Looking for some insight on mic choices. Been using my L1 mod II for about 2 months now. Very pleased with my acoustic guitar sound for which I use "Acoustic electric w/ piezo" setting since they do not have a preset for my yamaha apx 500. I run with a direct box into T1. I run my tracks via USB into 4/5 and they sound great as well. For vocals, I'm using a shure SM58 using the sm58 preset with a touch of delay and just a whisper of chorus. I wish I could get more presence out of this mic. It just sounds dull. I know the chorus has a tendency to roll off some hi freq's. I've added some via the E.Q. settings but ran into some feedback issues so i dialed it back down. I know the mic is good and I've used 58's for as long as I can remember. Is it time to look at other mic choices ? maybe condenser mics ? What are you guys / gals using and what do you suggest ? Thanks in advance for all responses. Peace !

Hi Joe,

Here is a microphone review I did back in 2004. I chose a Neumann KMS 105 back then. I still use it at every gig.

It performed as flawlessly last night as it did the day I got it. If I had the option to make the choice again - I would definitely get the same microphone.

Does that help?

Bonjour ST,

Nice and thorough review. If you ever get the inspiration for another review, you might want to consider the Blue EnCORE 300 stage condenser microphone. It seems to be the best value for the money these days. I have been using it for a few months since reading about it in this forum and I like the definition it gives the voice. The salesman at a big local music store is currently recommending it over some classic 700$ microphones; it costs less than 200 C$!

quote:

Originally posted by Joey C:
What are you guys / gals using and what do you suggest ? Thanks in advance for all responses. Peace !

Like ST, I have a Neumann KMS 105, but my goto mic is an Audix OM5. It provides a very natural voice reproduction and rejects feedback better than anything else I own. To get the most from the OM5 one has to use close mic technique directly in front of the mic.

I have EV ND 767's that work nearly as well as the Audix for feedback rejection with a slightly warmer bottom end.

I do have a scene setup on the T1 for the KMS 105, It is a great mic, but I don't usually carry it in the gig bag.

O..

Hello,

I don't use an L1/II, but still using an L1 Classic. I imagine a microphone working with an L1 Classic would work equally well with an L1/II.

That said, I was using a Crown headset microphone for a while, which I really enjoyed using; and also have an Audix OM5. Both worked fine and sound good. My OM5 has started to develop electrical noise so I replaced it with a Shure SM87A hypercardiod condenser and am very happy with it.

Stu

The two I use interchangeably now are either an 87 or OM5. I used to use an AKG 535. I haven't tried any of the newer mics. The venerable 58 has never sounded better than "dull" for me on an L1 with any voice.

My choice is the Neumann KMS 105. I've tried the Sennheiser 945 and the AKG 535. I like the 535 but feedback is an issue. The Neumann just gives an incredible large detailed image to my baritone voice. I find that enunciation is very important with the Neumann as it really picks up very subtle nuances of the voice. I like the acoustic pop filter which can be washed after use without having to deal with the fibrous ones that gum up quickly and eventually dry rot. Close mic technique does not produce a large bass boost to my ear.

Thanks guys...all very helpful suggestions that give me plenty to think about..@ StuartD, I have a crown headset mic in storage @ my place in New Jersey...However, I'm down in Florida currently and with no trips planned back up for a while, I'm gonna have to get something down here. @ ST, the KMS 105 sounds like a wonderful mic, it's just a bit beyond my financial means at the moment. Unless I can find a deal on a used one... @ jfd / Iron Sky, I may have to demo one of these Blue EnCORE 300's. You say under 200.00 ?? Thats about my price range...well the never ending struggle continues....Thanks guys for the info and taking time to respond...PEACE

My first vote is the Heil Fin & second the Heil PR20.

I use an AKG D3700. I have a very strong voice to begin with and this mic brings out the resonance and remains clear. Feed back rejection is stellar with these mics as well. This mic is not in production anymore, but can be picked up used for around a $100.

I used to have the KMS 105 but I sold it as I found I was using my Audix OM5 (for reasons stated by Oldghm) much more.

Recently, I bought a Heil PR-35 and that is an excellent mic as well. You can read reviews at Musicians Friend here:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com...hone?content=reviews

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and opinions. Demo'd a bunch of mics and for the money I can't beat the Audix OM 5. Ordered one today from Sweetwater and it will be here thursday. Will post gig report friday night.
Thanks again
Joe

Hello,
I Used my new Audix OM-5 Friday on the gig. First thing I did after I plugged it in was select the appropriate preset. I got some high end feedback and went into the EQ and rolled off the high freq's I had previously added to my shure sm-58 to add some life to the muddy sounding mic. Once that was done, I pretty much ran it flat with my normal effects and had a very enjoyable, trouble free gig. I like it so far...it's a bit more "in your face" than I'm used to but I'm just gonna run it for a few gigs the way it is and let my ears get accustomed to the more present characteristics of this mic. All in all, much improvement over the sm-58. Thanks for your suggestions everyone.

OK here goes.. A little late, I'm sorry to add..you probably purchased a mic already.. Well for starters, a wired mic. running your mich directly into channel (1). set to digital delay setting 40/140. The EV N767 mic is one of the best lead vocal mics for the money. $129.00.. I do n ot believe you will need a wireless.. Also, the presence on this mic is awsome as I have and on occassion, use this as a spare when some wishes to sing.. or the woreless version is RE-2 that goes for app. $450.00. Try it out... forget the others.. this is best.

I've tried all these so called great mics mentioned. For me it's a Shure Beta 58. Great gain before feedback. Tried and true...no batteries needed. EV isn't bad but after using a ball mic all my life I just cannot get used the that flat spot. I then had to get a switch in an inline cable because I couldn't find one with a switch. In a gig setting...you need a switch so people don't hear what you say when you don't want them to.
Or if running loud, you can walk away from it and it won't go into a howl. My 2 cents. Seems I'm a dinosaur here. But the job gets done well and it has for quite a while.

Hi macmike100. Needing that switch on the mic is one of the things I enjoy about my T1. I keep mine on the mic stand and the mute button for each input is at your finger tips. It is also handy if you need to unplug an instrument.

Respect,
Col. Andy