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Recommendations for a good mic?

K

Kyle_Hojem

Guest
I'm a broadcaster on Live365 and I'm wondering if you guys have a recommendation for a good mic to use for voice-overs, ID's and the like. I'm currently using a computer mic (audio-technica ATR20 low impedance.)<P ID="signature">______________

Member of the Los Angeles, Phoenix Radio, and California TV moderation team</P>
 
> I'm a broadcaster on Live365 and I'm wondering if you guys
> have a recommendation for a good mic to use for voice-overs,
> ID's and the like. I'm currently using a computer mic
> (audio-technica ATR20 low impedance.)
>

The BEST in my opinion is tha Shure SM-5....if you can find them (though it might be overkill for your needs). If anyone has one they dont want, feel free to let me know!!!

I do NOT like the RE-27. Cannot make it sound decent for the life of me. And I can always tell which stations have them as they sound like MUD.
 
> I'm a broadcaster on Live365 and I'm wondering if you guys
> have a recommendation for a good mic to use for voice-overs,
> ID's and the like. I'm currently using a computer mic
> (audio-technica ATR20 low impedance.)
>
I use to work with Rode Microphones and I think that they're good mics. An NT-3, for example, could do the job very well. And they're not as expensive as Shure or EV ones, that's great.
 
> I do NOT like the RE-27. Cannot make it sound decent for
> the life of me. And I can always tell which stations have
> them as they sound like MUD.

Gotta agree, even when comparing to RE-20's.

My favorite (I've said it here before) is Sennheiser's MD-441.
If you don't have a perfectly soundproofed room the directional
qualities of this one will go a long way toward making it sound
like you do. There is provision for lots of adjustment to
tailor the sound without having to buy a processor. It's best
when close-talking and without the foam slide-on filter.

Warning: This is NOT a mic for everyone. If you're willing to
learn how to use it, it's great. If not, fall back to the RE-20
for about the same money. Yes, I've had good luck with the Sure
condenser mics but don't like changing batteries or finding space
for the power supply (if your console doesn't have phantom power
capability).
<P ID="signature">______________
"environmentalism is collectivism in drag."
--George Will (or won't)</P>
 
> > I do NOT like the RE-27. Cannot make it sound decent for
> > the life of me. And I can always tell which stations have
>
> > them as they sound like MUD.
>
> Gotta agree, even when comparing to RE-20's.
>
> My favorite (I've said it here before) is Sennheiser's
> MD-441.
> If you don't have a perfectly soundproofed room the
> directional
> qualities of this one will go a long way toward making it
> sound
> like you do. There is provision for lots of adjustment to
> tailor the sound without having to buy a processor. It's
> best
> when close-talking and without the foam slide-on filter.
>
> Warning: This is NOT a mic for everyone. If you're willing
> to
> learn how to use it, it's great. If not, fall back to the
> RE-20
> for about the same money. Yes, I've had good luck with the
> Sure
> condenser mics but don't like changing batteries or finding
> space
> for the power supply (if your console doesn't have phantom
> power
> capability).
>
A Nuemann U87 if you have the money ($2.5-8K)!
I use the Shure SM-7.....it, combined with a Symetrix 528, is a killer combo. Very smooth sound.....used by many major market operations.
I used to have the 441's....had to stop using them because the jocks kept switching the switch to "voice." Gawd....that mic sounds like a tin can in that position! Not bad when in "music" mode, but still, not the best mic. They were good for screaming jocks.....it's hard to overload a 441!
I used to work at a rock station which used U87's. The Chief did an exhaustive comparison study to find cheaper mics with the classic Nuemann sound. The mics he picked were the Beyer M88. Even the "golden ears" couldn't tell the difference! I don't think Beyer makes that model anymore....too bad!
 
> I'm a broadcaster on Live365 and I'm wondering if you guys
> have a recommendation for a good mic to use for voice-overs,
> ID's and the like. I'm currently using a computer mic
> (audio-technica ATR20 low impedance.)

I've used an EV RE-20 for years and love it, but I wanted to mention that the inexpensive Heil PR-30 and PR-40 dynamics are getting raves from a number of users, including Art Bell (apparently being used on Dave Letterman's show, too). Very transparent and clean, but with a modest presence boost, perfect for VO's.

