New mic for DAV BG1 preamp

[forumuser776306]

Hi there! I am here hoping somebody can give me some advice for a new mic to purchase for in my studio.

I have been using the EV RE20 into the DAV BG1, mainly for rap vocals. I have some money saved up to upgrade the mic. The RE20 is really decent but somehow gives off a rather dull/boring feeling imho.

My budget is around 1100-1300 euros and shortlisted the Bock187 and the Microtech Gefell M930.
The artist i mainly record has a somewhat high and husky voice.

Are these good choices for my needs and preamp?

[Matt Houghton]

The preamp's fine. The RE20 is good for certain things, but if it does sound like you might prefer a capacitor (condenser) mic. Or maybe (less likely) a decent ribbon — they'll sound a bit dull/smooth at first, but they take EQ boosts at the top end really well. Or maybe try a modelling mic like the Slate or UA one that can mimic different models?

The mics you mention are very fine models with a lot to commend them. Whether they're the *best* match for a specific vocalist, or the most cost-efficient option, is another question. For example, the Blue Dragonfly is a bit of a weird mic, but it happens to match my own voice really well when I sing in a higher register.

If you're spending that much, you might want to find a way to audition a few models with your artist — book some studio time, or speak with a vendor/distributor about trying some out.

Meanwhile, you might find this SOS article from a few (15?!) years back helpful.

[James Perrett]

I'd definitely suggest auditioning prospective mics because sometimes unusual models actually work best on a particular voice. If you want something that will work acceptably well on a variety of voices then the Neumann U87 is probably the safest bet, followed by an AKG C414EB.

However, in a recent test, I felt that an Oktava MK319 worked better on one particular voice when compared to the classic alternatives.

[forumuser776306]

Thank you very much for your replies!

Indeed i am looking for a condenser mic and preferably one that will work on a variety of voices. A (new) Neumann U87 is out of my budget.

[James Perrett]

A (new) Neumann U87 is out of my budget.

In which case, I'd either look at a used one (you can often pick them up for around £1700) or a C414 style mic. The Austrian Audio OC818 also looks like a good alternative to the C414 although I don't have any personal experience of it.

[Matt Houghton]

Yeah, I'd second the C414 as a good all-rounder. I have a C414 B-ULS that I reach for all the time... When I do shootouts it's rarely the very best option, but it's often in or around top two or three. The EB is best by reputation but it's very pricey now. The modern versions are decent. Check out the SOS comparison video if you're interested in hearing the differences between the various new/old models.

[ghellquist]

I have a rather different suggestion. Best is if you could test several different microphones on your talent. Maybe you have friends or music shops or rentals that can allow you to try a few different types. With types I mean: dynamic (which you already have tried), large dia condenser, small dia condenser, ribbon mic and so on. There are differences within each group, but to generalize heavily, less differences than between groups.

If you cannot try, I suggest you go out either on the used market or go for low priced mics to test out. There are a lot of low cost mics that can help you to sort of range in where to aim for.

If you want one single suggestion on a new mic, I would say Rode NT1 (the latest version, Signature series). It is NOT the best mic but it is indeed a good representative of the large dia condenser series. Once you have tried that you might not need to go further, or if you decide that large dia condensers are not what you are looking for, you should be able to sell it without loosing too much. Compare that to getting, say a MG930 (a VERY good mic, at a high price point): You might find that it is the wrong type and will look to loose quite a bit when selling it used.

Well, my two cents of advice.

[twotoedsloth]

Hello,

You might consider the Neumann TLM 193. It's great for vocals, and very forgiving, you'll always get something usable with it.

If you go the 414 route, the best variant I have heard is the TL II. Not to put down the ULS, it's just not as smooth.

Best of luck, and enjoy the search, it's always exciting to audition new gear!

Peter

[Hugh Robjohns]

Interesting suggestions, almost diametrically opposed.

The Neumann TLM193 is one of the darker-sounding Neumann's (and very nice in the right situations), whereas the AKG C414 TLII (and related variants) is among the brightest of C414 models (intended to deliver the very 'airy' top-end associated with the original C12s.

They're both good options on the right voices, but will sound very different to each other, as well as to the standard U87/67 or C414B and variants.

[James Perrett]

The Neumann TLM193 is one of the darker-sounding Neumann's (and very nice in the right situations), whereas the AKG C414 TLII (and related variants) is among the brightest of C414 models (intended to deliver the very 'airy' top-end associated with the original C12s.

They're both good options on the right voices, but will sound very different to each other, as well as to the standard U87/67 or C414B and variants.

Interesting comment on the top end of the C12 - especially in the light of Aled's recent mic comparison between a C12 and an OC818 where I thought that the C12 had the kind of top end that I associate with Chinese mic capsules with untamed resonances.

[ajay_m]

Billie Eilish apparently used an AT2020 for her debut. Suitability of a microphone to a voice is not correlated with the cost of the mic, meaning that you may find a very low cost mic actually works well for your performer. It is not the case that there is some kind of mega expensive mic that magically works for everything.

[Hugh Robjohns]

The AT2020 is a remarkably good mic, regardless of its low price, and it has won several SOS vocal mic shootouts in the past.

[Aled Hughes]

The Neumann TLM193 is one of the darker-sounding Neumann's (and very nice in the right situations), whereas the AKG C414 TLII (and related variants) is among the brightest of C414 models (intended to deliver the very 'airy' top-end associated with the original C12s.

They're both good options on the right voices, but will sound very different to each other, as well as to the standard U87/67 or C414B and variants.

Interesting comment on the top end of the C12 - especially in the light of Aled's recent mic comparison between a C12 and an OC818 where I thought that the C12 had the kind of top end that I associate with Chinese mic capsules with untamed resonances.

That was a C12a, not the classic C12, which looks more like a ‘typical’ big valve condenser mic. The C12a looks more like a 414, and I think was succeeded by the 414-EB, while the big C12 remained in production.

[twotoedsloth]

Hello,

Just for clarity, I mentioned the TLM193 and the 414-TL II because they are different in tonal characteristics. It was to offer different options to the original poster. It wasn't advice per se, since I have no idea what would work best with this vocalist without hearing them.

Sorry if I upset you in any way.

Peter

[ajay_m]

The AT2020 is a remarkably good mic, regardless of its low price, and it has won several SOS vocal mic shootouts in the past.

I remember a session at a music show where you demonstrated exactly this with a very talented female vocalist. As you said at the time, the AT2020 cost less than the VAT on some of the higher end mics. This is why I would try a bunch of lower cost mics first. I thought the Lewitt range were very good too looking at them at Gearfest, and they cover a wide range of price and designs.

[Matt Houghton]

Yes, th AT2020 was the unanimous blind test pick for one of the four vocalists in the mic shootout I linked to above. There were some very nice, and some very expensive mics there that day. Old as that article is now, it's still well worth reading it and checking out the audio examples.

[Tomás Mulcahy]

Students are always surprised at how good the 2020 is. And not just on vocals. I think its bigger brother the old 4033a is nicer on voice, flattering low end and airier top end. I haven’t found anyone it doesn’t suit. I prefer it to any 414 and it gives the U87 a good scare I haven’t heard the replacement model is it the 4040?

[Drew Stephenson]

I followed up on your 4033a suggestion not that long ago when a second hand one came up at a good price - very happy with it.

[Arpangel]

The 4060 is superb.