a compromise

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tbguitar

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I am interested in stereo micing my guitar. Therefore I was going to pick up two SM57's. However...I want to be able to use these mic's for vocals too. What's a better compromise: to use an SM57 for vocals and guitar, or to use an SM58 for vocals and guitar. I know both have their strengths...but whats the better compromise? Or am I way off, and there is a mic in the same price range that will suit me better? Thanks
 
If you can swing it, I strongly recommend a condensor for the guitar, assuming you're micing an acoustic. If you're intending to spend $$ on 2 SM57s, you'd be better off with a condensor that will work magic for the guitar, and give you better sound on the vox.
 
First, both mics don't have to be the same model to stereo mic. Actually, I think using two different mics enhances the stereo sound.

That said, If I had < $200 I'd buy a Marshall MXL 603s small condensor $79 (which I like a lot on guitar) and maybe a Studio Projects B1 large condensor $99 (I haven't heard but have read some good reviews here). If I had $35 extra cash, I'd also buy a Behringer ECM 8000 SD omni.

Going with two SM 57s really isn't a bad choice, either--not the choice I'd make, though.
 
Yea, I'd say the answer totally depends on whether you're recording accoustic or electric guitar.

If it's electric, then I'd get one 57 for close micing, and a condenser for (semi)distant micing and vocals. An mxl v67 would be a real good candidate, as would the Studio Projects B1 if you want to keep it in the same price range as a 57.

If it's accoustic, then you should really just get a couple of Marshall mxl 603s' and don't even mess with the 57's or 58s.
 
Like everyone else is saying, it depends on the application. If you don't have some decent mics yet, then most likely you'd be more pleased with a 57 and a B1 combo.

I was trying to stereo mic a guitar amp recently on a demo I'm working on using a 57 clone and a nameless 58-type mic and it really turned out to be more trouble than it's worth if that's what you're trying to do. I found it's much better to do a mono track with the 57 and then stereo-ize it with some ultra-short, but wide, stereo delay. Or better yet, record a second guitar track ala the good old days and put them opposite one another in the mix. You could clone the mono track and off-set it ever-so-slightly and alter the EQ as well.

If you're doing acoustic, then a 57 and B1 could produce some interesting results, albeit a compromise in favor of having the two different types of mics for other purposes. Ideally, for acoustic, you'd probably want two condensers unless you're like me and rarely pay attention to conventions where they make life too difficult (as in: I need two good mics for a variety of applications, therefore instead of limiting myself with two condensers, I'll make do with a dynamic and a condenser).

If having a good dynamic lying around isn't all that important, then I'd go with the B1 and v67 because you could certainly use the B1 on an amp and both for stereo acoustics. The v67 would be helpful when you have a vocalist with a flat voice like me, at least from what I have gathered as I don't own one personally, but have heard them and read the comments on them. Or, if you think you'll need a stereo pair, I'd recommend two B1s over the v67s.

Take all of this for what it's worth. I've been labeled a Hyatt lacky by these people.
 
toorglick said:
Take all of this for what it's worth. I've been labeled a Hyatt lacky by these people.

That's a rather large and erroneous generalization. There are nearly 14,000 members on this Board.
 
For me personally, I have never had much use for stereo miking an electric guitar amp, unless I'm trying to achieve a distinct and unique effect. Even if you're trying to create a "Wall of Sound" a la Phil Spector, the electric guitars might be better off with multiple takes and/or echo or stereo delay on another track. Don't get me wrong--be creative and try it out--this is from a guy who routinely stereo mics maracas and other percussion--but the ol' SM57 off axis works like a charm every time.
 
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