Build my mic closet

[lowdbrent]

I have a mobile Pro Tools HD recording rig. Currently, I have about very mic from AT (4040,47,50,51,60, AE5100, 5300, etc), had Shure KSM44's, 32's, etc., the standard 57's, 421s, RE20's, etc.

I need to offer high-end mics for vacation get-away recording sessions. If you were tracking a Top 40 country or rock band, knowing that you would be stuck in the boonies for a month, what mics would you say are essential? What would be your first grab?

I am also looking for a pre selection based on specific applications. I already have the clean pre's. I am looking for character pre's here.

Brent

[ozraves]

Brent--

I'd check out the Great River MP-2NV (one of my personal faves), the Phoenix DRS-2 and the Aurora Audio GTQ2.

I'm not as fluent on the high end mics as others but I suggest the AEA R84 be considered as an addition to your mic cabinet.

[ June 21, 2004: Message edited by: ozraves ]

[natpub]

Possible Mics to look at -
Soundelux Elux 251, U47, U49
Brauner VM1
AKG 414 (the newest ones, have changed a little)
AKG C12A (can find one sometimes used for good price)


Pre's:
Chandler TG2 - elec gts/bass/organ/fiddle
Chandler LTD1 - vox/gtr/bass/snare/keys
API 3124 - drums/perc/sax/fiddle

That would definately add some colour, off the top of my head. Might wanna look at the Pendulum tube pre's as well. Or if you want to keep it simple, yet have a wide variety, check out the Pendulum Quartet II channel strip. Two of those would be excellent, and in fact are what I am shooting for in my mobile rack.


--KT

[Ollie]

You are not mentioning price range on mics etc. What kind of budget? Most of the items you list in the condensor world are newer mics. I personally love the sound of the vintage stuff.

Akg - C12, C12A, C12B, C451e, ELAM
Neumann - KM(2)54,KM(2)56,KM(2)64 SM2,M269,M49,U47,SM69,M582 with m7,
Neumann Geffel - UM57, M582 with m7 OR M62
Schoeps - M221B (934C) CAPSULE MY FAV

You also could use some Ribbons: Royers, Beyer, Aea

[bjoneill74]

yep.. you already have a nice collection of mics there. Perhaps looking at some of the Soundelux stuff (251, E47).. I really like the U195 I got about a year and a half ago.

Ribbons might be fun to play with. Royer 121's the AEA 84. I think there's a stereo version of the 84 on the horizon as well.

Brian

[lowdbrent]

Thanks for the replies. I have about 70-80k to play with.

[3daudioinc]

Originally posted by lowdbrent:
<STRONG>Thanks for the replies. I have about 70-80k to play with.</STRONG>

Well in that case, the first thing you should do is hire a consultant to advise you. I have someone in mind. He knows lots about microphones and has listened to lots of them side by side.

Who me? No, really, I'm thinking of this other guy I know.

;^)

I would say that you could round out your mic and pre collection for about that amount of money.

[ozraves]

Brad Lunde at TransAudio is a good call.

Fletcher opined once about his choice for 16 channels of mic and pre. Here's his list:

1) Brauner VM-1 KHE (best mic I've ever experienced)
2) Brauner VM-1 KHE (would like a pair)
3) Soundelux E-47 (close enough to an original U-47, but without the
worries)
4) Soundelux Elux-251 (close enough to an original ELAM, less expensive)
5) Soundelux iFET 7 (extremely versatile lg. diaphragm FET condenser)
6) Josephson Series 4 (awesome sm. diaphragm FET condenser)
7) Josephson Series 4 (would like a pair)
8) Royer SF-12 (great stereo ribbon mic)
6) Royer R-121 (great mono ribbon mic)
7) Royer R-122 (has a different texture than the 121)
9) Shure SM-7 (Great utility mic)
10) Shure SM-57 (Good utility mic)
11) Shure SM-57 (Good utility mic)
12) Shure SM-58 (Good utility mic)
13) Shure SM-58 (Good utility mic)
14) Sennheiser MD-421 (Good utility mic)
15) Sennheiser MD-421 (Good utility mic)
16) Sennheiser MD-421 (Good utility mic)

1-2) Great River MP-2NV (versatile, excellent tone and texture)
3-4) Phoenix Audio DRS-2 (different and complementary to the MP-2NV)
5-6) Pendulum Audio MDP-1A (versatile, excellent tone and texture)
7-8) Pendulum Audio MDP-1B (different midrange character than MDP-1A)
9-10) D.W. Fearn VT-2 (Big, clear, opulent, lovely!!)
11-12) 2x Martech MSS-10 (Big, clear, opulent, lovely!!)
13-14) 2x Groove Tubes Vipre (Big, clear, opulent, lovely!!)
15-16) GML 8300 (good complement to above from the "straight wire" world)

[oceantracks]

If you have that kind of money, find a U67 or U87 and send it to Klaus. Then, find two more, and send them to me, out of the goodness of your heart.

Add the Sony 800, E47, 251, and be done.

Add TG-2 and Buzz to the pre list. In fact, with those two pres alone, I doubt there would be much one couldn't do.

Definitely find a KM-54 or two for acoustic guitar....

[3daudioinc]

I would suggest that if you had a C-12, C800G, E47, Elux 251, U87 and U67 with an R84 and 4033 thrown in, you could probably record any vocalist comfortably. Maybe add a 441 or an SM-7 just as backup.

Again, this is just for vocals.

I have to say that I'm continually shocked by the 84, even on vocals. It never sounds good flat (on vocalists to my ear) but I can EQ it to anything I want. Last night on female vocalist, I shot down a C12VR, U87, 4033, C414 TLII, and ended up using the 84 with a top end boost through the Cranesong Flamingo. Whooda thought it?