Regarding eq is another weak point of mine. I use sonar and the standard eq. I have recently tried boosting around 8k which definitely bring the vocal forward nicer. But I still am lost when it comes to eq and final mix / master.

From last night. I feel the vocal is sitting more present in the mix after some Eq advice from some previous poster's insight.

The vocals were pushed 5k

Thought I’d chime in on this thread with my antidotes.

Used the Newton Channel on my last three albums as a vocal preamp/strip.
The first album I used it with a 635a, next u87ai, and finally a MD441.

Favorites in this order
MD441
635ab
U87ai

I sold the MD441, U87ai and the Newton within the last month.

Why? Because the Newton was total overkill IMO. I didn’t find the blue/red to do much, didn’t care much for the compressor and the EQ was alright.

I think the U87ai sounds the best with clean preamps and hated it with the Neve Newton. It sounded too cold to me.

Why did I sell the MD441 you’re probably wondering. Because I hated the moving coil I could hear on the vocals. It’s a beautiful lovely balanced microphone and sounds x2 better than a U87ai IMO. But damn does that moving coil get to me. Paired with the Newton I found it excellent.

Debating on selling the 635ab and looking for a new mic/pre setup for my new album. Variety is the spice of life and without spending time with these I could never know where they are at in relation to one another.

I have a very shrill vocal style and looking at the KU5a but open to ideas if anyone would like to give a recommendation.

Im curious of the bae 1073dmp if im honest. Patiently waiting for a used but none available. Must be good 🤔
Brauner valvet mic?
I am liking u87ai and in love with lyra1 the preamp are excellent and don't need anything else unless colour change or curious as I always am. Patiently waiting for a 1073dmp

I think you need to add warmth, colour and thickness to the source not the mic.