BTW, a computer mic jacked directly into the sound card is powered by a few volts from the sound card. Many of the mics being suggested in this thread are unpowered dynamics, and may not sound all that great jacked in directly. In my experience, at least. You may want to consider buying one of the inexpensive Behringer mixers to use as a balanced input preamp, and use your card's line in jack. A must if the mic turns out to be a condenser, which takes phantom power up to +48V.
 
> A Nuemann U87 if you have the money ($2.5-8K)!
> I use the Shure SM-7.....it, combined with a Symetrix 528,
> is a killer combo. Very smooth sound.....used by many major
> market operations.

I'm shocked to hear that you feel it necessary to add a processor after that killer-but-expensive microphone! Surely the Symetric 528 could make an EV 666 sound like a Neumann and save big bucks????

> I used to have the 441's....had to stop using them because
> the jocks kept switching the switch to "voice." Gawd....that
> mic sounds like a tin can in that position! Not bad when in
> "music" mode, but still, not the best mic.

I found a 98-cent tube-pair of epoxy to work wonders. But then I've been known to substitute fixed resistor networks for certain pots to allow jocks to twiddle to their heart's content without screwing anything up. NEVER had one figure it out! Similar techniques work wonders for thermostats and toasters, too.

> They were good
> for screaming jocks.....it's hard to overload a 441!

I can't recommend them for everyone...especially in a well-designed studio. But when you're fighting a sorta thin voice and a lousy noise environment...

I don't think I've every worked in a really well-designed studio!

But then my previous favorite was a super-size RCA 44.....but try to buy a good reconditioned one these days and you'll fall in love with the Neumann all over again 'cause it's so relatively inexpensive.<P ID="signature">______________
"environmentalism is collectivism in drag."
--George Will (or won't)</P>
 
I found a 98-cent tube-pair of epoxy to work wonders. But
> then I've been known to substitute fixed resistor networks
> for certain pots to allow jocks to twiddle to their heart's
> content without screwing anything up. NEVER had one figure
> it out! Similar techniques work wonders for thermostats and
> toasters, too.

Oh man! That reminds me of this dumb afternoon jock we had at one of our stations. They kept freezing up the coils on the A/C unit, so the C.E. had the service guy remote wire it into his office so the controls no longer worked in the control room. We failed to tell the said dumb DJ that kept turning the temperature down that the controls didn't work anymore. Needless she was comforted daily by twiddling the controls on the unknown-to-her defunct thermostat. It was a standard joke around the place for years to come. I don't think she EVER figured it out.

One remote thermostat installed - 300 bucks
Watching the dumb DJ twiddle the disconnected thermostat - priceless

Happy New Year folks!



<P ID="signature">______________
--- THE Insultant ---</P>
 
1!
> I used to work at a rock station which used U87's. The Chief
> did an exhaustive comparison study to find cheaper mics with
> the classic Nuemann sound. The mics he picked were the Beyer
> M88. Even the "golden ears" couldn't tell the difference! I
> don't think Beyer makes that model anymore....too bad!

Still available as the 88TG. It's a little low as far as output goes (benefits from a clean mic pre) but I think it's the best sounding dynamic out there....using one on my poor excuse for a voice since the mid-80's. It's also a great mic for kick drum.
>
 
> I'm a broadcaster on Live365 and I'm wondering if you guys
> have a recommendation for a good mic to use for voice-overs,
> ID's and the like. I'm currently using a computer mic
> (audio-technica ATR20 low impedance.)
>

If you get a preamp, the $99 Behringer B-1 condensors are great. We use them in the on-air studios and everyone sounds great on them.
 
Jock proofing...

