What to Upgrade First - Microphone or Mic Preamp

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[@DonaldMerrit]

I'm running a u87 into a Neve5017. I am a blessed individual.

[@noki5812]

Always helpful Barry. Don't worry about those who hate. Usually it's just people that feel the need to put others down because they're not doing things themselves and need to justify why to themselves. Keep doing whatever it is you want to do in videos

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks Noki!

[@calvinyeh3004]

Thank you Barry for sharing these valuable mindset of upgrading gears!

[@Audiophile_Maniac]

I am using a US$200 budget tube mic preamp (Alesis MicTube Solo) with a US$300 budget microphone (Rode S1 handheld). However, I swapped the stock tube for a US$200 Telefunken ECC83 vacuum tube. The budget microphone sounds like a US$1800 Microphone. My conclusion is upgrading to a tube mic preamp is more important!

[@savoirfaire8979]

This video introduced a new concept for me: the importance of pairing mics with preamps.

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Nice Vid -- "surely" is depends on what you have, what you are playing and what you are seeking to do -- but it all starts with the first tool in the chain - the Mic -- So I agree. On Microphones - Studio recording of Vocal and Acoustic Instruments (xcl base and drums) - seek specs like Max. SPL

[@tekkau2]

This is very helpful . Now I can upgrade my mic confidently. Thanks a lot man !

[@EndlessMeece]

In the video you did 2 weeks ago about preamps, you peered into my soul when you said (roughly quoted), "If you're still just starting out, it's likely you still haven't encountered microphone pre-amps yet in your journey." You got me =( I have a few dynamic mics and one AKG condensor for vocals. Had no idea I was missing a step until I saw that video. I am not worthy!

[@BarryJohns]

You ARE WORTHY!

[@Handd4u]

Seriously, simply outstanding information video. As a beginner, this type info is highly refreshing.

[@TheAudioCzar]

I agree with you Barry. I'd rather have a nicer mic into a interface preamp. Though a bit of a gear snob and don't use interface pres, it's very possible to get good results from interface pres. I was impressed with the Audient preamps when I reviewed the Evo8

[@DavidBakerProductions]

I prefer to have a clean of a signal as possible. If you “bake it in” you’re a bit limited later on. Then again, I do VO/spoken word. Compressors, de-essers ect can all come later after mic/preamp/interface.

[@maximivanov8886]

Looking forward for your thoughts on microphone choice

[@Weonlyknewoneway]

Upgraded from scarlett 2i2 to Rme babyface pro fs, Sony C100, arturia 1073 plugin, softube cl1b, and auto tune pro X

[@compucorder64]

That's a nice chain. Could look into trying out a a moderate price 1073 clone, like the GAP 73 Premium EQ or Heritage HA-73, to see if it does anything better than the RME+Arturia 1073. Be interesting to test. cl1b is a nice sounding compressor, and I always like these Sony C-series mics, clear and crisp and probably good with a pre with transformer.

[@Dragonballz2078]

Great topic and always informative! I love your channel because you tell it like it is! Thank you.

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@toddgreenwood9631]

Love the ending. GOOD-BYE to you too.

[@beautifulknowledge9584]

Great topic!! Great advice!! Thanks again Barry!! I have a TLM103 with an Apollo twin and an MXL. Thanks for the short video lol 😂

[@Shipwrckdntweetin]

And I call myself an audio/mic enthusiast and never came across your channel!🤬👊🏽 Good stuff. Thx for sharing with us.

[@untro7287]

My two cents is that a good preamp can really bring out qualities with even your budget mics, but having an SM7b and a m160 is a great start too. I think a 2k LDC for instance is shooting the moon a bit if your just starting out for instance, but if all you do is mostly vocals, it makes sense. Non answer i guess lol

[@anthonyfrancis2374]

M160? Is that a Beyer mic? The Shure SM7? Both those microphones are not cheap or would be considered so they are both dynamic mics though with better off axis sound rejection.

