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Author Topic: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?  (Read 3951 times)

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GoldfishX

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Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« on: June 16, 2015, 02:46:28 PM »
I realize I can stick this in the general recommendations thread, but I'm curious to see the different responses to this "problem". I've never been fully satisfied with how female vocals sound in any of my combinations. Either too warm or too accurate (lacking euphonics). Usually too accurate.

From source to headphones to tubes used, what would be your ideal rig for optimizing songs that feature female vocals. Nothing else, just songs with female vocals. If possible, please list both a "cost is no object" setup and one that is within the realm of affordability (say, under $3000-$4000 total).

I'm thinking primarily in the pop/rock mindset when I say female vocals. So Pat Benatar, Celine Dion, Laura Branigan, Kelly Clarkson, etc.

Thx!
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Sorrodje

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2015, 02:59:45 PM »
For Celine Dion,  I higly recommend this:









 I couldn't resist. I tried as much as I could...
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wnmnkh

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2015, 04:42:40 PM »
Only true answer for female vocals is Audio-Technica (non-studio lines.)
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ButtUglyJeff

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2015, 05:12:47 PM »
Boy, I know this answer is a bit hack...

But an HD650 on a really good tube amp (some budget friendly OTLs) can do pure magic with a woman's voice.
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OJneg

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2015, 05:19:44 PM »
HD600 is my preferred headphone for vocals, which you already have. Look at some of the tube stuff. I'd get a Valhalla 2 and find some different tubes to roll into it. I believe some other pirates might be experienced in Val2 rolling.
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Claritas

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2015, 05:29:42 PM »
I seldom listen to female vocals (or normal-range male vocals either) but I love a few countertenors and there should be some crossover. The full-sized phone I enjoy most for that and other vocals is K501. The only credible alternative for me is HP1k. Amongst more readily available choices, I like HE500 and HD600.

K501 is so emotionally affecting--I can't explain it. It tends to sound best with tubes, and my sense is that it doesn't scale well. It's also one of the few phones that sounds good to me with Vali. Moreover, its lack of resolution compared with many phones made in the past 6 years makes it less source-dependent; I've liked every Wolfson I've heard it with.

I hope you find what you're looking for.
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Deep Funk

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2015, 05:53:43 PM »
Quote from: wnmnkh on June 16, 2015, 04:42:40 PM
Only true answer for female vocals is Audio-Technica (non-studio lines.)

Add AKG. The AKG midrange and female vocals are amazing. I could live without sub-bass for the midrange my K500 gave me.
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GoldfishX

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2015, 05:59:02 PM »
Quote from: OJneg on June 16, 2015, 05:19:44 PM
HD600 is my preferred headphone for vocals, which you already have. Look at some of the tube stuff. I'd get a Valhalla 2 and find some different tubes to roll into it. I believe some other pirates might be experienced in Val2 rolling.

I actually have this exact pairing. It's not bad, but the forwardness is offputting (I believe I have a newer HD600). I have considered switching to an HD650 or adding a "darker" cable to the mix to tame the forwardness. I believe the area around 2K-4K is where I'm having the issues. I want to sweeten the vocals without deadening them. If that all makes sense.
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zerodeefex

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #8 on: June 16, 2015, 06:31:30 PM »
yggy > zana deux SE > HD600/650
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Anaxilus

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Re: Can you recommend a full rig SPECIFICALLY for female vocals?
« Reply #9 on: June 16, 2015, 06:39:48 PM »
Quote from: GoldfishX on June 16, 2015, 02:46:28 PM
Either too warm or too accurate (lacking euphonics). Usually too accurate.

There is no such thing as too accurate. Analytical =/= Accurate. That's the opposite form of coloration to warm and euphonic.
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