This might need to be a new thread but OH MY GAWD, I am quite relieved to find out that my CE and I are not the only one's "jock proofing" several items. Epoxying the RE-20's, taping the hell out of the Senn. 421's, making pots inop but still able to turn, gluing the thermostat in place or putting a screw in it so it will not go above 70 (so the 98 pound mid-day chick doesn't turn the air studio into a sauna). Another thing I did was put 25dB pads into the remote Mic's so they would quit clipping all of the remotes. Nothing worse than hearing a jock drive the crap out of the Comrex and the GM comment on how bad our $6000 new setup sounds, that won't happen again!
We have a morning guy who pissed and moaned that we didn't have a hot button so he could press it and have the cops come. I never heard of this and he insisted he had on at every place he worked at. OK. Take old push to cough box and run wires ito turret and label "Hot box...use only in emergency". He fell for this for 6 months, till afternoon smarta$$ told him. Now afternnon guy only gets right channel in his headphones.....
 
Re: Jock proofing...

> We have a morning guy who pissed and moaned that we didn't
> have a hot button so he could press it and have the cops
> come. I never heard of this and he insisted he had on at
> every place he worked at. OK. Take old push to cough box and
> run wires ito turret and label "Hot box...use only in
> emergency". He fell for this for 6 months, till afternoon
> smarta$$ told him. Now afternnon guy only gets right channel
> in his headphones.....

Hahahahahahahahhahahahahahhaaha.<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
 
Re: Jock proofing...

Well, this is sorta along the lines of jock-proofing, but not really. And, there's a real question here...

I have a contract engineer who I keep around to do small stuff and be here in a pinch. However, my 'real' engineer lives four hours away. Hince the need for a local guy to do the 'regular' stuff.

Anyway, I'm incredibly picky about processing for my stations. I want my four-hour-away engineer to touch it, and nobody else. He's the only one I've ever met who can make them sound just the way I want them to. In fact, the processors at all three stations the local guy handles have "ADJUST ME AND JOSH WILL BREAK YOUR FINGERS" notes. But, he touches it anyway.

Is there a good way to 'lock' the processing? I know that once the new Omnias get here they can be password-protected. BUT, I honestly feel that I may actually break this poor guy's fingers if he neuters one of my stations again in the next couple weeks. Since he's literally the ONLY engineer within two hours drive of my market, I can't exactly make him fingerless. Any CHEAP suggestions?
 
Re: Jock proofing...

> This might need to be a new thread but OH MY GAWD, I am
> quite relieved to find out that my CE and I are not the only
> one's "jock proofing" several items. Epoxying the RE-20's,
> taping the hell out of the Senn. 421's, making pots inop but
> still able to turn, gluing the thermostat in place or
> putting a screw in it so it will not go above 70 (so the 98
> pound mid-day chick doesn't turn the air studio into a
> sauna). Another thing I did was put 25dB pads into the
> remote Mic's so they would quit clipping all of the remotes.
> Nothing worse than hearing a jock drive the crap out of the
> Comrex and the GM comment on how bad our $6000 new setup
> sounds, that won't happen again!
> We have a morning guy who pissed and moaned that we didn't
> have a hot button so he could press it and have the cops
> come. I never heard of this and he insisted he had on at
> every place he worked at. OK. Take old push to cough box and
> run wires ito turret and label "Hot box...use only in
> emergency". He fell for this for 6 months, till afternoon
> smarta$$ told him. Now afternnon guy only gets right channel
> in his headphones.....
>
Good story!!
Reminds me of a story told by the late John Talbot, former chief of WSB, Atlanta.
When he worked at Urban, Kiss 104, he got a 3AM call from the overnight guy. You know how the overnight jocks are, they think if they are awake, then so goes the rest of the world.Well, he calls John to inform him that "something isn't quite right" with the announce mic. John listened to the next break....everything was fine.
He calls the jock back. He asks the jock,"do you see the little hole in the mic muff?"
"Yes"
"Which way is it pointed?"
"Uh.....towards the back."
"That's the problem.....the mic muff is OUT OF PHASE!! Turn the hole to where it faces you and you'll be fine."
The jock turns the mic muff and does the next break. He calls back to tell John everything is great now and he is a real technical mystic.
Ah.....the art of Chief Engineering!
 
Re: Jock proofing...

> Is there a good way to 'lock' the processing? I know that
> once the new Omnias get here they can be password-protected.
> BUT, I honestly feel that I may actually break this poor
> guy's fingers if he neuters one of my stations again in the
> next couple weeks. Since he's literally the ONLY engineer
> within two hours drive of my market, I can't exactly make
> him fingerless. Any CHEAP suggestions?

