Hummin'bird on an Shure SM7b

[anne]

A little bit of a difference there for shure!

[ljweber70]

Hi Vikki,I'm trying to recall a thread you had recently when I think you rented a Neumann for a listing. Was it for the Canadian National Anthem???Anyway, I remember that track (Neumann) as capturing the angelic qualities of your voice more than this mic seems too. Maybe because this track is raw, or its the performance, I don't know -- it's difficult without side by side comparison.My advice on vocal mic's is to record the same performance on different mics, then evaluate the results in the same environment side by side. IMO, this allows you to better hear the subtle differences that aren't quite as noticeable otherwise. Since the human voice is the most complex instrument in the world, it goes without saying that finding the perfect mic to capture it is nothing short of a daunting task There are alot of excellent "go to" vocal mic recommendations, but with a little work, I believe you will find the perfect match whether that's a Neumann U87 ($5,000) or a Studio Projects C1 ($300) -- you'll know it when you hear it Great Voice!!!Larry

[augustheat]

Vikki:I haven't followed much of the thread pertaining to your microphone situation; however, I did want to add my input, if I may...When you're asking people to listen to a track with your vocal on it, there are several factors that come into play. For instance, what type of system/speakers are they listening on? What type of ambiance/room are they listening in? Also, are they deficient in any frequencies, as far as their own hearing goes?...As an example, I have my MacBook Pro speakers I can listen with, or I can listen through my KRK V8's in my studio. What I will hear from each of these options will vary greatly. It will vary even more, when I listen to the track through my friend's Mackie's in his studio. Further, he thinks my KRK's are too flat, and I think his Mackies are hyped on the bottom. Listening to your track through PC speakers, near-field monitors, or radio shack speakers, will all present different sound characteristics; as will the type of room you're listening in. Someone who might think a particular mic is harsh/thin/boomy/flat, might be listening through a system that normally sounds harsh/thin/boomy/flat. Also, are we listening to an MP3, AAC, AIF, or WAV file? That will also make a difference as far as evaluating a track or microphone for sound quality and accurate tone...Secondly, (Thirdly?) sound is subjective to one's hearing and individual tastes. For example, I know several people who think the TLM-103 is one of the best mics out there. Yet, I know others who will claim it's very harsh/crisp on the high end. Which one is right? Depends on what you like. I'm a little deaf in the high end range (too many years of Disco), so I need to be careful how I mix and how I interpret certain frequencies in that range...Ideally, I would suggest going into a "controlled" studio environment. Most good studios have an arsenal of great and not-so-great microphones. Track yourself with each one, and listen back to the results through a good set of monitors that are "flat" and aren't hyped in the low or high-end frequencies. That should give you a more "real-world" feel for which mic might work best for your vocals. You might actually be surprised by the results...Just my thoughts...Blessings,

[stick]

Ooh, yeah... what Craig said!Yay for studios!

[hummingbird]

Hi, I appreciate all the advice. I think the Neumann works better for my voice but I'm going to try a couple of other settings on the Shure SM7b. I feel like the Neumann is a little bright and this Shure is a little too dark. With regard to going to a studio... going to a studio to try out their mics might be an idea as long as they don't have $3,000 mics .... but beyond that, the point of me buying an audio computer & EWQL, etc, was to learn to do some of this stuff myself. I have to be able to record live instruments and vocals & mix them into what I'm doing. I do know it will take a couple of more years before I've even got the basics down.... hope I don't drive you crazy in the meantime

[aubreyz]

Vikki,Meant to mention this at the Rally -- have you tried any CAD mics. With your setup the e100 might be just the ticket. (it's like $250 I think) It has a tight pattern, which would be ideal in your setup, though you've have to be more careful about working the mic to stay in the sweet spot.Try to hear one on your voice. It's been a few years, but from what I remember about the top end -- might work for you, and I bet with a little patience and shopping around you could get a good deal on one, maybe even used (but be careful with any used large diaphragm mic).Aub

[augustheat]

Quote:With regard to going to a studio... going to a studio to try out their mics might be an idea as long as they don't have $3,000 mics .... but beyond that, the point of me buying an audio computer & EWQL, etc, was to learn to do some of this stuff myself. I have to be able to record live instruments and vocals & mix them into what I'm doing. I do know it will take a couple of more years before I've even got the basics down.... hope I don't drive you crazy in the meantime Hey Vikki!Wish I could of joined you for breakfast at the Rally this year!...My only reference for going to a studio, was to simply try out various mics in a controlled environment. You might be surprised at what a professional studio might have in their arsenal. While many have the high-end Neumanns, they also have your everyday cheaper mics, as well. A friend of mine has a few of the high-end Neumanns, a few of the Shures, AKG's, Blue's, AT's, and other mics in a moderate price range. Believe it or not, he doesn't always pull out the Neumanns for vocals...Anyway, it sounds like you're on the right track. (Hey, that was an unintended pun!) Keep us in the loop...(Sorry, that was intended!)Blessings,

[squidlips]

I love Blues.....recorded my last album on one. It was loverly.