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

I run a sm7b with a blue robbie pre for hiphop and it sounds almost as good as my U87 with the 1073N pre.....at almost a quarter the cost

[@BojanBojovic]

From SM57 perspective, a microphone of course. After already having a $300-500 microphone, no need to update, probably ever. Update your room and fix the acoustics, this brings something real. I have U87 and NT1, I could easily use them both takes on the same song without anyone noticing it, or even I knowing where the cuts were after a week of doing something else. After you already have a $300-500 microphone, it is not the microphone, it is the talent, or the room, or the lack of knowledge.

[@compucorder64]

Pretty much, although just for one or two of my mics, I'd raise the budget a little higher, to maybe 800. Especially if thinking of things like ribbon mics, where even those designed to be more affordable than most (Beyerdynamic M160, or Royer R10). And maybe for the main lead vocal mic, I do slighly prefer less bright sounding / vintage voiced mics around 800, like the JZ Vintage 67, Chandler TG Type L or Soyuz 1973 more than good 300-500 mics say, like an Austrian Audio OC16/OC18, or Sony C-80. NT1 is a genuinely good mic though, no doubt about that. I like the Sennheiser MK4 too, and above the Austrian Audios, the old Audio Technica 4050, and some of the Lauten mics too.

[@LouisLuzuka]

*subbed* much love from Vancouver Canada you have really clean looking videos and sound is amazing :D

[@HarmonicMolecues]

Biggest impact is instrument, player, performance and room. Choice of sound or sounds are equally as important. This is followed by mic and finally mic preamp (provided you do not use totally budget preamps)

[@BarryJohns]

Was that the question? Nope, it’s stinky when you get to that point of making the decision one or the other, which one.

[@shahrozattari841]

You're the best sir..❤️❤️ From Pakistan

[@simon_patterson]

3:10 the answer

[@Firstinversion899]

I am a new subscriber to your videos, Barry, and I really appreciate your perspective! I am a fiddler, mandolin player, and a singer. I like studio tracking arrangements with these sources and live looping, too. So far I have gotten along with an SE2200c. It is a good low-cost workhorse that works well as the center condenser for my bluegrass band. But I would really like to step up to my first real studio condenser without an upper mid presence bump unlike many of condensers at lower price points. In my case, I need to tame the screechy frequencies at the source, so the upper end really needs to be more mellow, especially on fiddle!! I can’t afford a high-end mic, so $1000 would be the very top of my limit. I have been eyeing the Avantone CV12 with the Black Lion Audio mod as a good deal @$700. This seems like it would do a good job capturing acoustic strings across the audio spectrum. I think I saw you holding one up in your intro. If you do like this mic, would you agree that I would have to spend a lot more to get a noticeable difference? I’ve been comparison shopping other lower-priced tube condensers like Lauten Audio’s LA320, but would appreciate your take on comps in $700-1K price range. My pre-is a UA Twin MK2, primarily using the UA 610B and the Manley Voxbox plugs. I’d like to get a 1073 plug as well, but with the announcement of spark, I am also considering non-UA plug-in options. Thx for your great content!

[@che-babyface9960]

Room Akustik First ! Would First invest in a Great mic After in a Good Preamp …i use the Audient id14 mk2 Interface for 200 Euros Great Preamp.

[@JohnDee0]

Upgrade your signing skills will make the biggest difference...

[@EricRabb]

Good vid Barry, I wish you would’ve told us about your microphone collection though. Especially when it comes to vocals.

[@toddgreenwood9631]

I'm not jealous of some one who has a better mic collection than me. But I do find it annoying that Barry has better hair than me.