Move the processor from the rack to your office and lock the door.
Total cost: Some length of cable and a few minutes of running without
processing while patching around the processor....or losing a few
minutes airtime if you have no means of bypassing temporarily.
<P ID="signature">______________
"environmentalism is collectivism in drag."
--George Will (or won't)</P>
 
Re: Jock proofing...

> Well, this is sorta along the lines of jock-proofing, but
> not really. And, there's a real question here...
>
> I have a contract engineer who I keep around to do small
> stuff and be here in a pinch. However, my 'real' engineer
> lives four hours away. Hince the need for a local guy to do
> the 'regular' stuff.
>
> Anyway, I'm incredibly picky about processing for my
> stations. I want my four-hour-away engineer to touch it, and
> nobody else. He's the only one I've ever met who can make
> them sound just the way I want them to. In fact, the
> processors at all three stations the local guy handles have
> "ADJUST ME AND JOSH WILL BREAK YOUR FINGERS" notes. But, he
> touches it anyway.
>
> Is there a good way to 'lock' the processing? I know that
> once the new Omnias get here they can be password-protected.
> BUT, I honestly feel that I may actually break this poor
> guy's fingers if he neuters one of my stations again in the
> next couple weeks. Since he's literally the ONLY engineer
> within two hours drive of my market, I can't exactly make
> him fingerless. Any CHEAP suggestions?
>
Most engineers could care less about fiddlin' with the processing UNLESS things are VERY out of adjustment. Improper adjustment may cause overmodulation, for example. Maybe the contract guy put a scope on your AM and saw the carrier with excessive cutoff....this indicates excessive negative modulation which will cause distortion and interference with other stations.This is a violation....the FCC will write you up for that!
If an owner tells me to keep my hands off ANYTHING in his operation, I do! Why not tell the contract guy to leave the processing to you......I bet he will leave it alone. If not, get another engineer! If he can't control himself....he's dangerous!
 
Re: Jock proofing...

I like Les's idea about putting the processors in my office and locking them. But since two of the three transmitter sites are twenty miles away, and the processors are located there, it's not exactly do-able.

I think maybe he just comes from the old days when FM sounded boring. I like my stations to be loud. And, when I first reset the processing after buying them, we made sure they were within spec, so I don't think he was trying to correct a rules violation. I doubt I could get any more blunt about the fact that I don't want the processing touched than I did by putting up the 'finger breaking' warning. I'll just bide my time until the Omnias get here and pray that another engineer moves somewhere close.
 
Thanks to everyone who gave recommendations!

I just bought a small Eurorack UB802 mixer for a preamp and also a
Behringer B-1 condenser mic. I had to special order the mic because no one in my area seems (Orange County, CA) to have it in stock. I had no idea broadcast mics were so expensive!


Thank you all for your recommendations (and comments) and I'll post again to let you know how everything works out.<P ID="signature">______________

Member of the Los Angeles, Phoenix Radio, and California TV moderation team</P>
 
Re: Thanks to everyone who gave recommendations!

> I just bought a small Eurorack UB802 mixer for a preamp and
> also a
> Behringer B-1 condenser mic. I had to special order the mic
> because no one in my area seems (Orange County, CA) to have
> it in stock. I had no idea broadcast mics were so
> expensive!
>
>
> Thank you all for your recommendations (and comments) and
> I'll post again to let you know how everything works out.
>

Kyle:

The big online music supply shops and even BSW-USA have the B-1 in stock, so you could order the mic for $100 or less. Hopefully you didnt pay list!
 
Re: Thanks to everyone who gave recommendations!

They worked it out somehow so I only had to pay $100 (includes the mic cost, plus shipping and tax).
Was this the website you used to buy the mic-www.bswusa.com-?


> Kyle:
>
> The big online music supply shops and even BSW-USA have the
> B-1 in stock, so you could order the mic for $100 or less.
> Hopefully you didnt pay list!<P ID="signature">______________

Member of the Los Angeles, Phoenix Radio, and California TV moderation team</P>
 
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