Choosing Vocal Mic

johnnylakes

Greetings,
So, I am about to buy a vocal mic for my wee studio... have a budget of 1200 - 1500 yoyos. Have been looking at the Neumann TLM 103 AND the AKG C414 B amongst others. Was wondering if any of you more experienced people have would have any advice / suggestions??
Thanks in advance!!

teamdresch

I think you could do better with that kind of budget.
Check out Brauner, Mojave Audio, Rode (check out the classic), Blue, Peluso, Audio-Technica, Charter Oak.
You're spoiled for choice.

PaulBrewer

johnnylakes wrote: »

Greetings,
So, I am about to buy a vocal mic for my wee studio... have a budget of 1200 - 1500 yoyos. Have been looking at the Neumann TLM 103 AND the AKG C414 B amongst others. Was wondering if any of you more experienced people have would have any advice / suggestions??
Thanks in advance!!

The Neumann TLM103 is a mic that seems to get mixed reviews, though I have had some good results with it in tandem with a distresssor.

Similarly I think it's fair to say while a 414 will suit some vocals , it won't suit all.

We're very big fans of the Brauner range. Dirk Brauner has a serious passion for mics.
Their Phantera might fit in your budget and it blows away anything I've heard in that price range and some mics in the Euro 2k range.
I've used it on everything from vocals, acoustics, fiddles, overheads and room mics.
From my point of view they're a fabulous company to deal with and any (minor) issues we've had have been sorted quickly and efficiently.

I must also point out I've not heard some of the mics suggested by other posters.

sei046

Ye, Charter Oak, Whats the story there?

johnnylakes

Hey guys,
Thanks pnce again for your swift responses. I know of Brauner alright but for some reason I assumed they were beyond my budget. I will look into it.
Cheers dudes

unclebill98

Could be better off getting 2 different mics to cover more angles.

PaulBrewer

unclebill98 wrote: »

Could be better off getting 2 different mics to cover more angles.

I disagree-

I think if you split that budget in two you'll have a pair of "ok" mics that won't excel at anything (referring to a vocal condenser) that in a few years might be left on the shelf.

The figure mentioned will allow a Mic that will perform to a very high level and will consistently be used, well into the future.

I think one is better completely covering one 'angle' that half covering two.

tweeky

Beg, steal or borrow and try a Neumann U87, it's an industry standard that has served well for many years and will cut through many a dense mix and still be warm enough to handle a more subtle vocal in atmospherics etc.
Take all reviews with a pinch of salt as there is more often than not a large advert somewhere else in the mag for the same.
Try a few mikes and use your ears, place the recorded test vocal in a mix and then see does it still sound as good. Some of the newer breed of mikes have a flattering top end that gives a wow factor in solo but has you diving for the midrange eq in a mix.

johnnylakes

Thanks guys..
I know of U87 alright...but..out of my budget I reckon!!
Mr Brewer sir, I may be in touch...
Another question for the masses.... is there anywhere one can hire a good quality vocal mic in this country??? Proving hard to find.....


Cheers guys

teamdresch

sensiblemusic.ie do rentals.

studiorat

Sensible's your man. They have a nice AKG C-12.
You could try the Neumann U-89 I kinda prefer it to the 87.
Nice fellas too.

johnnylakes

Thanks yet again people!!
This site is proving to be extremely useful!!
The Neumann U's seem to be the winners by all accounts, so I may hire that one for a project I have coming up soon. Also drawn to the Brauner as a purchase in the near future...