Mic for various acoustics

[CEM]

I have done searches and such and I have some ideas what sort od mic I may need....but most people talk about recording vocals and acoustic guitar. I have an MR-8 and a budget - my recordings are for me and my friends so I am not looking for a $500 mic. I will be recordin all different kinds of acoustic instruments and vocals at different ranges (some homade and experimental) and of course I want to do it with just one mike. Sometimes I will record a group of people "ambiently". I was under the impression that a omnidirectional condenser would fit my all around needs. Are there other opinions? Plz name brands and cost if you know that. Thanks

Clint

[cominginsecond]

I would recommend the Studio Projects B-3 for $160. It sounds nice (kind of a neutral, transparent tone), it has switchable pickup patterns (cardiod, omni, and figure-8), it works well on a lot of different sources (vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion), and it sounds like it's in your price range. I think you'll get a lot of use out of this mic from what you've told me about what you need it for.

[CEM]

Does that mic need batteries? or do I need a pre amp? will the pres on my MR8 do the trick?
Thanks for the reply BTW

[cominginsecond]

Do your preamps have 48 volt phantom power? If so, you don't need another preamp. If not, you do. For a good, cheap preamp, people around here like the M Audio Audio Buddy.

[kid klash]

If you want a good uni condenser on a budget, I'd recommend the Studio Projects B1 at $79-$85. If you need a general purpose stereo solid state preamp with phantom voltage and 1/4" outputs, go for the AudioBuddy at $70.

[tmix]

I agree with cominginsecond,
The B3 is one of the best bang for buck versatile mics out there.
I have many mics ,some costing nearly 10 times as much, but I regularly reach for my B3.

[LocusLarsen]

Originally posted by CEM
... - my recordings are for me and my friends so I am not looking for a $500 mic.

Ya......right............I started out wanting to just record my and my friends on a 4 track (punk rock, so sound quality doesn't matter, right?) WRONG! After reading and researching I realized I have a slight delusion in that I think I might be Motzart. I bought a 16 track VS workstation. Now I am researching (I usually get stuck a level or 2 above what I research) LD Mics in the $800-1200. I need 2. Not too mention the expensive ass preamp I just ordered. Then I need an A/D converters....ProTools to upgrade my base.....a couple OMNI mics......a quality mixer..........

If you can shell out a bit more just do it.........you will in the end. But even if you can't, don't lie to yourself that you don't care about sound quality.

[LocusLarsen]

I guess the point of that was, I hope you know what you got yourself into...........

[LocusLarsen]

ya, I screwed up that edit........clicked on reply.........oops

[CEM]

I do care about sound quality - otherwise I would just get a radio shack mic. I just don't need to have the best quality. I couldn't afford the good stuff even if I wanted to. But I know what you mean - I always have gear lust.

[cominginsecond]

Originally posted by CEM
I do care about sound quality - otherwise I would just get a radio shack mic. I just don't need to have the best quality.

This statement is further proof that the Studio Projects "B" line is probably perfect for you.

[LocusLarsen]

How much money can you afford to spend. I am sure that would make a difference in what people will recomend. Be it $50 or $200. I am happy with my AKG C3000B. Thats a LD. It was $300......but it came with a shockmount, and now I saw GC is offering a pair of headphones free. I have had great experience recording rooms and acoustic guitar with it. It might be more than you wanted to spend, its a lot less than 500.

[cominginsecond]

Originally posted by LocusLarsen
How much money can you afford to spend. I am sure that would make a difference in what people will recomend. Be it $50 or $200. I am happy with my AKG C3000B. Thats a LD. It was $300......but it came with a shockmount, and now I saw GC is offering a pair of headphones free. I have had great experience recording rooms and acoustic guitar with it. It might be more than you wanted to spend, its a lot less than 500.

The C3000 is almost univerally loathed on this board. I haven't used it, but a lot of people around here would say that the SP B3, at $160, beats the C3000, at $300, hands down.

[DJL]

CEM,

Because of your budget, and all the stuff you want to use the mic for, the Studio Projects B3 would be a very good choice IMO. I have two SP B3's -- it's a nice mic.

http://www.macmidimusic.com/prod.itml/icOid/3287

[SteveMcB]

Do you need more than one mic? How many sources are you recording at the same time? The SP B1 and B3 are great options. I havent used most of them, but you might want to check out the following:
- Behringer ECM8000's - $40US each - omni pattern, reputedly good on acoustic. I wouldn't use them on vocals, but for extra mics that sound decent on acoustic, they're about the cheapest you're gonna get
- Marshall mics - MXL V67 ($90-125 depending on colour scheme) reputedly good vocal large diaphragm. MXL 603's small diaphragm condensor, ($70-80) I have a pair of these and they are great on acoustic. Haven't tried them on vocals but generally large diaphragms are preferred. MXL 990 - $70, same diaphragm as MXL 603 in a larger shell.
- Studio Projects C1 - THis is more expensive than the B series, but is a great vocal mic (I have one and love it).

If you want to stereo mic acoustic, or record acoustic and vocals at the same time, more than one mic will be a great idea.
If I was in your shoes, my probable choices would be:

1 mic - SP B1 ($80) or MXLv67 ($90) or SP C1 ($229)
2 mics - as above plus MXL 603 (total $150-160)
3 mics - add a second of one of the mics already on the list for stereo pair use

You could usefully add an ECM 8000 to any of those combos too.

Steve