Your opinions on computer equipment

[sussusstudio]

I'm in the process of doing some upgrages thanks to a new computer for Christmas. Its a Hewlett Packard with a ton of space, mid grade processor which I want to upgrade and it came with the crappiest of sound cards. While I'm at it, I have to give back a Rode NT1 but was thinking of buying a Electrovoice RE20. I've been using an older compressor on the mic, but would like something with more custimization ability, but not too expensive. All told, I'd like to stay under $1500.

Anyone have any opinions/suggestions/recommendations on the following:

Soundcards
Electrovoice RE20
Mic Processor
Compressor

 

[Emmett1057]

For soundcards, The E-mu 0404 (which I use), M-Audio Audiophile 2496 and Echo MiaMIDI are all pretty close to $100, and the best values you'll find for stereo-only cards.

The RE20 is probably the last mic I would choose for anything. In a similar price-bracket, look at the Studio Projects C1 and the Audio-Technica AT4040. Or if you liked the R0DE, the NT2-A. The C1 is probably the most impressive of the bunch. There's been an ongoing debate over whether or not it sounds like a Neumann U87. I can promise you it does sound pretty damn close. The Neumann mics have a little more growl in the low-end, but the C1 is strikingly similar.

For processing, I use the Focusrite Voicemaster Pro and I really like it. I would recommend it to anyone. Traditionally, the standard is the Symetrix 528E. I hate it, but some people swear by it. For less money, the DBX 286A does a nice job too.

Any of the above combinations would keep you under $1500

 

[surfdude]

You can save a lot of money if you buy a Samson C03U USB microphone for $140.
It sounds really good for voiceover...and I hate to say that because I own 5 high end
mics. Really clean and full sounding mic.

Then, just process as needed in your software (Adobe compression and hardlimiting are pretty good
if you customize their settings).

I concur on the M-Audio 2496. You could make high quality recordings with that and the Samson.

Producing quality audio for radio/tv is dirt cheap these days.

 

[VODood]

If you want to use a dynamic, and stay under $400, I'd go with either the Shure SM7B (just bought one) or the Sennheiser/Telefunken MD421. Great sounding solid mics and about $100 less than the RE20!

If you want an EV then the RE27 is better than the RE20. IMO the EV's are better paper weights than mics. Charlie Van dyke uses the RE20... like he needs more low end, lol!

Condensers? I like the RODE NT2, which is no longer made but readily available on eBay. It's a great condenser for under $300-350. It's open on the top end, but has nice low end. If you can't afford a TLM 103, get the RODE NT2.

Tube mic?
The RODE NTK tube can be had for under $500 new. Solid tube mic. Great warmth and texture.
Paired with the Symetrix 528e it sounds pretty good. Local cable company I do VO for has this combo (and a nice whisper booth). Sounds great.

I have no experience with the Studio Projects line. But have heard some positive reviews. As for it sounding like a u87? Wow. That's a bold statement. Then again, are we talking the current u87's being made (which suck) or a "vintage" u87? I'd go with a TLM103 over a u87. All you're doing is paying $1000 more for multi patterns that as a VO you just don't need. Just an opinion.

Mic pre's... I have a dBX286a in line with a UREI 1176LN. Great combo. Don't usually use the dBX on it's own. I know that "BC" (the big voice) uses the 286 with a RE27. Then again, he's got a helluva voice.

I personally prefer the older Symetrix 528 to the 528e. Better quality parts. Any engineer will tell you that if the two are opened up and A/B'd. Again, eBay is a great resource. Just be sure to buy from someone with over 98% rating.

A Valley 400 (not the 401) is another vintage mic pre that can be had inexpensively. Chris Corley used that pre (with Sennheiser 416) for years before moving on to the Maney VoxBox/RODE II Classic combo.


And for about $175 you can get the FMR RNC (Really Nice Compressor) mic pre

http://mercenary.com/realniccom.html


I use the Echo Mia card. Great for $140. Eventually I'd like to move up to a Card D for XLR I/O.



One more inexpensive tube mic pre that's pretty good is the SM Pro TB101
http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemID=33323

 

[jefflaurence]

Hi Chuck!..I am a fan of the new Neumann TLM49..BIG difference in quality from some of the other newer Neumanns out there, and can be had for around 1200.00 with a little shopping..I still am a BIG Sennheiser 416 user, but the TLM49 works really well for narrations, and low-key work..AMAZING low end, and a nice upper presence boost that works great for me at least.

 

[VODood]

Hey Jeff!

Hope all's well! You still on Y102/Raleigh? One of these days I'll get to another "oldies" station and sign you! Maybe even another format.


Ahhh... the 416. Jeff, do you recall my telling you about that mic years ago while I was in Raleigh. Maybe not.

We can all thank the "Great One", Ernie Anderson, for pioneering that mic for VO.

