Suggestions on new equipement

[Khojem]

JoeActor asked me to post the following on this board to get your ideas.
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Hello there,

I am new to this forum and I'm looking to obtain some new equipment. My hobby is internet broadcasting on Live365.com and I want to attempt to start reading some copy for voice overs.

The issue is that my equipment is low level and I would like to find some better gear.

My gear is the following:
Behringer B-1 Condenser mic
Behringer Eurorack UB802 sound board (used for mic pre-amp)
Cool Edit Pro 2.0 (Even though this is old software, it still works well for me)

I'm mainly looking for a better mic and pre-amp but I'm open to other ideas and suggestions as well. Is there something else I should have?

Thank you,
Kyle Hojem

[Colin Campbell]

Well, you're not too too bad with that equipment list. Yes, I'd like to see something better than a Behringer mic. Look into a Rhode NT-1A. There not too horribly expensive and still a condenser. As far as a preamp, I'd like to see a true mic processor. If budget is a concern, look at the dBx 286a voice processor. This would serve as both your preamp (better quality than the Behringer 802's built-in) and will smooth out and put some punch in your voice.

The Rhode NT-1A is about $300
The dBx 286a is $200

Cool Edit is fine.

If you want to spend less on a mic, look into a Shure SM58 at $100. However keep in mind that the SM58 is NOT a condenser. As such it is warmer and less edgy. Condnesers are powerful sounding mics. Dynamics like the SM58 are warmer mics. That being said, the SM 58 is very popular in areas you wouldn't suspenct.

A voice pro would probably want one of each type for different reads.

High energy radio spot ---> condenser
"Warm and fuzzy" natural sounding narration ---> dynamic

I confess that I myself only use a condenser at this point but that's purely a financial issue. I will be adding a Shure SM7b (high quality dynamic) as soon as funds permit.

[WayneLHenderson]

What is the most affordable way to begin adding rack-mounted processors to my recording system? On the surface, it looks like it could be an all or nothing proposition. What would be a good starter rack mount box or case? What do you recommend as the first one or two processors to put in? The Aural Exciter?

Thanks,
Wayne

[billelder]

Colin,
I love the SM7B. Especially the recessed element. The output isn't as high as the RE20, but the sound is sweet!

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Kyle,
Great advice, as usual, from Colin. Plus, the SM58 is more directional than a condenser mic.

And, if you're on a budget, you may like the Behringer XM8500. I know Behringer doesn't have a great reputation in some areas and I agree with that. But, at $20, this mic has as nice a sound. (In my humble opinion. I'd defer to Colin's advice if you're unsure...HA! Un Shure? Try the veal.)
Good luck with your purchases!

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Wayne,
I noticed on your web page that you're using a Tascam US-122 USB. I'm guessing you're using that as your interface and mic preamp? As Colin suggested to Kyle, I'd go with the DBX 286A as it has +48VDC phantom power as well as Expander/gate and preamp. The preamp is the key. The DBX does not have EQ, but a little of all processing goes a long way. You could run it through the Tascam (line in) and be good to go.

[WayneLHenderson]

Thanks for the suggestion, information, and link about the DBX 286A. I really appreciate it, and will have the DBX 286A on my upgrade wish list.

Wayne