Freddies vocal mics

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.

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Togg wrote: [/QUOTENAME]...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.[/QUOTE]

But that happens with both dynamics AND condensers. And the proximity effect is a great tool, live or when recording.

Adam.

Yes but it's more pronounced on a mic like a 58

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.

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.

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.

For vocals, I like the Shure Beta series, specially the Beta 58A. I sometimes wonder if the guys used them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]tenchijin2 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]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?

[/QUOTE]

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:

http://rapidshare.com/files/946088/Digitalizar0003.jpg.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/946457/Imagem.jpg.html

Take care

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

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]tenchijin2 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]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

[/QUOTE]

You have mail.

Take care

Hello,

Could you mail 'em to me too?

Thanks