whats better for rap vocals a tube mic or condenser??

[wonderboy]

...i just got offered an amazing deal on a brand new Tube mic. (CA Project TC-1)i tested it out and it sounded nice. but my question is, will this be good for vocals(mostly rap) or am i better off sticking with the studio Projects C1??

[Logicology]

Firstly, tube mics are not the opposite of condenser mics. Technically speaking nothing is the opposite of a condenser. But there ARE two different types of mics, dynamic and condenser. Some more expensive condensers have tubes. And I can't think off-hand of an example of a dynamic mic with a tube - are there any?

Secondly, I'm not sure what would be better for you.

[jonnyc]

Some small corrections need to be made so that you are no longer misinformed. There are actually three types of common mics. Dynamic, Condenser's and Ribbons. There are pretty big differences between the three regarding how they're built. All three have a different style of capsule and well...lets not get too over your head at this point.

Tube mics are nice but not always that much different than a solid state mic. Basically some electronics are substituted for a tube, which is how a lot of electronics had been built, radio, tv's, mics, etc...All used tubes in the electronics. Now solid state is more prevalent.

When choosing a mic you really want to focus more on how the mic sounds and not how it's built. When it all comes down to it, it really doesn't matter how the mic's made or how it captures the source. What's important is that it sounds right on the source. So get it out of your head that tubes are going to sound better because they may not it really depends on the source, and I'd say if you're satisfied with what you have now then stick with it.

[wonderboy]

the tube mic i have been trying out sounds a bit smoother and slightly "warmer" than the other condensers i have tried. im just not sure if its good for rap vocals... from my time searching the forums here i never herd of anyone recomending a tube mic for hiphop. that was my only concern really. but it sounds good anyway. i guess thats all that matters right.

thanks

[jonnyc]

the tube mic i have been trying out sounds a bit smoother and slightly "warmer" than the other condensers i have tried. im just not sure if its good for rap vocals... from my time searching the forums here i never herd of anyone recomending a tube mic for hiphop. that was my only concern really. but it sounds good anyway. i guess thats all that matters right.

thanks

If it sounds better then yes that's all that matters. Just know that solid state can sound just as "warm" as a tube mic. So in the future make you choices based on performance and not build type.

[BALKI]

Well I do hiphop & I went ahead & bought me the DR-GX1 Dynamic Mic. Can't be more happier bought it for $39 bucks. Can't compare it to the SM-57 but it was the closest on reviews i could get to it so I went out & bought it. It's a steal in my book for the price. It has been great on my vocals.

[MASSIVE Mastering]

If I were recording rap vocals, or almost any aggressive sounding vocal for that matter, the first thing I'd grab would probably be an ElectroVoice RE-20. Dynamic, sturdy, flexible, one of the great studio-staple mics of all time.

[DZK]

I use a Shure KSM32 --- which in the industry, is mostly used for mic'ing instruments (guitar, etc). It's a condenser mic.

I would suggest testing all the mics at the music store and seeing what you like the sound of, best. That's what I did.

You can checkout my sound/quality @ the site in my sig - if you want.



ps: make sure you have a quiet ass room before you record on a condenser... they pickup everything and you dont wanna lose sound or hear your vocals bouncing all of the room.

[m_morrise]

There are actually three types of common mics. Dynamic, Condenser's and Ribbons. There are pretty big differences between the three regarding how they're built.

Not really. Ribbon mics are dynamic mics.

[jonnyc]

There are actually three types of common mics. Dynamic, Condenser's and Ribbons. There are pretty big differences between the three regarding how they're built.

Not really. Ribbon mics are dynamic mics.

I stand corrected. Although whenever I hear anyone ask for a quality dynamic mic I never hear anyone ever mention a ribbon.

I did a little learning and reading. Ribbons, eventhough considered dynamics, do carry the signal a slightly different way than a traditional dynamic mic, therefore giving them a unique characteristic when compared to dynamics.