The Smiley Smile Message Board

I was just looking at the liners for KTSA, and noticed - in the fabulously detailed "technical notes" Mr. Desper undoubtedly provided - that included in the list of vocal mics, alongside the Neumann M-49 (all leads and group vox) and RCA 77-DX (Mike), is the Wahrenbrock PZM-A.  I've never heard of a PZM mic being used on vocals.  If Mr. Desper's around, I'm DYING to know how and in what instance this was used! 

p.s.  I just put on a new stylus and had one of those fits of geekery - this time it was KTSA and headphones.  It really is one of my favorite-sounding records.  Go figure.

I use them on drums to this day.  They rock.

I have seen PZM mics used attached to stands to pick up ambient sounds in the studio to give more options for the final mix, and this would be particularly useful for group vocal sections. They're also good for side of the stage live recordings. Over to Mr Desper to expand on this...

I love that they are using the old RCA tube mics!

A drum mic'ing trick I picked up in Boston was seeing someone tape two PZM mics up on the walls behind where the drum kit was being recorded, to pick up the reflections, then blend it all in for a more roomy sound.

Not knowing anything at all about the vocal setup being asked about here, and waiting with everyone for the real answer to be posted  :-D, I would imagine a similar setup inside a reflective, "live" sounding room would be a neat thing to try on group vocals or anything similar to add more ambience or room sound, even if it's not what was done on KTSA.

If you're speaking about the 77s, I don't think there are tubes involved in those.  Ribbons, yes, tubes no.

COMMENT:

I stopped using the Wahrenbrock PZM-A in arrays in favor of CROWN’s new PZR. When Brian experimented using non-singers for his leads, the Crown, BF-100 SUX (PZR) seemed to smooth out their intonation. An out-of-the-box approach to microphone design.

CROWN :: BF-100 SUX (PZR)  >>>  http://www.crownaudio.com/media/pdf/mics/spoofmic.pdf

~swd

Interesting stuff, and thank you for your input, Mr. Desper!  This BF-100 SUX RZM microphone looks great, thanks for hipping me to it.  And a humorous write up to go with it from the link you gave us -

"Type:  Residential Zone Microphone.
Sensitivity: Yes, but manliness too.
Fragrance: The microphone smells like a beer. "

http://www.crownaudio.com/media/pdf/mics/spoofmic.pdf

So there are mics with auto tune inside... already in 2002 or earlier

amazing specifications:

• Extremely reliable (even when shot full of bullet
holes, the microphone will not change its performance)

• Voice-cancelling ability (useful on singers with
faulty pitch).

• The built-in pop filter handles soda spewage from
exuberant singers. A rugged grille provides flame
broiling.

LOLOLOLOL....

But seriously. I used to use PZM's on the floor and wall to record live music recitals back in the 80's on a 4-track.  Still got a pair somewhere. You could get really interesting effects for example attaching one to the *inside* of an upright overstrung piano. Never did much experimenting with PZM's and vocals as they usually produced less pleasing results than more conventional mics...but for recording acoustic musical instruments they were/are great if you know how to use them.

The idea of placing them behind drums to catch reflections is great. I found that one could expand the soundscape on live concerts by placing a pair on the floor in front of the stage and blu-tacking one to the wall behind. Obviously I was recording with permission of the performers. I'm talking about school concerts :) Can't really bootleg a gig with PZM's.