VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Hey there,

As I've gone through the somewhat torturous process of upgrading my studio - including trying out a dozen or so mics over the past few years - I've always wondered about how people really use the mics they own.

Do you have one "go-to" mic that you use for pretty much everything? Or do you have a collection of mics that you use for whatever they seem to be best at (and if so, which mic is best for which application?).

Personally, I like my "new-to-me" TLM-103 on a lot of different types of reads, but not necessarily on everything. I like the warmth of my Rode NTK for warm and fuzzy health care sort of reads, for example. My Kel HM-1 is a darker mic that I use to get a different sort of sound so I have variety in my demos - I've also used it for a testimonial-type read for a radio spot. My AKG 200 is currently out on loan, but I've always liked it for energetic retail reads (haven't been able to compare it yet to my -103, though).

Does anyone use a dynamic mic (RE-20, SM-7, etc) for hard-sell stuff? Any other special use microphones in your collection?
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Deirdre · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:25 pm Post subject:

I use my RE-20 (and now my RE-27!!) for radio commercial stuff, and narrations that will be compressed. For narrations that are to be used full-fidelity and TV ads, I use my Studio Projects C-1.
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Bruce · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 7:14 am Post subject:

I use my Sennheiser 416 shotgun mic for basic reads and "announcery" stuff. I use an AKG C2000B and a GrooveTube AM-11 for "real people" stuff.

I didn't go out to buy the AKG. I got it in exchange for some work I did. I've never seen it recommended as a voice mic, but it suits me well.

B
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Good thread Tom!

TLM 103: Commercial, Broadcast, International Corporate Multimedia...as in "we're not sure where this is going to play".

Sennheiser e935: E-Learning, Loud High-Energy, Web-Only, Announcer/VOG.

MXL v67g: Some Narration, Character (this mic is really helped by a good preamp...but then you're off to the races laughing for only $99...shame about the 18db self-noise, though).

Everything gets the Speck preamp unless it's a more character driven read, in which case it gets the MPA Gold with rolled tubes. Some narrations get the ART as well. Generally, the MXL and the e935 get the solid state Speck and the 103 gets the MPA Gold.

Bruce, I agree that it's great to find a mic that you weren't really looking for but it fits well. With the e935 I stumbled upon some clips of VO talents that were using it but seemed a bit noobish technically and with their chops...but you could still tell that the mic was really good. That led me to want to see what I could do with it...and viola! It suits me very well.
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

I record everything with my NTK in 1 channel and 415 in the other. I listen to the 2 and use whichever fits the bill.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

Mics are like wine to me, each one can be properly paired to the dish being served.

For general commercial copy Studio Projects C1, TLM 103, or Gefell UMT 70s.
Hard sell copy, Electro Voice RE-15
Soft whisper or documentaries- Gefell UMT 70s
Characters and Vintage 1930's to 1960's- RCA KU-3A, or RCA 74-B
Vintage 60's to 70's- EV RE-15, Sennheiser MD 421U
Vintage 1920's- Double-Button Carbon Mic.

The preamps are the spice and can be mixed and matched to add distinction to the flavor.
Preampas: Quad-Eight CA-227, RCA BA-31-B, Neve 1272, FMR Audio RNP8380, Avalon, Art MP Tube.
Outboard Gear: LA2A, DBX 160, DBX 166X.

Yoda117 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:42 pm Post subject:

Depends on the mood. They're tools, and though I consider many to be works of art, they're tools none the less.

I usually record with more than one mic, but only because I like to hear the difference. Sometimes, it takes me in a different direction then I'd normally go (at least that's how I justify it, but that reason and $2 will get me a small cup of coffee). Frankly though, if you've got the talent, you don't need a lot to do a lot. I can to a hard sell with a U87 as easily as I can with a U47, or an MXL 990. All three will sound different, but none will sound bad (or at least, I hope not Wink

).

As for what mic is best for what... that's a personal decision. Not every mic is going to work for you, and none will sound the same on you as they will for other people. It's one of the things that makes studio recording as much of an art as it is science. Some of us have multiple mics, preamps, etc. You don't need them to be versatile as a voice actor (though they also serve their place as tools). YOU need to be versatile, the gear won't make you be better than you actually are.

But if you use multiple mics for different types of spots, rock on! It gives you an easier opportunity to explore new avenues without having to play with any dynamic processing.
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:45 pm Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:49 am Post subject:

You need to consider different rooms too. Rolls Eyes

davidmonteath · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:25 am Post subject:

Somtimes I use differnt cities. Wink

Just for the overall ambience.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:03 am Post subject:

Basingstoke is ****ing brilliant for CHR imaging reads! Have you tried Garmouth (near the Post Office) for elearning modules?

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:47 am Post subject:

voicejones · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject:

I use my AKG C414 for everything and if it needs any special treatment I do it in the editing phase. I always know what mic and settings I've used for the initial read in the event of copy chages. Of course the mic position and levels may be different. The biggest reason I've changed mics in the past for a certain read was for more head room for real hard sell stuff. The 414 handles it all. I'm surprised I don't see more posts about this mic.
JJ

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject:

Yes but you obviously change mics for consonants, everybody does that!

Ed Gambill · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:32 pm Post subject:

A fella named DC Douglas uses a 414uls. Among other mics I have a 414EB and have used it on severial occasions.

Of late I have been using the 22-251 Peluso tube. When I get a new ribbon I want to use the RCA 44 ribbon.
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