ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,086 
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Post by ericn on Feb 5, 2023 22:34:41 GMT -6
I've used a bunch of different things over the past 25 yrs, and had a long touring relationship with the AKG 535. As a singer, I've learned how to make a lot of different mics work for me - you do have to learn their sweet spots and how to best work them. But for me, nothing has compared to a cardioid Earthworks. I have an SR69 and an SR20, which are really the same mic. They don't make the exact model anymore, having replaced it with slightly different models, but seriously, nothing has been able to touch it for naturalness, and I've never had feedback problems with it. Anytime I've needed to get a recording of a live performance, it's sounded great. I cannot say that last part about a bunch of other mics. I can be a very dynamic singer in a live setting, but the Earthworks keeps up. I never hear anyone else talk about it, but it really is special on vocals. Hey Mark, by your choice’s you’re not using the mics as handheld? Because I do love the AKGc535 and the Earthworks are very nice, but both have a lot of handling noise. |
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Post by the other mark williams on Feb 6, 2023 11:07:08 GMT -6
I've used a bunch of different things over the past 25 yrs, and had a long touring relationship with the AKG 535. As a singer, I've learned how to make a lot of different mics work for me - you do have to learn their sweet spots and how to best work them. But for me, nothing has compared to a cardioid Earthworks. I have an SR69 and an SR20, which are really the same mic. They don't make the exact model anymore, having replaced it with slightly different models, but seriously, nothing has been able to touch it for naturalness, and I've never had feedback problems with it. Anytime I've needed to get a recording of a live performance, it's sounded great. I cannot say that last part about a bunch of other mics. I can be a very dynamic singer in a live setting, but the Earthworks keeps up. I never hear anyone else talk about it, but it really is special on vocals. Hey Mark, by your choice’s you’re not using the mics as handheld? Because I do love the AKGc535 and the Earthworks are very nice, but both have a lot of handling noise. Thats right, Eric: mic is on a boom stand. I’m playing guitar or keys while singing. Beta87 is better when actually hand-holding the mic IMO, but I’m pretty much always playing something when I sing. Another sleeper that I used to really like was the EV RE500. That one never seemed to get much traction, but I thought it sounded great, though I personally had two different copies stop working on me mid-concert. So I just couldn’t stay with that one for very long due to reliability. |
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Feb 6, 2023 11:20:15 GMT -6
Hey Mark, by your choice’s you’re not using the mics as handheld? Because I do love the AKGc535 and the Earthworks are very nice, but both have a lot of handling noise. Thats right, Eric: mic is on a boom stand. I’m playing guitar or keys while singing. Beta87 is better when actually hand-holding the mic IMO, but I’m pretty much always playing something when I sing. Another sleeper that I used to really like was the EV RE500. That one never seemed to get much traction, but I thought it sounded great, though I personally had two different copies stop working on me mid-concert. So I just couldn’t stay with that one for very long due to reliability. The RE 510 and now 520 are revisions of that one. I really like the 510 I own a lot. Never had any trouble with it and, if I'm being honest, I don't really treat it as gently as I should. I'm not tossing it around like a 58, but it doesn't get babied either. Never had an issue. I routinely get "what is that mic you're using?" from sound guys and other singers. |
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Post by RealNoob on Feb 6, 2023 12:45:02 GMT -6
I've used a bunch of different things over the past 25 yrs, and had a long touring relationship with the AKG 535. As a singer, I've learned how to make a lot of different mics work for me - you do have to learn their sweet spots and how to best work them. But for me, nothing has compared to a cardioid Earthworks. I have an SR69 and an SR20, which are really the same mic. They don't make the exact model anymore, having replaced it with slightly different models, but seriously, nothing has been able to touch it for naturalness, and I've never had feedback problems with it. Anytime I've needed to get a recording of a live performance, it's sounded great. I cannot say that last part about a bunch of other mics. I can be a very dynamic singer in a live setting, but the Earthworks keeps up. I never hear anyone else talk about it, but it really is special on vocals. Now it's the SR40V and SR 314, both of which have my attention. would be great to get that sound for less but doesn't seem likely. |
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Post by the other mark williams on Feb 6, 2023 14:11:48 GMT -6
I've used a bunch of different things over the past 25 yrs, and had a long touring relationship with the AKG 535. As a singer, I've learned how to make a lot of different mics work for me - you do have to learn their sweet spots and how to best work them. But for me, nothing has compared to a cardioid Earthworks. I have an SR69 and an SR20, which are really the same mic. They don't make the exact model anymore, having replaced it with slightly different models, but seriously, nothing has been able to touch it for naturalness, and I've never had feedback problems with it. Anytime I've needed to get a recording of a live performance, it's sounded great. I cannot say that last part about a bunch of other mics. I can be a very dynamic singer in a live setting, but the Earthworks keeps up. I never hear anyone else talk about it, but it really is special on vocals. Now it's the SR40V and SR 314, both of which have my attention. would be great to get that sound for less but doesn't seem likely. Yep, those are the ones. They work well on a pretty broad swath of vocalists, IME, and they don't get woofy when worked up close. Again, they sound natural and smooth, not peaky. The AKG 535 always had some pronounced peaks that could sound spiky on some singers. Worked well in some venues, less so in others. I even found the 535 to work on some areas of the stage but not on others. |
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Post by RealNoob on Feb 6, 2023 19:24:23 GMT -6
Judging by videos, Daryl's House relies on MikTek PM9s. They just seem a bit bright to me.
