Which mic suits my voice better? (MP3s)

[Matt Smith]

Hey Guys--
I could use your opinions on something. I'm currently trying out two different mics to use for lead vocals on our next album, and I need to decide by tomorrow. I'm going to do a lot more testing and comparison tonight, but I thought I'd post something to see if you guys had a preference or not. Ignore the drum machine, etc., as I just threw this together quickly for this purpose. Also, sorry that some of the performance is a bit rough, but I'm still getting over a cold. Anyway, not the most scientific test, as there will obviously be differences between the two performances, but I tried to get them pretty close. No EQ on either other than a HPF at 80 and below. Compressed with Distressor while tracking; no other compression or any other processing besides a bit of verb and whatnot. Tried to match levels of course.

Mic 1

Mic 2

Thanks guys!

 

[Nitronium Blood]

To my ears, Mic 2 sounds better.

It seems a bit more 'rounded'. Definately much 'louder' than Mic 1 though.

 

[Matt Smith]

Cool, thanks. Any other opinions?

 

[Matt Crooks]

Cool, thanks. Any other opinions?

I liked what mic 2 did to your upper register better than mic 1, but mic 1 better for your lower and mid range. That could just be performance, though, so I'd go with mic 1.

 

[Exsanguis]

I also liked Mic 2 better, as it sounds a little warmer, and maybe has a little more presence.

 

[MR NINE]

Cool, thanks. Any other opinions?

Hey Matt!
The mic 2 It sounds more clean and with more high end.

 

[LynchpiN]

Mic 2, certainly. Suits both your voice and your band's sound.

By the way, what mic models are mic 1 and 2?

 

[Ermz]

Mic 2. Great music by the way.

 

[Matt Smith]

Thanks so much guys!
I've been putting them through their paces tonight trying to make my final decision. Mic 1 is the Soundelux U195, and Mic 2 is--believe it or not--the Rode K2 (their new tube mic). I also tried the Soundelux iFET7, and it had a nicer midrange than the U195, but once I got it into a mix that quality made such a tiny difference that I couldn't justify spending twice as much.

Anyway, thanks again for giving that a listen and sharing your opinions; I really appreciate it.

 

[Nitronium Blood]

Thanks so much guys!
I've been putting them through their paces tonight trying to make my final decision. Mic 1 is the Soundelux U195, and Mic 2 is--believe it or not--the Rode K2 (their new tube mic). I also tried the Soundelux iFET7, and it had a nicer midrange than the U195, but once I got it into a mix that quality made such a tiny difference that I couldn't justify spending twice as much.

Anyway, thanks again for giving that a listen and sharing your opinions; I really appreciate it.

Ok, I know you are somewhat a vocalist in the style of 'Prog'.

Have you ever tried out any other vocal styles? Perhaps some Lane Staleyish or Devin Townsendish vocals?

 

[Nostalgiaplatz]

I liked more the "mic 1" version, but I'm not sure if it was the performance or the mic that made the change, cuz there's a little difference to them which is more noticed in the expressive parts of your voice.

BTW: You've got a great voice, remembers me much of Bruce Dickinson.

 

[Matt Smith]

Wow, thanks very much...biggest compliment ever. Bruce=
And I'm always trying to expand my styles/ranges and try different things. But I'm usually most comfortable just belting it out.

Thanks again guys.

 

[Frank'nfurter]

Like Morningstar I think Mic1 is the better way. Sounds more brilliant to me and fits more to the sound.

My 2c