Condenser mics/ comp recording...

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Mamma Jamma
Member Since: May 20, 2007

So im using a wicked laptop with sonar 6 PE, reason 3.0, gearbox, and a line6 toneport ux2 (as my main audio device while recording).

Im ready to try to track some vocals and I was wondering...
What's the best way to get great vocal warmth with awesome presence?
Can I get a nice condenser for $200 that will give me these qualities?

I also want to be able to use it for micing amps as well. Ill worry about stands and pop filters later I just want to make sure I get the right mic first.
thanks

By the way, I cant wait to sing flat on purpose to test out v-vocal in sonar! (cheating)

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Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 11, 2007 12:54 pm

Quote:
great vocal warmth with awesome presence?


those two things are also tightly related to preamp

200$ usually gets you in the ballpark, of usable low-end condensors. I have a studio projects C1 that I got for 200$ before the price went up. It's not bad, but I'm using my mixer preamps at the moment, and I'm thinking I need to upgrade that to get better performance out of the mic.

Audio Technica has their 2020 which has gotten good press, I think Noize has one or two, and regards them highly, for the price.

Rode has the NT1A which has gotten some good press, but some people say it's a little brittle, so research that. Most seem to love them.

MXL has some low-$$$ offerings, that I think can keep you in the 200$ range.

Just for research, you can float on over to the sweetwater forums, and check the microphones section. Read through their archives (old pages) and see what people ??? about 200$ mics, and some of the higher-ups answers. It got me a fair way along in my research.

Member
Since: Jun 02, 2007


Jun 11, 2007 04:29 pm

I have the NT1A and it's a great microphone for the price. Put that through a tube preamp and youll get some nice warmth. For cost purposes, even the Behringer tube preamps are decent. They run about 200 bucks for a dual channel. Good luck. Also check out sE Electronics, they have awesome stuff for cheap.

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Jun 11, 2007 11:39 pm

I can vouch for the AT 2020 - Great mic for the price

Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002


Jun 12, 2007 02:17 am

good mic + good preamp = good sound. Good mic + crappy preamp = decent sound. Crap mic + good preamp = ok sound. Crap mic + crap preamp = what I use to get awesome sounds.

Mamma Jamma
Member
Since: May 20, 2007


Jun 12, 2007 12:32 pm

What if Im using the toneport UX2 already? What would be a good match for that?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 12, 2007 08:45 pm

Any of the above. And indeed, the pre amp models in the UX-2 are killer. I have been using them faithfully here with great results.

In that price range I will also recommend the AT 2020. It is a very good all around mic.

I'll be honest here though on using a good vocal mic for micing and amp. Some can do it pretty well. Most will not, even a $2000 mic. Most mic's that are good for vocal are pretty sensitive and will get completely blown to **** if you put it right on a speaker. You can mic the room with it but I would not put it right on the cabinet.

Mamma Jamma
Member
Since: May 20, 2007


Jun 13, 2007 12:26 pm

So what If I got the AT2020 package:

www.guitarcenter.com/shop...l_sku=103231577

One for vocals and one for cabs?

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 13, 2007 12:31 pm

I don't think you can go wrong there.

If you're not used to what hi-$$$ stuff sounds like then just get started. Upgrade later.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 13, 2007 11:01 pm

See if you can find that same package at zZounds. that or they usually beat the competition sometimes.

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