsule, you can do the MaxMod for the 67 sound too. Choices choices.
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Aug 19, 2018 1:19:46 GMT -6
I do not mean this as a criticism of anyone, but is the “hit or miss” thing (that’s become sort of Forum Lore) based on actual user experience or just on the allegations of sacrosanct commentators like Klaus Heyne?
Again. Not throwing stones, just curious.
|
|