Let’s talk vocal mics for $2kish in 2024

when you all refer to the "BU67", is that actually the BeesNeez B67-269 or is there specifically a different mic?  Seems like it gets a lot of love so want to make sure I'm looking at the right thing...

I have the original MKI.
Fortunately, the default OG 67 setting seems like one of the real mic "Soul Mates" on my (usual) voice.*

The MKII gives even more tonal flexibility.
Chris
*I also really like my Elly Studio.
Particularly for my (rather unusual )
Countertenor.

Beesneez 67 is my favorite vocal mic at ANY price!

Not really C12 flavored. We try to do original-sounding mics instead of the umpteenth "totally a U47" clone for $50 cheaper than the last guy. There's plenty of guys that are doing it quite well already (several of them members of RGO!) and I prefer to provide a brand-new color rather than yet another shade of "C12 green" or "U87 purple". 

which grumpy old friend is using them on OH? Are you referring to Jason Bonham?

Nifty that you're in philly. we moved out here 3 years ago, but the main operation is still in SoCal. I'm actually headed back that way tomorrow for a visit.

Tube Soyuz 017 used. Best mic in that price range. Or a Horch RM2J mk 2. Fantastic mic. Best mics without buying a u47.
Beesneez 251 if you want the best in that flavour.

I think you could revise this thread as vocal mics over 2k in 2024: which ones are actually worth the investment?

IMO there’s no reason to spend more than that for a good classic clone, or for a good original design unless you’re running a commercial studio and need some gear list fodder.

One of my favorite mics I've ever used
How I sound in my head is how I sound with this mic
The B voicing is perfection

It is a marvellous microphone that’s for sure.

Hey it's like those Classic Horror movies...
The Vampire's been invited in!

My Kidding aside, it was/is an option for me to train as a Classical Countertenor (High Male Soprano).
Normally around Town, it's primarily on Soul and Reggae stuff.
(With Blondie Chaplin back "Sitting In"-I want to do some Beach Boys material with him too Live)

More details on Elly etc... Before bed tonight/after work.

EDIT: Elly Studio is nicer for my voice. But IMHO got a nice "one take" Character Voice cut on the 47jr here.
(Since sold to another RGO member. Now my "ex" 47jr is on Drum cymbals. )

Thanks Louis.
Chris
P.S. Blondie and Jelani Jones (World Anthem) both have unreal Male Falsettos BTW!
 Fuller than mine. But my voice is set higher. So usually am better with one or two of these guys.

Not you. Me!

The legend is that if you don't invite a Vampire in your home...
They can't get in!

With all the notable AE's, along with Master Microphone makers (like Ben Sneesby and Eric Heiserman et al)...

I recommend you factor in their greater expertise/experience.
Along with my Amateur Enthusiasm.

More later.
And will listen later.
Chris
P.S. I like offbeat mics often on highly Processed vocals, like on your clip. 

Thanks for the clarification regarding Monterey. I dearly love the way the singer occupies the front stage in a creative way on the Animals music. He maintains his voice on a mid-rangey plateau most times. Rarely does he goes deep. He fills the presence region throughout their songs. A true "front-runner".

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The Beesneez 251, based on the Paulcheeba's son audio snippet on GS, is definitely on the "smooth 251" side of the 251 spectrum. Out of all the other 251 clones readily hearable online, it's the smoothest I've heard yet. I don't hear as much """rapsy""" texture on the BN251 as on other 251 clones. There *is* a slight texture uptop, but it's not overbearing, it's of a fine granularity, and quiet. I hear this texture when I compare the paulcheeba BN251 audio snippets to another completely different microphone or modern songs. Only then do I distinctly hear the BN251 texture. It's a saturated "plateau", a "pedestal" to stand on ; for singers that try to sustain and extend the "presence" ambitus of their upper chest voice.

I wonder if the """raspy""" qualities I hear on many 251 clones are due to clone manufacturers reproducing the sound of their 50+ old greasy 251. & maybe what gives the 251 a sustained relevance TODAY, IS actually the aging """raspy""" qualities ; its wrinkles. Not so much its brand-new "pedestal" sound, that only past people sang onto.

Splitting hairs is exhausting. This hair is very thick though.

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An then, to my ears the old C12 long body is this same kind of 251 sound, but flater, clearer, neatly organized & extended, and less saturated maybe.

If the C12 is an abstract front-runner pedestal or plateau, then the 251 would be a dimly lit cabaret scene ; and above it, one centric spotlight reveals the cold cigaret smoke suspended in the air.

These images make the 251 sound like a vulgar mic, but it's not vulgar when it has the smooth sound of the BN251 I hear in the audio snippets (I'd die to hear more...).

Now I do not know if a C12 long body sounds any different than a C12A, and why it does or doesn't. But it's important and I want to find out !

The long body BC12 is more expensive than the compact BC12a ( but not by much actually). They gravitate around 2K€.

Is the C12 long body the ultimate incarnation of the C12 sound ? Or is the C12a a "same for less" kind of deal ?
This I'd like to know. Maybe if I ask nicely someone will answer in the Gearspace thread. If someone knows... Chime in, thx in advance, and thx Chessparov for your input. Funny you say my voice is heavily processed. The high pitched sung parts are absolutely not. Maybe a light eq, but that would be it ! There is zero compressor used in this whole demo. I didn't understood compression at the time, and I did without.