Vocal mic... NEUMANN KM-84 vs. SHURE SM57
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Posted on Dec 29, 2006 10:39 pm
Reveirg
Member Since: Sep 24, 2006
I'm currently using a Neumann KM-84 for everything I record... including vocals. I'm satisfied with the results but I still think the vocals could come out better if I had a mic better suited for vocals. Will I really see an improvement if I buy a Shure SM57? I'm using and EDIROL UA-5 AudioCapture that has both a preamp and a phantom power.
Thanks!
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TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Dec 29, 2006 10:51 pm Short answer: hell no! Keep singing into that Neumann!
Neumann mics are amongst the most desirable mics on the planet. A SM57 has its uses, and is popular mainly due to its low cost, durability, and high SPL handling. But its not a powerhouse on vocals.
If you're looking to improve your vocal tracks with that Neumann, try looking into upgrading your preamp. If the Edirol has a line in, then you can buy a nice preamp to suit that Neumann and feed a line out of the preamp into the Edirol.
Dec 29, 2006 10:54 pm Thanks for the answer, I guess I won't waste any money on an SM57 then!
Which preamp do you recommend, what's the price range for a decent one? Is it really necessary considering the Edirol does have a preamp? (though it doesn't seem that powerful, as I have to raise the volume to pretty much the maximum when using my Neumann for vocals)
Dec 29, 2006 11:07 pm I've heard really outstanding reviews of the RNP:
www.fmraudio.com/RNP8380.htm
I have no experience with stand-alone pre's, myself, but from everything I hear, it's the best bang for the buck.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Dec 29, 2006 11:15 pm Yes, the RNP gets a lot of good press as a solid preamp.
Also maybe the Groove Tubes Brick, or the Electro Harmonix Tube Mic Pre are a couple of tube mic pres that might add some desirable distortion (warmth) to your vocals.
Definitely see if you can try before you buy, or buy from a place with a good return policy so that you can find the right preamp for you.
You'll probably want to break out of the budget preamp range (all of the sub-$150 ones) to find a noticeable improvement over the preamps in your sound card.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Dec 29, 2006 11:19 pm Oh wait, I just looked up the KM-84 and I can see why you might not like it on vocals...its a small-diaphragm condensor, which aren't the best suited mics for vocals.
A large-diaphragm condensor is more well-suited to vocals.
So maybe a good mid-level LDC would be a better investment than a new preamp for your vocals.
