Vocal Mic...Dynamic vs Condenser??

johnnylakes

Your thoughts people...

PaulBrewer

horses for courses really -

Condensers generally give a bigger Hi-Fi sound that may suits a lot of singers / tracks and are often first choice .

However a dynamic can also suit rock tracks or anything that's particularly dense.

Many a vocal has been recorded with a Shure SM58 or SM7. Legend has it the bould Bono uses a '58 on a lot of things.

There's certainly one sitting on the couch plugged in all the time in their studio.

Of course in order to get the best out of either the rest of the signal chain must perform.

teamdresch

An SM7 can be a wonderful thing on the right kind of vocal.
As can a U87, or a valve mic, or a ribbon, or a bullhorn.
Make your choice based on the singer, the song but above all what works best after you've tried a few different options.

PaulBrewer

teamdresch wrote: »

An SM7 can be a wonderful thing on the right kind of vocal.
As can a U87, or a valve mic, or a ribbon, or a bullhorn.
Make your choice based on the singer, the song but above all what works best after you've tried a few different options.

Ja!
Stereo Bullhorn .... one in front of the singer, one behind. Apparently Bjork never uses anything else.

trackmixstudio

Audix i5 dynamic works great with a lot a vocalists. It really helps cut the vocal through a busy mix. Sounds like a "pimped" sm57 which is also good for vocals. I much prefer a 57 with a pop shield than a 58.

A large diaphragm condenser normally works well but can be too nice for a lot of singers in my experience. I use a Neumann about 50% of the time and i5 or 57 most of the rest. Putting the singer about 5 feet from a small diaphragm condenser in the live room can give an amazing sound too if you are looking for a shouty BV or lead vocal with some air around it.

johnnylakes

Thanks guys..this information is very useful..

dav nagle

johnnylakes wrote: »

Thanks guys..this information is very useful..

Great post elder scrolls +2

johnnylakes

Who is this Bono??

PaulBrewer

johnnylakes wrote: »

Who is this Bono??

He's the lad who plays the pipes in the Chieftains, Yea?

Savman

johnnylakes wrote: »

Your thoughts people...

Petrol or Diesel? Active or Passive?
Like with everything audio, there is no 'one size fits all' mantra than can ever be applied.

Much more supporting info is required to accurately answer your question...if it even is a question?

johnnylakes

Savman wrote: »

Petrol or Diesel? Active or Passive?
Like with everything audio, there is no 'one size fits all' mantra than can ever be applied.

Much more supporting info is required to accurately answer your question...if it even is a question?

I understand this Savman, and thank you for your comment! Just wanted to get a general feel of what all of yall here on boards think.. I know it's a 'what colour is the wind' kind of thing...

johnnylakes

PaulBrewer wrote: »

He's the lad who plays the pipes in the Chieftains, Yea?

Ah, The Chieftains...Ireland's first hardcore thrash metal band

PaulBrewer

johnnylakes wrote: »

Ah, The Chieftains...Ireland's first hardcore thrash metal band

and some say the Best!

Savman

johnnylakes wrote: »

I understand this Savman, and thank you for your comment! Just wanted to get a general feel of what all of yall here on boards think.. I know it's a 'what colour is the wind' kind of thing...

How long is a piece of string?? I still don't think the question can be answered as simply as "Dynamic or Condenser". The application determines the tool.

For example, I like Beta 57A on Guitars and some Vox, I also really like Beta 87A on Female Vox. One's a dynamic, one's a condenser, what does that tell you? Nothing!

studiorat

Savman wrote: »

How long is I also really like Beta 87A on Female Vox. One's a dynamic, one's a condenser, what does that tell you? Nothing!

The poor mans Neuman 105?
+1 for the 87A

jiltloop

Savman wrote: »

Petrol or Diesel? Active or Passive?
Like with everything audio, there is no 'one size fits all' mantra than can ever be applied.

Much more supporting info is required to accurately answer your question...if it even is a question?

i've noticed that some good threads get started and alot can be learned from vague questions such as the one that started this thread

johnnylakes

Hi guys...
It wasn't really meant as a question..
More to get your thoughts on the pros/cons/differences between the 2...

teamdresch

johnnylakes wrote: »

Hi guys...
It wasn't really meant as a question..
More to get your thoughts on the pros/cons/differences between the 2...

In that case - what do you think?

johnnylakes

hahah...
well I don't think I'm experienced enough right now to comment. I've just bought my first set of condensers (NT5) and so far have only used em on overheads. So maybe I'll get back to you...........
Maybe I should re-phrase the non-question - ;P
Vocal Mic...Dynamic or Condenser.. Applications thereof???
I dunno...
Thanks for taking the time out.

johnnylakes

Although I guess the question marks imply the asking of a question...oh, what a tangled web we weave...