VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Right now I have a Shure SM57 and it seems to work okay (although I have to normalize 99% to get volume where it needs to be)..is it worth it to upgrade to a mic in the $350-$500 range.? In other words, do mics in that price range give you a measurably better sound over a Shure SM57 in your experience? My voice falls in the lower pitch range(between bass and baritone)
How do you know when it is time to upgrade? I can't tell if it would be a good move or if I am just feeling the itch to go out and buy some new toys!
Thanks

P.S.-If it is worth the upgrade, what mics would you recommend?

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:47 am Post subject:

Nothing wrong with the mic you have except that it was never really intended for studio based voice over work, it's a live gig or instrument mic.

You really have to jump into the high $100's or more to find a WOW factor 10 mic so on your budget I'd go for the Studio Projects B1. A very nice condenser mic suitable for your voice.

Do not spend any more on a Chinese mass produced mic, there is no point.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/B1Mic/

dhouston67 · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:54 am Post subject:

Rob,

The SM57 is a Dynamic mic, whereas most pro voiceover work is done using a Condenser. There are exceptions, of course...
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Thanks for the input...I have the opportunity to purchase (I just found out thanks to my friendly audio dealer) a Rodes NT1 for $169, which he assures me is an outstanding price...not sure if I will but if anyone has any thoughts on that chime in....I am also gathering that the Rodes will pick up more room noise than the Shure....like I may have to turn my ceiling fan off now, which i haven't had to do. My booth is a closet with a mic stand, but I can usually leave the door open...

dhouston67 · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:44 am Post subject:

The Rode will be several times more sensitive than the SM57, so your room noise (fans, etc) will definitely need to be addressed.

There are a number of threads here on building inexpensive "vocal booths" that will not completely deaden the room, but will certainly cut down on noise, and keep you from being shut away in the closet...
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Bill · Guest

the NT-1 is a pretty good mic, (it's been superceded by the NT-1A)
I use an NT-2 that has a 10db pad, and switchable pickup pattern (cardiod and omni) for both voice and saxophone. A fellow sax player friend of mine used to have an NT-1 and thought it was too hot for sax (bright and brittle) but depending upon your voice it could be the ticket for you. What is their return policy?

Yes some condensor mics are so sensitive they will pick up the sound of your toenails growing. Gasp

Bruce · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:05 pm Post subject:

I keep hearing good things about the Studio Projects B1 and it's commonly available for $99 or so. Type it into Google and then go to their Froogle site. See if you can score a package deal including a shock mount and maybe a stand or cables or pop filter if you need them.

Don't forget you'll need phantom power for condensor mics.

B
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1636

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Pam · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 2:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the heads up Pooks! I'll check it out.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Thanks everybody...I got the fever and ran down to ICB Audio in Cincinnati and picked up the Rodes NT1 on sale...I'm lovin' Smile

it so far and it isn't picking up ambient noise that I can tell..in fact I ran my ceiling fan while recording and can't detect any background chatter at all, even on headphones...sorry Dan, I didn't see your post about the NTK until I got back.... Frown

Tom Greenlee · Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:52 pm Post subject:

Hey Rob,

Post a sound clip recorded with your old mic and then switch to the NT1 so we can hear the difference in the mics side by side. That would be really helpful....we could hear your normal speaking voice type and hear it from 2 mics.....other people with your voice type can use that to decide if the NT1 is a good choice for their voice. Glad you're loving it!
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I will do that but prob not til Friday....out of town tomorrow....

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1636

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billelder · Guest

I love my Studio Projects B-1. I'm probably going to get a C-1 this year since I haven't found a mic that suits my voice this well since my trusty RCA 77 ribbon (the mic I use the most).

If you're ever in the need for a Shure SM58 type mic, Behringer makes the XM8500 which is only $20 in the USA. I swear it's a dead ringer for the SM58. I think I've bought about seven of them this year to give to bands or just to mic certain instruments. A very nice and smooth sound. It almost sounds just like an RE20 with bass rolloff. For voice you'll need a pop filter.