| tenchijin2 10.10.2006 20:05 |
Does anyone know which vocal mics were used (by Freddie) on Sheer Heart Attack and/or A Night at the Opera? I can hazard a guess, so please no guesses. I've seen the picture of them on the ANATO DVD showing the vocal booth with all three singers inside and a mic (which looks like a neumann...U87 or 67), but it's covered by the wind cover so I can't tell which model it is. Aside from that, it won't tell me necessarily which mic was used for lead vocals, either. Any data? |
| Sebastian 10.10.2006 22:39 |
Shure 565D. Of course they'd use different things every now and then but vocal microphones were almost always Shure, from the very beginning. |
| tenchijin2 10.10.2006 23:25 |
Thanks, Sebastian. What is the source of that info? |
| Sebastian 10.10.2006 23:29 |
Peter Hince |
| tenchijin2 10.10.2006 23:36 |
It is clear that is the vocal used on stage, but are you sure (no pun intended) it was used in studio as well? |
| Adam Baboolal 11.10.2006 04:45 |
You know, I recently heard from someone (can't remember where now) and they said that Freddie had a Shure SM57 in the studio at times. Now, I've never passed on this kind of information before because I was never confident that it was true. How could it, I thought. But apparently he had been there when the red light went on! But I'm still in doubt about it all. Anyone else chime in here? Adam. |
| Togg 11.10.2006 04:57 |
I guess anything's possible, I know or at least I heard that he had an SM58 in Silver that was in a wooden presentation case that he took everywhere for a time, but that was I assumed his live vocal mic. At the end of the day he may well have done many guide vocals with it but surely they would have been re-done with something else on the final take? |
| Adam Baboolal 11.10.2006 07:07 |
Mind you, it's always good to remember that Bono records with an SM58. Adam. |
| tenchijin2 11.10.2006 08:49 |
THere certainly was a 57 or 58 set up as a guide vocal mic. I *think* RTB mentions this in the article where he discusses recording ANATO. I'm stil skeptical that the shure mic was used for tracking lead vocals... it's certainly not impossible, but there's more detail in the pickup than I would normally associate with a shure dynamic. |
| Adam Baboolal 11.10.2006 12:30 |
Just to muddy the water a little here. I recorded a lead vocalist back in May with a Rode NT2A and Shure Beta58 mic at the same time. On one of the recent tracks I was mixing, I chose the Shure over the NT2A as it worked better in the mix of this particular track. So, I think it's certainly possible either way. Sometimes, it could be just what the track wants and fits better. Adam. |
| Micrówave 11.10.2006 13:36 |
Adam Baboolal wrote: Mind you, it's always good to remember that Bono records with an SM58.Exclusively? Hey I love my 58, and my Beta 57, but in the studio isn't a Nuemann or equivalent more preferred? |
| tenchijin2 11.10.2006 15:19 |
½Microwave wrote: Exclusively? Hey I love my 58, and my Beta 57, but in the studio isn't a Nuemann or equivalent more preferred?It really depends totally on the voice and the track. |
| Adam Baboolal 11.10.2006 15:21 |
Really, you'll find that there are singers that like the way they sound through a particular mic or piece of gear, etc. etc. Bono's famous for recording with the 58. I'm sure he's tried other stuff, but he sure loves that mic! And yes, it's really down to the situation like Tenchij says. Some people just don't like the way they sound through certain mics, which is good that they recognise that. I've recently found that I can get a great full-on vocal (for myself, that is) with a beta58. Yet, through some condensers, I don't like the sound. However, because of my studio knowledge, I now record with more than one mic exclusively because, it gives me the choice for mixing and getting just the right sound without messing with things like EQ or other processing. Adam. |
| Micrówave 11.10.2006 15:29 |
Well then I don't feel so bad thinking this Beta 57 is the best mic I've ever used on my voice. I need that extra "oomph" the 57 gives you opposed to the 58. |
| Mercuryking 11.10.2006 19:07 |
bono sucks big time |
| Togg 12.10.2006 03:57 |
It is certainly true that you can get a good studio sound from a 58, however the simple reason people don't use them is they don't have the range in the high end that a condenser mic has, you will also suffer from what is known as the proximity effect if you get to close as the mic will artificially boost the mid range. If you have a harsh voice this can sound a little too aggressive, and a condenser will smooth things out, likewise if you have a soft voice you can find it needs a mic that can really pick out the subtle elements in your vocal track and again a condenser is the way to go. Very very few professionals would use a 58 in the studio for anything other than a guide vocal, there are simply too many other better mics to choose from. But everyone will sound different through different mics, so it's always worth trying several. Using one or more at a time is common practice even on instruments to see what you get with say a valve mic against a normal condenser, or dynamic. |
| Adam Baboolal 12.10.2006 05:24 |
Togg wrote: ...you will also suffer from what is known as the proximity effect if you get to close as the mic will artificially boost the mid range.But that happens with both dynamics AND condensers. And the proximity effect is a great tool, live or when recording. Adam. |