[@drewbarka833]

i'd respectfully go with a pre...an sm57 or mxl can kill it with a good pre...fun to think about, it's all about budget.... there are great $100 or so mics...harder to find killer pres in that range though....thanks for the vid! I'd say find mackie onyx pres if anyone needs a short $ pre-amp

[@RemcoJvGrevenbroek]

You forgot the 3rth optopn : a better room. In a echo-y bedroom all recordings suck

[@FerFonsek]

Then what would you choose for a first upgrade, do it all workhorse, good sounding mic

[@dreglowup]

Great Video... Great Help

[@ThemFuzzyMonsters]

Transducers are always the most important elements: mics & monitors.

[@Epochstudios]

Mic pre first

[@joshrainbow-IceTenor]

Good friday Barry. I love your content and this video is awesome as always. I have a question because I am struggling with my sound. I think 20 years ago, or maybe even longer I bought the Charteroak SA538 studio mic. It was around 1700 euro. It was recommended to me by a professional studio engineer in the Netherlands. I am a professional opera singer and do recordings at home. My voice is strong, especially in the upper register, however, my dynamic is very controlled when I sing. That being said, I notice that when I record my vocals through my Apollo x4, and use the Avalon pre, or the neve, I have many, the vocal sounds diminished when I listen back to it. It is almost like a dull, without any power, trapped in a box kinda sound. It is difficult to describe it, but you as professional maybe had a sort like experience during recording. I made a vocal booth using professional materials to get rid of my over-acoustic frequencies, however, still that diminish trapped boxed sound remains. It means I have to process the heck out of the recorded vocal to get something out of it, but it doesn't represent my true voice as it sound in the room or on stage. I cannot stand far away from the mic there it takes more of the room, too close, well, it gets boomy...Can it be that the mic is worn out? I not really used it on a daily basis! I have no other mic that is new to see if a new mic gives the same sound or an improved quality sound, or is it my operatic voice that create the issue...I also hear, especially when I add a 1176A to the recording a frequency signal beeping/sliding through the mic/recording. Is that my WiFi in the house or is there really something wrong with this mic? --- I am interested in the UAD Sphere DLX mic there it offers so many emulations and it has options to change some things in the App after the recording, which is cool...Do you think getting this new microphone would be a good decision? I have no experience with the DLX mic and I have no idea if it is suitable for my voice and kinda music I record with it, hopefully you tried this mic out. Long story. Listening to your video about mics and pre amps and system I just have the feeling,there my equipment is good, including the UAD's pre amp emulations I own, I am left with the mic.. Should a mic, like the Sphere DLX, produce a good, full, natural sounding vocal without any compressors and EQ,s added during recording in your opinion, or, is that boxed diminished sound normal no matter what mic one use? Thanks in advance Barry...

[@artemorbid]

Thank you for this

[@BarryJohns]

My pleasure!

[@tonewave6713]

Will share it

[@_JonTyler]

You're like the father of audio. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@rocnroll1715]

I enjoy the longer video's, but some don't seek the extra information. Maybe you can suggest some studio microphones from 100.00 all the way up to say 1,000.00 or mic and preamp combos.

[@BarryJohns]

My next video I do a lot of that, I think it’s schedule for Monday.

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

Hey man I purchased a Neat worker Bee mic and to me this thing sounds incredible for the price. It's not a pretty mic but it sounds great. It has very low self noise of 9.5 dB (A). I only paid $79 but it was much higher when it first came out. It was created by former engineers from Blue Audio. Have you ever worked with this mic and what's your opinion on it?

[@BarryJohns]

I’m not familiar with them, I will check them out.

[@toddgreenwood9631]

Hi Perry. I also have one of those Worker Bees. I'm using it lots. My other go to mic is an NT1 (Rode) and at 3 or for times the price I can't really say that the Rode is any better. So yeah, I like my Worker Bee. Oh! Checked out your channel BTW. Your wife is a beautiful singer. Good job. Did you write the songs?

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

Thanks and yes, I wrote two of the songs. My friend wrote "The Will of God." I mixed all of them.We are in the process recording four more that will be released sometime around late February 2022.

[@vectragt2310]

What would be a better SM57 for example? Preferably for electric guitar/speaker recording.

