Mic Rental

[RiffWraith]

Looking to rent some good mics for a day or two. Any ideas on who (in the NYC area) might do this? Looking for a U87 (or equivalent [if there is such a thing]), some AKG 414s, and maybe a couple of good room/OH mics. I tried google, but I what I got is a mess. Any suggs?

Thanks! :icon_biggrin:

[OpenMind]

Maybe this one?
http://www.bennettstudios.com/rentallist.htm

[paulwr]

.......... another option........ if you have one or two reasonable good mics such as an Audio Technica 3035, you can get some excellent results with good mic emulation software.

But, a good friend who has owned most of the 'go to' mics including the U-87 had to cut things back some years ago. He went this route and has had great luck. Never went back to the expensive mics, and gets great sound recordings of voice, guitars, dobros, banjo, perc, etc.....

He is on Mac, so the software might not be available on PC, but I'll check if you like.

-Paul

[RiffWraith]

Maybe this one?
http://www.bennettstudios.com/rentallist.htm

Nice list, but everything on that list - they don't rent! lol


..... you can get some excellent results with good mic emulation software.


I would NEVER in a million years use mic emulation sw. It's the real thing, or nothing.

Found a place - Jim Flynn in NYC. Thanks for the replies!

[paulwr]

I would NEVER in a million years use mic emulation sw. It's the real thing, or nothing.


I can appreciate the purity of thought, Jeff. The friend of mine that uses that kind of software is one of the best record producers around, and his results using the software for mic emulation are very very good, which is the only reason I would mention the option.

Good luck with your project.

-Paul

[OpenMind]

I can appreciate the purity of thought, Jeff. The friend of mine that uses that kind of software is one of the best record producers around, and his results using the software for mic emulation are very very good

Sounds interesting, but.... I don't understand how one can emulate an U87 by using an SM58 (for example)

The main reason for me to use Neumann (U89), is not only because of the straight frequency response, but also because of SPL.
Frequency response can be corrected more or less, but not dynamics.
The SM58 would distort when used with nearby high sound pressure levels (like brass)... and I can't imagine any emulation that would be able to correct that.

The other way around sounds more plausible to me... using a HiQ mic to emulate the sound of any lower quality mic.... which would still be interesting :icon_cool:

[paulwr]

Yes, my friend uses a good quality 1" diaphragm condenser mic. In the past, he had many of the higher end mics including the U87. He has no interest in re-investing in a lot of expensive mics again. I've been listening to his stuff for 30 years, and don't hear a difference in quality of the vocals from the U87 days and the current emulation days. Or the guitars, dobros, violins, percussion, etc....... it still all sounds great.

Me, I'd like to have at least a smattering of some great mics, but not a high priority for me. I seem to be living 'in the box', though I record the grand once in a while with a couple of Audio Technica 1" dia mics....... they do pretty well.

-Paul