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Post by plinker on Feb 6, 2023 20:38:42 GMT -6
I've used the Beyer M69 extensively, for my live vox. It sounds great in a sparse mix, but has a hard time competing against a lot of energy. Works great for backing vox, though. In a shootout with other mics a bandmate said, "It sounds processed...but GOOD processed." And he's right because it has that perfectly Beyer sound, but it just couldn't cut through with all the gain-creep on stage (you know who you are  ). I've since moved on to the Lewitt MTP 550 DM. It's more like a refined, smooth Beta 58, and much cheaper, to boot. I'm sure there are better mics out there, but the construction and sound on this puppy is way over the $125 asking price. I should probably try it in a recording situation -- snare maybe?? |
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Post by chessparov on Feb 7, 2023 19:12:16 GMT -6
Judging by videos, Daryl's House relies on MikTek PM9s. They just seem a bit bright to me. I have it on good authority, that to save $$ on Production costs... It's now Daryl's Time Share. Chris |
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Post by ab101 on Feb 7, 2023 20:22:01 GMT -6
I've used the Beyer M69 extensively, for my live vox. It sounds great in a sparse mix, but has a hard time competing against a lot of energy. Works great for backing vox, though. In a shootout with other mics a bandmate said, "It sounds processed...but GOOD processed." And he's right because it has that perfectly Beyer sound, but it just couldn't cut through with all the gain-creep on stage (you know who you are ). I've since moved on to the Lewitt MTP 550 DM. It's more like a refined, smooth Beta 58, and much cheaper, to boot. I'm sure there are better mics out there, but the construction and sound on this puppy is way over the $125 asking price. I should probably try it in a recording situation -- snare maybe?? Never thought of the Lewitt for live. I need to check it out more. Thank you! By the way, plinker - have you used the Sennheiser e935 or e945? Any comparison possible with the Lewitt? The Lewitt is well priced too! |
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Post by plinker on Feb 7, 2023 20:43:32 GMT -6
I've used the Beyer M69 extensively, for my live vox. It sounds great in a sparse mix, but has a hard time competing against a lot of energy. Works great for backing vox, though. In a shootout with other mics a bandmate said, "It sounds processed...but GOOD processed." And he's right because it has that perfectly Beyer sound, but it just couldn't cut through with all the gain-creep on stage (you know who you are ). I've since moved on to the Lewitt MTP 550 DM. It's more like a refined, smooth Beta 58, and much cheaper, to boot. I'm sure there are better mics out there, but the construction and sound on this puppy is way over the $125 asking price. I should probably try it in a recording situation -- snare maybe?? Never thought of the Lewitt for live. I need to check it out more. Thank you! By the way, plinker - have you used the Sennheiser e935 or e945? Any comparison possible with the Lewitt? The Lewitt is well priced too! No: I haven't personally used either of the Senns. However, a bandmate uses, and loves the e945. I sit next to him and, to me, it's a little too crispy. It sounds very nice on his voice, but I can totally see how it might be a bit too much on certain voices. In other words, it seems very specific, but might be just the ticket for you. Please don't let me push you back. If it works for you, it'll work in spades. If not, it'll be...well, you know....microphone stuff!
Sorry -- I wish I could be more help!
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Post by ab101 on Feb 7, 2023 20:53:53 GMT -6
Never thought of the Lewitt for live. I need to check it out more. Thank you! By the way, plinker - have you used the Sennheiser e935 or e945? Any comparison possible with the Lewitt? The Lewitt is well priced too! No: I haven't personally used either of the Senns. However, a bandmate uses, and loves the e945. I sit next to him and, to me, it's a little too crispy. It sounds very nice on his voice, but I can totally see how it might be a bit too much on certain voices. In other words, it seems very specific, but might be just the ticket for you. Please don't let me push you back. If it works for you, it'll work in spades. If not, it'll be...well, you know....microphone stuff!
Sorry -- I wish I could be more help!
You have already been helpful! I have my Neumann KMS105s if I need "specific." I really want to try the Lewitt now! And as I said, it is at a reasonable price. THX! |
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Post by plinker on Feb 7, 2023 21:25:22 GMT -6
No: I haven't personally used either of the Senns. However, a bandmate uses, and loves the e945. I sit next to him and, to me, it's a little too crispy. It sounds very nice on his voice, but I can totally see how it might be a bit too much on certain voices. In other words, it seems very specific, but might be just the ticket for you. Please don't let me push you back. If it works for you, it'll work in spades. If not, it'll be...well, you know....microphone stuff!
