Which Mic is best suited for my Voice (Shure SM7B used so far)? With audio examples!

[lua]

Dear People,

I recently started to make rap music again and as I wanted to improve my sound quality, I bought the Shure SM7B. Before that I used the Gatt Audio LD5 (Condenser mic).

So I was quite happy with my new sound quality, but when I compared it to my older recordings, I noticed, that, even though my sound quality did improve, those older songs had kind of more energy. It could be due to voice changes, as my voice was higher back then. Maybe it was also caused by a more aggressive style of rapping, which wasn’t fitting to my new song, but I also thought about the possibility, that the Shure SM7B wasn’t the best fitting mic for my voice.

I read that some people, including audio engineers had problems with EQing vocals, recorded with a ShureSM7B, when they were aiming for an upfront bright vocal. As that’s how I like and want my voice to be too (I really like the sound of Eminem’s voice e.g.), I consider now buying a new microphone.

So here are two examples of my voice (with just a little compression)

Here recorded with the Shure SM7B
https://soundcloud.com/user-59827809.../s-svSZiv7pRK4

Here with Bass Roll Off and Presence Boost
https://soundcloud.com/user-59827809.../s-37A5WuNxVut

Here with the Gatt Audio LD-5 (with roll off activated)
https://soundcloud.com/user-59827809.../s-h7xOaSYozz8

So I am sure quality-wise the SM7B is better, as the Gatt Audio LD 5 was much cheaper (and I know that the Gatt sounds thinner, but bear in mind that I will add effects and doubles etc.), but do you think that the Shure SM7B suits my voice?? Or does it reduce the upfront brightness too much? Which kind of microphone could you suggest to me then? The price shouldn’t be much higher than 1k, 500-1000€ is the price range I was aiming for.
The following microphones seem to be good options so far from what I’ve read and heard, but I am open to any kind of suggestions!!

Neumann TLM 102
Neumann TLM 103
AKG C414 XLS
AKG C414 XLII


Here is a picture of my recording situation:
https://ibb.co/59W4yVM


Thank you so much!!!

[enroe]

I think the version with the Shure SM7B flat sounds best.
Always remember that the mids are the most important
frequency range for "Geistesblitz".

Of course, the TLM-102 sounds better for most voices and
situations.

[martifingers]

I agree with enroe.

One thing that struck me was the contrast between the sort of "lo-fi" backing and the relative smoothness of the vocals. I know very little about this genre so I assume it's deliberate but perhaps you could experiment with a dynamic mic as well to see how the vocals could sit somewhat differently in the mix.

As I say this is a totally naïve comment on my part!

[beingmf]

I'd say the SM7 is amazing for your voice, it's got that early Deutschrap sound (which I really like!) with not that many glossy highs and a somewhat raw uncompressed character - yet smooth and not muddy at all.

But (!) the issue is the beats. There's not much space for vocals, try to open the instrumental up in both bass and top end. Magically the voice will shine!

(I really like everything about the track, just not the sound of the beats, your voice is great)

**** hätt ich eigentlich auch auf Deutsch schreiben können, oder? haha

[numberthirty]

Originally Posted by lua

...

I read that some people, including audio engineers had problems with EQing vocals, recorded with a ShureSM7B, when they were aiming for an upfront bright vocal. As that’s how I like and want my voice to be too (I really like the sound of Eminem’s voice e.g.), I consider now buying a new microphone.

...

On this particular point...

I know that my younger brother used an SM7 on the vocal on this tune, and I've never really felt like it was lacking on the "Upfront..." or "Bright..." fronts.

https://prfmonthlytributeseries.band...-be-good-to-me

Same for this tune...

https://prfmonthlytributeseries.band...-for-bob-dylan

Also, thought that your SM7 vocal sounded just fine on those same fronts.