22 Boutique Microphone Shootout With Band Faux Real

How to Find the Perfect Vocal Microphone for Your Voice

Choosing the right vocal microphone can be the difference between a good recording and a great one. In this video, Jeff Ehrenberg of Providence Sound and Vision teams up with the art pop duo Faux Real to compare 22 boutique microphones in a real-world studio setting. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose a microphone for your voice, or how high-end microphones really differ in sound, this is your chance to hear the details for yourself.

A Real-World Vocal Mic Shootout

Filmed at The Nest in East Los Angeles, this shootout features side-by-side comparisons of 22 boutique vocal microphones using the same performance and recording chain. The goal? To find the microphone that best matches the unique tonal qualities of Faux Real’s two vocalists, Elliot and Virgile.

Each microphone signal is split through a Radial mic splitter into two signal paths:

• One into a Neumann MT 48 interface for transparent accuracy

• One into a BAE 1073MPF preamp for vintage tone and harmonic richness

This dual-path setup allows you to hear how each microphone performs both clean and colored, making it easier to decide what fits your voice and production style.

Tailoring the Right Vocal Chain

This video also highlights one of the services Providence Sound and Vision offers: custom vocal chain tailoring. Whether you’re a singer, producer, or engineer, the right vocal chain helps your voice sit perfectly in the mix. From microphone selection to preamp pairing, it all adds up to better recordings and more mix-ready tracks.

If you’re building or upgrading your studio setup, Providence can work with you to build a chain that suits your vocal tone, recording environment, and sonic preferences.

What is Audio Test Kitchen?

To make mic comparisons more accessible, this shootout is being developed in partnership with Audio Test Kitchen, the world’s first virtual showroom for microphones. With a custom Audio Test Kitchen player, you’ll soon be able to compare all 22 microphones from this session in a browser-based tool using your own headphones or speakers.

Meet Faux Real

Faux Real is an avant-garde pop duo known for their innovative songwriting and theatrical performances. Their unique vocal blend and experimental style made them the perfect fit for this mic shootout, especially as they prepare to record their new album. Working with real artists in real studio scenarios helps showcase how microphones respond to actual voices—not just sine tones or test scripts.