| Togg 12.10.2006 09:39 |
Yes but it's more pronounced on a mic like a 58 |
| tenchijin2 12.10.2006 10:03 |
Togg, most condensers (and ribbons)have as great a proximity effect as any 58 has. It's just that in general you won't get within 1" of the capsule with a condenser so it isn't as much a problem. Compare that to another classic dynamic, the EV RE20 which has pretty much NO proximity effect... and it's a dynamic mic! Also, a condenser does (usually) have the extended high end as you say, but it doesn't always serve to 'smooth things out'. Often, it adds a pretty scratchy edge depending upon how bright the mic is. Many sources are greatly smoothed over by a dynamic mic like the 58. |
| ezee 12.10.2006 11:21 |
Ive heard rumors... U87, SM57, SM58, AKG 414. Its all Horses for courses guys.. you can argue all day about the pros and cons of proximity effect frequency responce.. and the price of fish in Japan.. but what it boils down to is.... What is working for the track and what is not. |
| Togg 12.10.2006 11:34 |
Absolutely, you have to have the right feel for the vocal. I have found many occasions when a U87 for instance gives a far less pleasing sound than other far cheaper mics, my current fav is the Gemini from SE Electronics. But the nature of a condenser is such that you tend to require a pop shield in front of it therefore eliminating the prox effect greatly, however a 58 tends to make the vocalist more keen to reach out and grab it and sing with his/her mouth all over it, and if you put a pop shield up they seem to hate it. I condenser gets much more respect I find. I also agree that this effect can be put to good use, however it's a little hard to control and I find usually I'd rather do away with it if possible. |
| Wilki Amieva 12.10.2006 13:31 |
For vocals, I like the Shure Beta series, specially the Beta 58A. I sometimes wonder if the guys used them. |
| Seven_Seas_Of_Rhye II 25.10.2006 18:30 |
I also use Beta58A for studio and live work. But what is for Freddie - I don't know about studio mics but he uses silver Shure 565. I saw one auction at ebay with box of two Shure 565. And there it was said that 'this is the mic Freddie Mercury used'. - Look at the closest Freddie live pictures with mic and you'll see it's Shure 565. |
| tenchijin2 25.10.2006 18:56 |
The live mics are easy to figure out. I really am only interested in the studio vocal mics, particularly on SHA and ANATO. It's wierd that this isn't documented anywhere that I can find. |
| ezee 26.10.2006 00:37 |
I havent found much info either, although after hearing Freddies Vocal for Killer Queen without the band behind it.. im leaning towards a U87. The type of Mic Pre, compressor and the fact that they recorded to Analog tape for those albums is a BIG contributing factor. |
| AllDeadAllDead 26.10.2006 17:16 |
bono uses the sm58 for studio work becuase he likes to hold the mic in his hands, in order to give what he thinks is his best, most honest vocal performance. you cant hold most studio mics like neumans or whatever in your hand like a rock n roll signer, so you need something built for the stage with the poper amount of shielding and shock absorption. so the 'reason' why he goes with the sm58 is more of a physical reason rather than a technical one having to do with an sm58 versus a better quaility mic. but still, you cant yell into a neuman with your lips up against the grill either, so, it does come down to technical specs i suppose as well. |
| Bobby_brown 27.10.2006 18:30 |
tenchijin2 wrote: Does anyone know which vocal mics were used (by Freddie) on Sheer Heart Attack and/or A Night at the Opera? I can hazard a guess, so please no guesses. I've seen the picture of them on the ANATO DVD showing the vocal booth with all three singers inside and a mic (which looks like a neumann...U87 or 67), but it's covered by the wind cover so I can't tell which model it is. Aside from that, it won't tell me necessarily which mic was used for lead vocals, either. Any data?I´ve uploaded 2 photos from this period where you can see clearly the mic. I hope you recognize it, because i don´t understand nothing about mics. Hope this helps: link link Take care |
| tenchijin2 27.10.2006 19:55 |
Thanks, but I refuse to go through that ridiculous rapidshare website. If you'd be very kind, perhaps you could email them directly to me? tenchijin@comcast.net |
| Bobby_brown 28.10.2006 10:34 |
tenchijin2 wrote: Thanks, but I refuse to go through that ridiculous rapidshare website. If you'd be very kind, perhaps you could email them directly to me? tenchijin@comcast.netYou have mail. Take care |
| Seven_Seas_Of_Rhye II 28.10.2006 14:35 |
Hello, Could you mail 'em to me too? Thanks |
| Bobby_brown 28.10.2006 14:51 |
Seven_Seas_Of_Rhye II wrote: Hello, Could you mail 'em to me too? ThanksWhat is your mail? Take care |
| Seven_Seas_Of_Rhye II 28.10.2006 19:25 |
Oh... ebayer@pochta.ru Thank you! |
| Bobby_brown 28.10.2006 21:07 |
Seven_Seas_Of_Rhye II wrote: Oh... ebayer@pochta.ru Thank you!You have mail. Take care |
| tenchijin2 29.10.2006 10:09 |
Thank you very much. Unfortunately those photos I've seen. The studio photo is the one I referred to in the first post, where it's clearly a neumann mic, probably a U67. The others are live performance photos which, unfortunately, don't help me in this case! Anyway, I do appreciate sincerely the help. |