 

[Emmett1057]

I just switched a friend from a TLM103 to a 416...Made all the difference in the world. We did a bunch of mic shootouts, which is where I came to my conclusion on the Studio Projects C1. For the record, the TLM103 doesn't sound much like a U87Ai at all. They do share the same basic capsule, but the frequency response of the U87Ai is much smoother and more mellow than the TLM103.

Anyhow, my friend was using a TLM103 paired with a Symetrix 528E. The 103 was a bit too "open", and was washing out when loaded up with background music and effects. When we first hooked up the 416 (to the Symetrix), we immediately knew that it was the right mic. We swapped out the Symetrix for a Focusrite Voicemaster Pro and the sound has been golden.

I had heard about the 416 for a long time, and now I see why. It's almost got a magic quality to it, when paired with the right voice.

Like any mic, though, it won't work on everyone. I know another guy who sounds terrible on a 416. His voice is just too big for the mic.

I have another friend who used the TLM49. It just sounded absolutely horrible on his voice. I think it was more his mic technique than anything...But when the mic was placed where he felt comfortable, it sounded very bad. It was boomy and harsh at the exact same time. He switched to an Audio-Technica AT4033 (which is a fraction of the price of the Neumann), and it has been much more forgiving.

Personally, I sound terrible on R0DE mics...Neither the NT1-A nor the NT2 sound good at all, on my voice. However, I hear great results from other people.

The point is, it pays to audition mics, if you can find a place to do so. Try to ignore price. If you can find a $100 mic that makes you sound like a million bucks, that's way better than spending a fotune on a mic that doesn't play nice with your voice.

Emmett

 

[VODood]

Like any mic, though, it won't work on everyone. I know another guy who sounds terrible on a 416. His voice is just too big for the mic.

Too "big". I can't think of voices any "bigger" than Ernie, LaFontaine, John Wells, both Driscolls, Jeff Laurence and many more. All using the 416. Wells doesn't even use a mic pre, just that on his Mackie 1202.

I'm interested in a Brauner Phantom C. Better reviews than a U87. And costs much less.

I'd love to audition a Manley Reference.

I hear the Langevin (Manley) CR-2001's are great mics. Predecessor the Langevin CR-3A

http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/Cr2001.html


I do agree that the pre is as important, if not moreso, than the mic.


My next big purchase is a Focusrite ISA220. I've heard it paired with the 416 and the TLM103. Sounds great!

 

[surfdude]

Chuck...I think mics are your "porn". Why don't you take flying lessons, or learn to knit?

Just kidding.

I just got a SM7B Wednesday. Luv it. No popping and no sibilance.
Sounds especially good on my female talent.
You can work it close for a nice effect. Much better for commercial vo than my condensers.

 

[Emmett1057]

Like any mic, though, it won't work on everyone. I know another guy who sounds terrible on a 416. His voice is just too big for the mic.

Too "big". I can't think of voices any "bigger" than Ernie, LaFontaine, John Wells, both Driscolls, Jeff Laurence and many more. All using the 416. Wells doesn't even use a mic pre, just that on his Mackie 1202.

I guess I shouldn't say he sounds "terrible"...He has one of those voices that sounds good on anything. But this gentleman switched from an old U87, which sounded way better. He's got a lot of growl and you need a large diaphragm to really capture that sound. The 416 has a nice, smooth low-end, but nowhere near the growl of a Neumann.

FWIW, last I knew, La Fontaine was using a Manley Gold Reference.

 

[VODood]

Yes,

Chuck...I think mics are your "porn". Why don't you take flying lessons, or learn to knit?

Just kidding.

I just got a SM7B Wednesday. Luv it. No popping and no sibilance.
Sounds especially good on my female talent.
You can work it close for a nice effect. Much better for commercial vo than my condensers.

Chuck...I think mics are your "porn". Why don't you take flying lessons, or learn to knit?

Chuck...I think mics are your "porn". Why don't you take flying lessons, or learn to knit?

Just kidding.

I just got a SM7B Wednesday. Luv it. No popping and no sibilance.
Sounds especially good on my female talent.
You can work it close for a nice effect. Much better for commercial vo than my condensers.

Your right! :0)

 

[VODood]

Like any mic, though, it won't work on everyone. I know another guy who sounds terrible on a 416. His voice is just too big for the mic.

Too "big". I can't think of voices any "bigger" than Ernie, LaFontaine, John Wells, both Driscolls, Jeff Laurence and many more. All using the 416. Wells doesn't even use a mic pre, just that on his Mackie 1202.

I guess I shouldn't say he sounds "terrible"...He has one of those voices that sounds good on anything. But this gentleman switched from an old U87, which sounded way better. He's got a lot of growl and you need a large diaphragm to really capture that sound. The 416 has a nice, smooth low-end, but nowhere near the growl of a Neumann.

FWIW, last I knew, La Fontaine was using a Manley Gold Reference.

LaFontaine does indeed use a Manley Reference, at home. If doing sessions at other studios it's usually the 416 as it's a "L.A. standard" these days.