Turtlerock Forum

Hi all,

Im looking to buy a new LD Condenser mainly for male vocal duties (rock/pop) but would be good if it was versatile. Also wanted something with a variable polar pattern. My price range is $1500 - $2500
It would be running through a Sebatron VMP 2000e if that helps...

Was looking at the Telefunken AK47, havent tried one and reviews seem mixed...
Or should I go for the good old U87??

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Best depending on where you are located try what you can try.
If it is mainly for your own vocals see what works for you.
I do not know if you should go for something a little cleaner as the Sebatron is pretty colored, although again your call with your ears.
New I would say try Soundelux, Brauner and the Pesulo mics?? Or maybe a TLM103 or c414 (will work for you)
Geffel do some nice mics, although do not know who is bringing them in now.
Secondhand well see what you can find.. $2500 at your top range is the low range for nice Valve mics.

If you think the Telefunken will work get it down for a try out, seems they are now not just badging Apex mics as there cheaper range mics

there's a lot of very shite U87s out there, but if you find a nice one you'll be happy. i don't even know if they're in fashion this week but they are a very solid mic that you should keep forever.

i'm also a big 414 fan but they can sound very ordinary on the wrong voice.

those brauners are something but i don't know if $2500 will get you one, certainly not the really shmick one (model number eludes me, the one clapton uses).

we have had great success with the sE Gemini mic (RRP $2495) - we have a bunch of others which don't really compare (TLM103, C414, ClassicII etc) and it is now the go-to vocal mic (also great on a variety of other sources!). There is a new Version 2 available now also.. If you are based in Melbourne and keen to hear one then let me know.

cheers
Geoff

I reckon Peluso would be a good choice, on my list to buy.

Nic

Aearth wrote:I reckon Peluso would be a good choice, on my list to buy.

Nic

Although I would really want to hear for myself. Like most things. There seems a lot of hype for these, which sometimes on net forums hype is not real. Also what one person likes is not what another does.
For vocals it is not always a LDC that works, I have used many dynamics, ribbons and SDC's before. I remember a AT25 kick drum mic worked for one singer, which was not my first,second or etc choice.

Maybe check out the Lawson U47 style mic.

Thanks everyone for their replies and suggestions...

I wont be doing any of the singing it will only be used for clients, so i guess im going to have to find someone that can sing to help me try a few of these out... not always as easy as it sounds!

Im based in melbourne so geoff if i get stuck i might take you up on your offer...

Apart from Factory Sound does anyone know of anywhere i could do some shoot-outs with good quality mics??

Cheers all

give Awave in Hawthorn a visit.. good service and they've got a decentish range of mics at that sort of price level.

i have a gefell umt70 for this purpose, $2200ish and it's been the perfect mic for most singers i've used it with (sadly though not myself for some reason)

OzDrum wrote:we have had great success with the sE Gemini mic (RRP $2495) - we have a bunch of others which don't really compare (TLM103, C414, ClassicII etc) and it is now the go-to vocal mic (also great on a variety of other sources!). There is a new Version 2 available now also.. If you are based in Melbourne and keen to hear one then let me know.

cheers
Geoff

I second that.

[quote="davemc"][quote="Aearth"]I reckon Peluso would be a good choice, on my list to buy.

Nic[/quote]
Although I would really want to hear for myself. Like most things. There seems a lot of hype for these, which sometimes on net forums hype is not real. Also what one person likes is not what another does.
For vocals it is not always a LDC that works, I have used many dynamics, ribbons and SDC's before. I remember a AT25 kick drum mic worked for one singer, which was not my first,second or etc choice.[/quote]

No hype here, I've heard some of their mics and for the money they sound nice.

Nick

Cool Nick about the Peluso .. I always get a little worried with some net reviews done by so called un-connected people who sell them.
Then you get a lot of people who only used a be!@#$%^& beforehand say they are just like a u47 if you know what I mean. Been a lot more of this the last few years with viral marketing

I've found the Rode K2 a good value for money all rounder. Between that and my AT4050 and AKG C414 there's not much I can't find a multi-pattern mic in my "locker" to suit.

I know some people think of Rode as a four-letter-word ... but its definitely a useful four-letter-word in this instance.