Sorry -- I wish I could be more help!
You have already been helpful! I have my Neumann KMS105s if I need "specific." I really want to try the Lewitt now! And as I said, it is at a reasonable price. THX! I hope it works for you! I have a couple of primo-studio Lewitts, and they are all in the 'clear & smooth" category like their dynamic mic -- of course for some that means "bright and obnoxious" 
One thing I can guarantee: if it doesn't work on your voice, this $125 mic will work very well on SOMETHING! You really can't go wrong with it. Let us know what happens...
BTW, I owned and used a 105 for years. Great mic -- can cause feedback on small stages. The Lewitt leans that direction, response-wise, but doesn't feedback.
If you'd like, I can send you a sample of the Lewitt dynamic against a Beyer M69/M88 or EV16, if that would help before your purchase. Just let me know.
Best of luck!
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Post by ab101 on Feb 7, 2023 22:14:40 GMT -6
Thank you. I just ordered a Lewitt 550dm. I will check it out next to the KMS 105 and the Senn. e935. I just have to try these things in my own use to know.
While I tend to use the KMS 105 a lot, being a phantom condenser mic, it is not the best option for some of my gigs.
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Post by guitfiddler on Feb 7, 2023 23:02:53 GMT -6
I have used so many mics over the years for live performances. Being a drummer and singer I had to search for the right mics. When I was just singing I have used the Neumann kms 105(great mic), the shure beta 87a(really liked this mic especially for the price)Shure ksm9(love this mic), Telefunken M80,M81(love both these mics depending on the room, I switched back and forth). Heil pr35(nice but a little bitey on my vocal), sennheiser 835, 935(liked them)tried the 945 and sounded good, but too clean, didn’t care for it on my vocal. Of course sm58’s for years(these sound fine if the PA sounds good), beta 58(didn’t like it on my voice, but it worked better for some of the female vocalists I heard)EV n/d 767(I liked it, but it seemed to distort some when I ripped into it). I’ve used a lot of mics even some AKG in which one of them really impressed me, but I can’t remember the AKG model number off hand. Out of all these mics. The Shure KSM9/Neumann KMS105/Shure Beta 87a are my favorites. However the Telefunkens and sennheisers get honorable mention! I like them all! I never did much wireless. I had a Beyer dynamic wireless that sounded great, but I can’t remember the model.
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Post by thehightenor on Feb 8, 2023 1:19:53 GMT -6
Gone round and round in cycles with this one over the years, so many different live vocal mics and currently I’m back on using a …. SM58 …. I know I’m completely boring. I notice Macca’s as boring as me, so it makes me feel better I use a U47 and SM7B in studio and the 58 seems to take that to live with just the right mid push and clarity with a rolled off top end for my bright tenor voice. Live mics are totally about the singer not the PA. On the last Genesis tour I noticed Phil Collins was using an SE Electronics V7 - that’s a $99 mic through a million dolllar PA. He sounded great on it. |
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Post by chessparov on Feb 8, 2023 11:26:00 GMT -6
Must have been against all odds. Chris |
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Post by ab101 on Feb 8, 2023 11:33:45 GMT -6
Must have been against all odds. Chris It has an invisible touch unlike Peter Gabriel who used a sledgehammer - that's all. |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,086
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Post by ericn on Feb 8, 2023 12:21:26 GMT -6
Must have been against all odds. Chris It has an invisible touch unlike Peter Gabriel who used a sledgehammer - that's all. Something must be In the Air Tonight, or is it just Another Day In Paradise? Yeah I know I’m In To Deep, but than I Can’t Dance so just Turn it On Again. |
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Post by thehightenor on Feb 8, 2023 16:20:36 GMT -6
Come on guys, Enough, with the puns - it’s painful !! I’m trying to get some work done in the susstudio |
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Post by gwlee7 on Feb 8, 2023 16:57:55 GMT -6
i am just here to read while y’all Duke it out over the best stage mics.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,086
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Post by ericn on Feb 8, 2023 17:16:27 GMT -6
i am just here to read while y’all Duke it out over the best stage mics. So your just the lonely Man on the Corner? |
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Post by ab101 on Feb 8, 2023 18:24:35 GMT -6
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Post by chessparov on Feb 8, 2023 19:05:00 GMT -6
I understand better now why some veteran Producers/AE's like the... 57/58/545's to "roughen up" a live or studio vocal. One take vocal example below. Handy sound sometimes, particularly for harder Rock/Blues/Country Soul. Chris |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,086
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Post by ericn on Feb 8, 2023 19:43:58 GMT -6
What is the genesis of all this? Let's get back to the beginning ----------of the thread! What have you had your Phil? |
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Post by chessparov on Feb 8, 2023 19:50:43 GMT -6
I think he's had enough already!
I used to go off topic constantly.
But just take a look at me now.
Chris
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). 
