possibly 1 for mr spiers? microphone help....

rather than pm thought id put it here as are some other music types here...

I currently have a Rode NT1-A mic in the studio and its becoming to much of a PITA now.

Basically its a great mic, but too clear for my liking. I have to tweak with equalizer after to get it sounding how i like it. im after something that doesnt pick up quite so many frequancies...

I know mics are personal preference just wondered if mr spiers or any one else had a starting point for me?...something i dont have to spend a fortune on..sell the Rode and use proceeds to buy the new one.

thanks in advance

Dappa

[Mr Speirs]

Hey buddy. What are you using the microphone to record? I'm assuming vocals but just wanted to be sure.

yea its vocals mate, I have a rode NT4 for most other things if i wanna record live percussion/guitar etc which im happy with (but dont like it for vocals), I also have a sure SM58 which i use on stage but doesnt cut the mustard in the studio.....

as u probably know / guess...i dont do much singing..and lately all new stuff has been bassline 4x4 so its pretty much just MCing/rapping over the top....i usually end up double tracking and dropping one of the takes down a semitone in pitch to make it sound deep enough as the NT4a is to "bright"......any suggestions?

I think maybe you need to EQ the recorded vocal properly. Are you also using compression, and a decent pre amp?

I've used the NT1-A many times and whilst there are much better mics, its fairly good for the price.

[Mr Speirs]

Honestly I am not much cop in the studio environment.
However I do have a couple of suggestions but need to know your price range firstly.

Mr Speirs, I'm guessing your a live sound engineer, so am I to some extent lol

[Mr Speirs]

Yeah I am.

Do you work in house or randomly for different people or what?

[Mr Speirs]

I work for a PA hire company who supply to touring artists and amongst engineering also rig the PA and occasionally I teach engineers how to use the new fangled digital desks.

matt, thats the point, i dont want to spend ages EQ'ing properly...my recording environment is spot on, completely flat, no reflexions etc....

bout 10 yrs ago i shared a studio with others but cant remember what the mic was in there, as that was perfect every time...no need to EQ/double take/duplicate/pitch shift.....

britters its about £100 budget, might just have to go and try some out and see what i like me thinks...

matt what do you do?