Try before you buy?

Alan Simmons · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 220

Good afternoon friends! I'm getting ready to purchase an additional microphone, and I read somewhere (I think it was in this forum) that you could try before you buy. Did I remember that correctly, and if so, could someone educate me by pointing me to such a place? I sure do appreciate it!

~Alan

Brad Venable · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006, 22:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Here's how I did it.

1) Get to know someone who owns a music/sound eq store.

2) Be a really good customer by giving them business.

3) Ask to demo a mic, pre, or whatever you like...and enjoy!

I've never tried at a place like Guitar Center, as I am not in the same city limits as one, and doubt it would do any good anyway...although they have offered to sell me certain things at a high cost and that I could return it if I didn't like it. Razz

Brad

Russ McLamb · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Posts: 62

Also check out www.mercenary.com and www.vintageking.com. They'll let ya try stuff.

Russ

Dave Hale · Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006, 03:22 (GMT) Post subject:

I suggest that you try the EV RE16 with a blast filter. It is moderately priced and very warm and reasonably priced, needing no added electronics and can be used in most environments. I cannot remember the version without blast filter but think it is the RE15. If you will always have environmental control it may be a bit cleaner. Females may want something a bit less warm, and I, clearly, think male and female voices should have a different characteristic and usually need a different microphone. Price rarely indicates what will work best for you and, frankly, without testing them there is absolutely no way of knowing what mic is best for you...Just know that any salesman who says "this mic will make you sound great!" is completely full of s**t! FACT! I will say that much of the digital software out there can make a good clean mic which does not color sound any way you want. Without the ability to audition mics your best bet is a basic, clean, clear microphone you can play with through your software or other processing, to tune it to your voice. Do utilize outside input though..we are not the best judge of our own voices usually. Dave Hale