[@BarryJohns]

The vast majority of guitar amps are recorded with a SM57, start with that and then add a ribbon mic when you can to smooth/warm the tone out. The most common combination is an SM57 and a Royer 121.

[@freefoodsss]

Good Lighting

[@LouisLuzuka]

how did you film this video what lens are you using? it looks so crispy!! :D

[@elvonzomatthews7589]

Very inspiring

[@cesargonzalezbueno3359]

I love this one video. What mic preamp do you recommend to someone who works on Hip Hop/Rap, Trap and Reggaeton (mic TLM 103)?

[@stubkar]

Unsure if where you're at with this, but those styles don't need pre's that add color. Take a look at the focusrite Isa. Not too expensive. Clean. Can get two channel for stereo in.

[@3jackdaw168]

Hi! I have an SM7B, UMCHD204 and DBX 286s. Thinking if which pre-amp would be nice to add to my chain? Im just using it for spoken word and not singing. Also, great video!

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

Sm7b with a blue robbie preamp is a stunning combo

[@DjTumbao]

Hahahaha 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 you r the best my brother .

[@elbiso2004]

Is that a slate digital mic I see there? Would like to hear your thoughts on it and the preamp you can get with it.

[@BarryJohns]

I can add that to the list

[@tonewave6713]

Love it

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks Sal!

[@justinerb3669]

Dr Fraser Crane in the thumbnail!!

[@BarryJohns]

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve been called that over the last couple of years.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Actually I prefer long videos however I don't suffer from attention span issues.

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

Man you're so country but u r sooo cool. 😎

[@BarryJohns]

😂

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Mic preamp would be the first thing because a good pre can make average or sometimes crap sound amazing.

[@BarryJohns]

Hum, not sure I agree, but who can say what one hears as right in their ears, is, well, not right? When it comes to expression through recording, there will never be a right or wrong, just appreciation!

[@emilytvmusic]

mic pre, period

[@brokenegg4714]

list of upgrade in order of most important to least: converters cables daw speakers microphones preamp instruments and lastly, talent.

[@EricBadderMusic]

Kind of disagree with this list. Seems all over the place

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

@@EricBadderMusic I know right. To me talent would be first and foremost and DAW would be last because that does not affect sound quality and any of them will get the job done.

[@EricBadderMusic]

You could basically flip this list upside down and it would be 90% more accurate. Lol

[@BarryJohns]

Uh, hum, well…let’s see. Ok, no, just no, I mean no so far and long noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Without talent you have nothing!!!!! The right instruments for the song arrangement is critical! Speakers are the most important after the artist and musicians! DAW is dead last, they ALL record 1’s and 0’s the same! Microphone and preamp are important. In 2021 looking at it globally, converters just done matter by the time it hits someone’s earbuds or car speakers.

[@donniesmith1646]

What came first? The chicken or the egg?

[@BarryJohns]

So, which one? I’ve been waiting! 😜

[@bboymac84]

That was fast! Lol

[@LouisLuzuka]

I was shocked with this answer tbh

[@BarryJohns]

Why?

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@BarryJohns because I thought I could stick with my rode NT1a and just get a preamp to make it sound better but you're right a better mic would have better options for more mixing etc.

[@BarryJohns]

@@LouisLuzuka it’s all good, it’s a common misconception, I’m all for a great preamp, but they really need a great mic to seal the deal. It’s all baby steps man, keep at it!

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@BarryJohns you are a gem I'm so glad I subscribed, do you have any recommendations for me ? I do pop vocal covers and I use the rode NT1a and I still enjoy life, but I got green eyes for the TLM 103 what do you suggest is there an in between? maybe I need to visit your other videos , baby steps!!

[@kaislivesoundchannel4706]

Before I even start watching….. the mic…right?

[@BarryJohns]

Come on, gimme some view time!!! But yea, it’s the Mic😂

[@matthewblue7839]

Why spend money to make a bad mike sound, more clearly bad: buy a better mine first.