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Author Topic: RE 20 or SM 7B  (Read 12767 times)

ericswan

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #30 on: December 16, 2008, 01:20:35 AM »

I like both mics a lot.

I use a Sm 7 for vocals, toms, bass guitar and upright bass especially tracking live with other instruments.

I like a RE 20 on voice overs, kick, Leslies and it is the best baritone sax mic.
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C.Cash

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #31 on: December 16, 2008, 03:44:09 PM »

My conclusions;

I ran tracks on both mics,

1. My voice talking.
  SM7- I could not seem to get a nice sound no matter what setting. I found it harsh and annoying.
   RE20-  Much smoother than the SM7 but I find it lacks presence. However I think it will do well on other vocals.

2. Snare.
   SM7- Again very annoying and harsh.
   RE20- I think it could be usable depending on the type of song but I prefer the SM57 (flame away).

3. Guitar cabinet
   SM7- No way!!! zero tone, harsh.
   RE20- Sorry, the acm900 has me spoiled, again this mic lacks presence. IMO.

Thanks.
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Fig

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #32 on: December 16, 2008, 05:07:37 PM »

CC,

Have you adjusted the EQ on the SM-7.  Not on your channel strip or a plug-in but ON THE MIC BODY?

It could be in presence-peak mode?  Combined with the other switch's low-end rolloff can result in the sounds you describe for reasons I find to be obvious, but perhaps unclear to you?

Set them to flat.

If you are not getting good guitar cab tones from an SM-7 set to flat - its in the wrong location, there's something wrong with the SM-7 or the tone at the source ain't helpin', IMO.

If I am not being clear, there are two switches on the back of the mic - sometimes covered by a plate that "locks-out" the setting of choice.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a low-end adjustment switch on the RE-20, too.  Didja try that?

Use them on Kick... er, uh... bass drum and confirm the switch settings for my own curiousity, please.

Fig
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Derek DiFilippo

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #33 on: December 17, 2008, 03:43:27 AM »

Hey CC,

I have owned both the RE20 and the SM7B for a few years.  After a lot of A/B-ing, I've come to the conclusion that the Shure KSM32 3/4" diaphragm condenser is a better choice than either of these mics in almost all situations.  Insert caveats, IMOs, etc., etc.  

Kind of outside the norm and definitely not what I expected given the history and general reputation of the RE20 and the SM7B.  My clients and I agreed in all cases.  When I would swap out either of these mics and put in the KSM32, everyone was happier.  

I've used the KSM32 to close mic snares, I've used it in a kick drum, for tracking vocals, on guitar amps, on bass amps, and on sharply transient things like banjo and percussion, etc., etc., in a lot of different situations.  It's never sounded *unusable* and many times it's been the best of the options I've had (ie: better than the SM7B or RE20 or other condensers that were around).

The KSM32 has a very flat and even response without any intentionally added presence or emphasis in the >5k range.  Same general traits of quality LD dynamics.

If you're looking for a utility mic along the lines of a SM7B or RE20, see if you can check out a KSM32 and give it the same tests you have given the other mics (voice, snare, guitar).  If your ears are like mine you might find it to be a better investment for all-around duties.  As a bonus they are very solidly built and the stand mount that comes with it is very effective.

C.Cash wrote on Tue, 16 December 2008 12:44

My conclusions;

I ran tracks on both mics,

1. My voice talking.
  SM7- I could not seem to get a nice sound no matter what setting. I found it harsh and annoying.
   RE20-  Much smoother than the SM7 but I find it lacks presence. However I think it will do well on other vocals.

2. Snare.
   SM7- Again very annoying and harsh.
   RE20- I think it could be usable depending on the type of song but I prefer the SM57 (flame away).

3. Guitar cabinet
   SM7- No way!!! zero tone, harsh.
   RE20- Sorry, the acm900 has me spoiled, again this mic lacks presence. IMO.

Thanks.

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C.Cash

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #34 on: December 17, 2008, 03:57:23 PM »

Fig wrote on Tue, 16 December 2008 16:07

CC,

Have you adjusted the EQ on the SM-7.  Not on your channel strip or a plug-in but ON THE MIC BODY?

It could be in presence-peak mode?  Combined with the other switch's low-end rolloff can result in the sounds you describe for reasons I find to be obvious, but perhaps unclear to you?

Set them to flat.

If you are not getting good guitar cab tones from an SM-7 set to flat - its in the wrong location, there's something wrong with the SM-7 or the tone at the source ain't helpin', IMO.

If I am not being clear, there are two switches on the back of the mic - sometimes covered by a plate that "locks-out" the setting of choice.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a low-end adjustment switch on the RE-20, too.  Didja try that?

Use them on Kick... er, uh... bass drum and confirm the switch settings for my own curiousity, please.

Fig


Hey Fig, I am hoping to track drums this weekend.I will try them both on the bass drum.
 As for the settings on the SM7, I'm quite sure that I tried them all and I did experiment with positioning on the cabinet (Ac30/Alnico Celestions). It was not horrible but I have gotten better sound with other mics like SM57/58, PR40.ACm 2 ribbon and my new favorite the ACM900 ribbon. Perhaps I am doing something wrong with the settings?
 How would you set the SM7 to mic a bass drum, settings and position? I will give it a try.

Thanks.
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Fig

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #35 on: December 18, 2008, 01:55:49 PM »

C.Cash wrote on Wed, 17 December 2008 14:57


 How would you set the SM7 to mic a bass drum, settings and position? I will give it a try.




I would set the switches for no-roll-off, no-presence-peak in most cases.

Physical position would, of course, be where it sounds best <wink>.  What I mean is, I've found every drum is different as is the person playing it - too many variables for a "silver bullet answer" there.

Keep at it!

Fig
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Brian Kehew

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Re: RE 20 or SM 7B
« Reply #36 on: December 30, 2008, 05:29:21 AM »

Over time, I got tired of the "hardness" in the SM7 sound. It is unique though.

RE-20 always sounds dull to me, which is great for dark and low things. It likes deep bass but is far from flat or transparent in the low regions.
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