> Having no experience with the original 528, I can't comment
> on the quality, but you're not the first person that I've
> heard say that. That's not the unit with the compressor
> before the expander, is it? Expander should always come
> first.
The Threshold/Expandeer/Compressor are all in the same "section" of the pre. I assume the way they are positioned that the Threshold is first since it's on top, then the Expander directly below, then the Compressor.
>
> I almost agree with you on the NT2. I don't know that I
> would go so far as to say it's as good as a TLM103, but for
> spoken voice, few mics compare to the TLM103. However, the
> Rode NT2 (if you can find one) is a superb value.
I should have declared the NT2 as good as the TLM 103 - when price is involved. I've owned both. I preferred the NT2. Since a u87 is so costly, I'll most likely buy another TLM103, or a TLM190, which Randy Reeves uses (with a Symetrix 528).
>
> As for the 416, I say no. I only say that because it won't
> work for me. For the 416 to be any good, it has to be on
> the right voice. Paired with the wrong voice, the 416
> sounds boxy and lifeless. It's not a very versatile mic,
> like the TLM103 is.
The 416 works best on heavy, deep voices. It has a natural high end boost to it. Some radio VO's who use the 416; John Wells, John Driscoll, Chris Corley (also RODE Classic II), Chuck Riley, Ernie Anderson (the greatest!), Beau Weaver, Nick Michaels, on and on.
The 416, rule of thumb, doesn't work well with female voices, unless they're deep/smokey/sultry, then the 416 makes those voices shine.
>
> IMO, the U87 is the most overrated mic in the industry. I
> don't care for it at all. Not because it's a bad mic, but
> because better sound is available for less money. The U87
> has no character. It's a very accurate, pure mic...But I
> like a little character with my sound. Personal preference.
>
The u87 is exactly like the TLM103 (same capsule, no?). They're essentially identical except for the multiple patterns on the u87, hence the price difference between the two. (Don LaFontaine uses the u87).
>
> Funny...As I'm writing this, I'm recording with the exact
> RE-27/528E combo that I advise against. Ha ha.
Works for Charlie Van Dyke.. what a voice!
Igor, another inexpensice mic is the Sennheiser MD421 (wedge shape). It's a dynamic that is as sturdy as the RE20/RE27. Arguably it's better.
<P ID="signature">______________
Everyone is entitled to my opinion.</P><P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 12/07/05 11:34 PM.</FONT></P>