TELL US about YOUR MICROPHONE

Frank Falzon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 11 Nov 2005 Posts: 28

Please list your microphone and why you love/hate it.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 21:41 (GMT) Post subject:

I've worked with both a Shure SM7 and an Electrovoice RE-20. I use the RE-20 in my home studio for a couple of reasons:
- affordability
- it's a workhorse that you KNOW is going to stand up
- CLEAN audio reproduction. No super compressed bass or tinny highs. You git whatya git.

I love the rich, golden tones of the Shure, but the RE-20 was a bit more affordable.

I've never been around the big bad boys like the Heils and Neumanns, but would love to give them a try.

Frank Falzon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 11 Nov 2005 Posts: 28

As usual thanks for getting things started Scott.

-Frank Very Happy

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

Good topic Frank,

I'm a Shure fan as well (wanna sell that old SM7 Scott???)

I've got the entry-level Shure SM58, a legendary workhorse of a mic. I compensate for some of the shortcomings with a TubePre from PreSonus.

The combo has a nice, rich sound for voice, plus I occasionally use it for music vocals too.

Next for me, higher-end mic (condenser) and better soundproofing...

Phyllis K. Day · **Voice Talent** Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 251

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007, 22:38 (GMT) Post subject:

I've never OWNED the Shure SM7, only worked with them at various radio stations. Regarding the cost of the RE20, I actually purchased mine NEW, via ebay, from a dealer in Arkansas about 3 years ago for around $350, which I thought was a pretty good deal, so they're not outrageously expensive.

Phyllis K. Day · **Voice Talent** Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 251

Victor Harris · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 00:41 (GMT) Post subject:

I love my Marshall MXL-2003. Here is a write up comparing it to a Neumann TLM-103 and ElectroVoice RE27.

http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/FT_Mic1.html

Whatever works with your voice...and your wallet. Cool

Todd Ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 02:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Woo-Hoo! Frank, you hit a hot button with me. I LOVE to experiment with and collect microphones. (don't tell my wife - she thinks I quit). I just sold off several to feed my habit, but ...

Currently I am using a MXL V69 with a NOS Mullard 12at7 tube. It is a beautiful sounding mic that, with the tube change, I would put up against mics in the $3k to $5k range.

Other mics in the stable:
EV RE20
Sennheiser 421MD
Sennheiser e845
RCA 77DX (vintage)
Sure PE55 (vintage)
Astatic "Biscuit" (vintage harp mic)

I also have a mic I haven't identified yet - but it's a very old carbon mic with a cast iron base/riser. It has 2 pins where the plug would be - like to plug into a switchboard - but only 3 or 4mm.

Russ McLamb · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Posts: 62

I use two....

Sennheiser MKH-416: On my voice it works on everything. Hard sell, soft sell it doesn't matter. Mainly use it for imaging.

Neumann U87- Really clean with my Avalon M5. Mainly use it for commercials and narrations.

Before I upgraded my mics I did alot of research. The main mics you'd find in major VO production studios were the U87 and MKH 416 so that's what I went with.

Also have an AT 4050 as a backup.

Russ

Phyllis K. Day · **Voice Talent** Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 251

In talking of micrphones, we haven't discussed dynamic vs condenser. My first board and mic were not what I have now, thanks to the help of my local music store who were quick to switch out the board and mic. I have a more powerful board now (still tiny, an Alesis "MultiMix 8") with phantom power for my condenser mics.

Can I use a dynamic mic with this board? Before I go hunting up an RE20, I figured I'd better get an answer to this one. Rolling Eyes

Todd Ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 03:52 (GMT) Post subject:

Victor - I've been reading a lot lately about the mods they are doing on the MXL mics. Are you a "tinker"? Have you seen /done any of this? I'm thinking about picking up a cheap V67 and trying my luck.

Victor Harris · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007, 04:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd,

I've done some tinkering before but not on my 2003. I know the v67 has an impedance of 200 ohms. The 2003 is 150. I guess if I could find out how to dip it down below 75 or 100, I would try. I am just not that knowledgable though. You know how to do this stuff? I do have a brand new M- Audio Nova rated at 200 ohms impedance.

Allen Scofield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 181

I started out with an AKG C3000B, then decided I wanted something cleaner and smoother. After much thought (and a couple months), I picked up a Lawson L47FET on the recommendation of a highly respected VO friend who owns one AND whose voice is similar to mine, albeit a bit deeper. Works great on my voice and I am very pleased. Good ol' "Made In The USA" too!

http://www.lawsonmicrophones.com

I would still like to hear myself on a Senn 416 and Neuman U87 though Wink

Bill Carroll · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 9

I've used a RODE NT-2 for about 4 years now, and love it. It was relatively inexpensive ($300 or so, I think) for a large-diaphragm mic, and sounds great.