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Living Culture · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:39 pm Post subject: Your Goto mics

I'm curious about which mics you use as a goto for different projects. Do you have different mics that you always use for narration, commercials, aggressive reads, etc.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

I have a commercial studio and a home studio. I use Sennheiser 416s for everything - no processing. Makes it easier to do revisions.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Bill,

What about your TLM 193, RE 20 etc.?

I have a Sennheiser 415 but it gets the least use, after the AKG 414, GEfell M930 and RE 20.

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Hey Rob. I still have the RE20 and 193, and they're good. I'm mostly doing car and furniture commercials and the 416 just cuts through better.

I have the benefit of hearing and seeing some of my work in my market, Raleigh, NC, and it's pretty easy to determine that the 416 sounds as good or better than the other spots it plays next to. The 416 doesn't need much processing.

For narration I would use the 193. I use the RE20 to record clients on location.
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Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

This is a good question, and I'm curious to hear the other answers you get. I suffer from gear-itis, and it sometimes causes me problems. For example, I owned a Heil PR-40 for awhile, and when it was the "flavor of the month," I used it on a few narrations and spots. I have since soured on it and sold it. Just a few days ago, an old client came back (a sign of recovery - it's a travel client), and I realized that I used the PR-40 for the last donut I did for him. This time, I used my TLM-103, and he was quite pleased - but I don't think it'll match well.

In general, I use the Rode NTK with upgraded 1960's NOS Amperex tube for most narrations as well as "warm and fuzzy" TV/Radio (like health care stuff). For other TV/Radio work, I prefer the TLM-103.

But then I've been playing with a used AT4047 I scored on eBay. I used it for a major podcasting client, and now I've got to keep it for future podcasts so it matches up. I do like the 4047, but not quite as much as the NTK or TLM-103 - and now I'm stuck with it.

I have other mics (e.g., Kel HM-1, MXL 909, AKG 200, etc), and I keep them so I can get different sounds when making material for a demo. They're all cheap and I would not get much if I sold them, so I may as well keep them around. But I'm probably going to sell the brand-new SM-7B I got, since it doesn't seem to do anything better than my other mics. (And my preamps don't have the gain it needs).
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Yeah, my latest "go-to" is my AKG 414 B ULS (with upgraded capsule: the one used in the 414 TL II )

I have a client who likes my M930. I'm going to suggest my 414 in a low-key manner but if she still wants the M930 I'll keep it. Otherwise I'd be inclined to sell it.

The RE-20 doesn't get that much use, but I have a feeling I would regret selling it. Come to think of it I would probably regret selling the M930 as well...

I guess having multiple mics is our way of making up for only being allowed one spouse... cool

Tom, we need to start an online chapter of GA---Gearitis's Anonymous!

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but...find a good mic for you and stick with it.

Makes things easier for pick-ups and updates.

Tiger Woods doesn't change clubs every week.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:01 am Post subject:

One mic, a Neumann U87ai

bobsouer · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject:

One mic, a Sennheiser MHK-416.
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Deirdre · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:38 pm Post subject:

Are there any ladies who like the 416?
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Frank F · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:00 pm Post subject:

Neumann U-87 Gold. No more, no less.

Toodles

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Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 1:18 am Post subject:

Am pretty certain Caryn uses a 416 as does Randy Thomas although the latter also has a Manley.

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Dierdre:

One of the best using a 416.

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bobsouer · Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 5:07 am Post subject:

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

As a stunt voice overist, I use the P. Banks stunt mic...the TLM 103. If you've got some heft to your voice or are female, the thing often works on everything if it fits your voice. If you're more mid rangey - yikes, me no like! (Go back to the Transom.org shoot out - may be the best mic on the deep voiced dude, and the worst mic on the high pitched dude). Is it my fave mic? Noooooo...but I'm settling into it like a suburban family settles into a grey minivan. Git R Done.

Good choice on the 414 Rob, I thought a good big mellow mic like that would be great for you. I love 'em and I'm a closet AKG fan. Good luck with it!
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