VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jowillie · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:57 am Post subject:

"Have we created a Monster!?!"
Use the knowledge for good, Ron. Wizard

_________________
Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

MBVOXX · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:48 am Post subject:

see below

MBVOXX · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:53 am Post subject:

Ok I'm down from my soapbox now.... Laugh

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

So MBVOXX, what is your mic(s) of choice in your home studio?

BenWils · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:04 pm Post subject:

With the right pre...the 416 is a great mic. When paired with other cheaper pre-amps...the 416 sounds much different. More aggressive and annoying....especially when people start adding a ton of cheap, cheesy sounding compression and thinking their guy-next door voice is gonna change into DLF's voice just because of a mic.

It takes time to know how to use the 416. I am talking more than 6 months before you start to know how to best use it.

I do like other mics better myself. But the 416 is a really good mic when using a great mic pre that matches up well.
_________________
Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

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

So Ben,
IYHO, What are some of the better known pres that match up well with the 416? I'm running an Avalon 737, but still have the old Focusrite Voicemaster Platinum as a back-up(which I may sell)

BenWils · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

My opinion is not humble.....kidding.

Your 737 is on the good list. I just got a chance to test the 416 on the 737sp here in the studio recently. I like it. My Red 8 is another on the good list. I am sure their are many others. I have not tested any others enough to speak as an authority on them. But I have heard great things from others on the Great River and the Millennia pre-amps. I think the cleaner pre-amps probably get the best results with the 416 because it already has a "compressed" sound. I use a high-end DeEsser plug in that I paid $250 for, which smoothes out the 416 really well because it can target certain trouble frequencies.

It is all relative pretty much though. If it sounds good.....it is good. Price does not make the difference all the time. But the higher tag and the better sound usually go together....but not always. The end test is does the client like it?

You'll have to turn the knobs on your 737 to dial in the right sound for your 416. It can get too sibilant for some. Just try stuff out and make the effort to really know your equipment. Your studio and your mic placement in your booth or whatever is not identical to anyone else's and this makes a difference in your sound. So what you may like, another person may not, because their recording environment is different.
_________________
Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

MBVOXX · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:51 pm Post subject:

My main mic is a U87 processed thru a 737 into Pro Tools.
BTW: Ben is right about processing and use of the 416. I'm going to have to get mine out of the closet and run it thru the 737 to see how it sounds.

ricevoice · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject:

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject:

If people notice the sound of the mic it's the performance level that's weak. The day I give either a U87 read or a 416 read is the day I'll consider getting a proper job.

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

Philip is obviously too busy working to devote very much time to these uber-important gearhead/geek discussions!

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

I guess I feel that for me, regardless of whether the Senn is the "right" mic for me, etc., etc., it may behoove me to really learn to use it as certain studios may want to use it or want me to use mine in ISDN sessions....

BenWils · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:48 pm Post subject:

_________________
Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

I keep a 415 and a NTK in my mic cabinet. Each has it's quality and can help create a desired sound for any particular project. It's good to have a few mics if you really want to be able to provide a variety of types of sound which is what recording studios do. They have a mic for everything (we may not be able to afford 20+ types of mics but we should provide a selection of sound to be diverse). And we are service providers are we not? I say don't limit yourself. You already have it. Use each for what they are best suited. It builds equity in your business.