Tube mic recommendations

[kingdaddy]

I'm thinking of adding a tube mic to my arsenal. Your thoughts?

 

[Emmett1057]

I'm not a fan of tube mics...Not because I dislike the sound, though...I actually like it very much. Tube mics just require more attention and TLC than condensers or dynamics.

But, if it's worth the extra effort to you, the choice depends largely on your budget. What is your budget?

Emmett

 

[Gregg Rivers]

I like the warmth of a tube mic, but like Emmett said, you have to be easy on them. I owned a MXL V77 that was a great mic. I sold it not long ago after having it refurbed at the factory. Someone got a killer deal on that bad boy. I now use my old stand by, an EV RE20. However I'm lurking around for a new mic that will fill the void. I'm also open for suggestions in that respect! ;D

 

[Emmett1057]

You might consider the Audio-Technica AT3060. It uses a tube element, but is operated by Phantom power. It doesn't sound quite as warm as a traditional tube mic, but it does add a bit of tube sound. Doesn't require as much care as a real tube mic. Nice compromise between condenser and tube.

 

[kingdaddy]

my budget is 1-2K

 

[Emmett1057]

At that price, I'm sure you can find a retailer to help you audition some. Guitar Center is usually a pretty good start.

 

[RadioMoo]

my budget is 1-2K

Take a look at the Lawson L47.

 

[jefflaurence]

Another really good one is the Peluso 47..Excellent mic, and some are even available with the old Telefunken Steel Tubes Made in W Virginia..The Microtech-Gefell line is awesome although a little more pricy. They actually make a model based on the original U47 (M7) capsule.

The mic of choice around my parts these days is the Sennheiser MKH 416..Just great! About 1K,,they are in every studio we have.

 

[VODood]

The VO for my station, Scott Fisher, uses a Soundelux E251...about $3k. Runs it to an Avalon M5. Rich, creamy sound. www.scottfisher.com He's based at CC Phoenix.

Personally, I use the Sennheiser 416 for pretty much everything. With that said, it's not for everyone. It's clean, but can be harsh for some. All depends on your VO/tone. We all need to thank Ernie Anderson for discovering it's use as a VO mic.

 

[Jeff Berlin]

I like the z5600 from sE Electronics. Bright, rich, creamy, reliable .. around $800. The sound rivals my fussy Soundeluxe U99 that cost over $3K.

sE electronics will let you demo their mics.

 

[VODood]

Hey JB!

We use you here in Toledo on WTWR/Tower 98. Great stuph. I'm currently helping to re-launch the station's imaging...third PD in two years.

Heard you on a GTA tv spot the other night while watching "Southpark". Is that thru your agent?

I can't recall your mic chain....I do recall the chain is extensive. Love it!

 

[stevesykes]

I'm thinking of adding a tube mic to my arsenal. Your thoughts?

The RODE NTK is a relatively inexpensive tube mic that sounds pretty good.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--RODNTK

I've had success with it on male vocals and acoustic guitar but I would steer clear of using it on thin female vocals as it can add a lot of sibalance to the recording. It's a pretty bright sounding mic especially up around 10k.

 

[VODood]

The NTK is a good tube for the price. I use it for sessions at the local tv affilate for promos. They run it to a 528e. Sounds good!

My buddy is using the NTK paired with a SM101 Pro Audio Tube Micophone Pre-Amplifier ($150). Great sound for the price! His engineer recommended the pre and tweaked. Doesn't have a gate though, so you need a quiet room. Plugs won't help get rid of all the noise.