Toby Mac

TobyMac is more than just your run-of-the-mill triple threat. On one hand he ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim. On the other he is universally recognized as a creative force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family. On the third hand, he's the most humble and approachable merchant of cool on the scene today. Yeah; that's three hands. Some things defy common logic.

Obviously, when it comes time for a new TobyMac record to drop there are a lot of people paying attention. His rampant eclecticism and consistent excellence have set the bar very high, and on his third solo outing, Portable Sounds, he does not disappoint. An increased commitment to melody and soulful singing abounds, while his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop side hits deeper grooves and catchier hooks than ever before. On February 20th, the man Christianity Today called "one of the fifty most influential evangelical leaders in America" sets a new standard with the release of Portable Sounds.

His solo career took off from the first notes, with two GOLD albums, six Number One singles, two Grammy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. But to hear TobyMac talk about the passion and drive he has for this, his third solo outing, it sounds like all that was just the wind-up, and Portable Sounds is the pitch. The artist, producer, songwriter, industry leader and father of five was not the slightest bit interested in going through any motions. "Passion for my art drives me so long as I feel the Most High breathing new songs through me. I committed on this project that when writing and recording I will never rely on what has worked in the past and never fear what hasn't. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless."

As a result, a new lyrical flavor developed on a few of Portable's tracks. "I wanted to write a few songs that were simply prayers," he adds. "Over the years I have noticed some consistency in what I appeal to God for, like Help me remember what this is all about God I don't want to be that jaded man. I don't want to be that hardened artist. I want to remain soft in your hands, so that you can shape me into a vessel that you can breathe through.' I've been in multiple bands and on the road for a while, playing the same venues, visiting the same radio stations, working with the same label. My fight is to remain fresh, unjaded, where I'm not looking through hollow eyes, but I'm looking at things like they're new again. I expected amazing things while recording this record. I'm not talking about sales or first week numbers or critics. I'm talking about people's lives being touched by this music God is breathing through me. The wonder of it all remains and at any moment I want to be transported into uncharted recording waters not relying on my own understanding. That is why I continue to be passionate. I'm forever counting on what He'll do."

What They Use

    • KSM9
      Handheld Vocal Microphone
      Premium vocal condenser microphone that captures vocal subtlety with extraordinary detail.
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      Lead Vocals
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    • SM86
      Vocal Microphone
      Rugged condenser microphone features a tailored frequency response for clear reproduction of vocals.
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      Lead Vocals
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    • KSM9
      Handheld Vocal Microphone
      Premium vocal condenser microphone that captures vocal subtlety with extraordinary detail.
      Product Use
      Backing Vocals
      On a Budget?
    • SM86
      Vocal Microphone
      Rugged condenser microphone features a tailored frequency response for clear reproduction of vocals.
      Product Use
      Backing Vocals
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    • BETA 58A
      Vocal Microphone
      Esteemed vocal microphone accentuates the warmth and clarity of lead and backup vocals.
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      Backing Vocals
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    • SM58
      Vocal Microphone
      Legendary vocal microphone, tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals.
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      Backing Vocals
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    • BETA 52A
      Kick Drum Microphone
      Optimized for low-frequency bass punch/high-power SPL handling. Designed for kick drum.
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      Kick
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    • PG52
      Instrument Microphone
      High-performance cardioid dynamic kick drum microphone tuned to capture low-end punch.
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      Kick
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    • SM57
      Instrument Microphone
      Multi-purpose mic for clean sound reproduction of amplified or acoustic instruments.
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      Snare
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    • PG57
      Instrument Microphone
      A versatile microphone for use with amplified or acoustic instruments.
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      Snare
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    • SM27
      Multi-Purpose Microphone
      Large diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone for stage and studio applications.
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      Toms
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    • SM57
      Instrument Microphone
      Multi-purpose mic for clean sound reproduction of amplified or acoustic instruments.
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      Toms
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    • KSM137
      Instrument Microphone
      A versatile, durable, and precise single cardioid polar pattern instrument microphone.
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      Hi-Hat
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    • PG81
      Instrument Microphone
      A sensitive, flat response microphone ideal for acoustic instruments.
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      Hi-Hat
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    • KSM32
      Embossed Single-Diaphragm Microphone
      Embossed single-diaphragm, side-address microphone for highly critical studio and live sound productions.
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      Overheads
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    • PG81
      Instrument Microphone
      A sensitive, flat response microphone ideal for acoustic instruments.
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      Overheads
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    • SM57
      Instrument Microphone
      Multi-purpose mic for clean sound reproduction of amplified or acoustic instruments.
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      Guitar Cabinet
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    • PG57
      Instrument Microphone
      A versatile microphone for use with amplified or acoustic instruments.
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      Guitar Cabinet
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    • BETA 56A
      Instrument Microphone
      Compact drum microphone engineered for close miking of snare and toms.
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      Hammond B3
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    • PG56
      Snare | Tom Microphone
      A compact drum microphone for close miking. A50D Drum mount included.
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      Hammond B3
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    • BETA 57A
      Instrument Microphone
      Excellent microphone designed for use with amplified or acoustic instruments. Compact grille design.
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      Vocoder
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    • SM57
      Instrument Microphone
      Multi-purpose mic for clean sound reproduction of amplified or acoustic instruments.
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      Vocoder
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    • PSM 900
      Small Product Image - P9TR425CL Personal Monitor System
      Personal Monitoring.  Redefined.
      PSM®900 offers unprecedented audio and RF performance for the most demanding professional applications.
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      Monitors
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    • PSM 200
      Small Product Image prod_img_p2tre2_s
      Affordable Monitoring.  Get In Ear from Here.
      Affordable, full-featured entry to personal monitoring.
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      Monitors
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