Acoustic Guitar and MXL603s

[John Mayes]

What about the NT3 don't you like? I'm curious because I have a pair that I bought a few years ago, before I had much experience at all. I haven't been all that satisfied with my results, but I thought it might be because of placement issues mostly. Do people find it possible to coax a reasonable sound from NT3's with acoustic or nylon guitar, by tweaking the placement and/or EQ, or should I sell them and buy some 603's or MK012's?

Don

It is strange. They have some frequencies that sound weird. I tried eq'ing them as well as lots of mic placements. You could get ok results, but nothing inspiring. the Rode NTK had the same sort of quality only much less exaggerated. I really like the NTK and I think it is a stellar mic but it accentuates certain frequencies that could be done without emphasizing in my opinion. Of course I don't know the first thing about mic design so take it with a grain of salt. I never tried them on nylon strung guitar but my gut feeling is they would work better there. The stringy, twangyness of a Steel string just sounds unpleasant to me though these mics. the NT5's made by the same company sound completely different, and for the better I think.

 

[DJL]

Oh no I just saw you mentioned the NT3 and it came to mind. Not directed at anyone in particular.

Oh ok... well, the NT3 wouldn't be my first choice for acoustic guitar, but it can kick ass as a bass amp mic.

 

[Stan the man]

Conclusion...?

I want a very natural sounding mic for my acoustic (steel string) guitar. I don't need a prescense boost or anything, it just has to sound as natural as possible. What is my best choice for under a 100 dollars?

I've heard many good things about many mics, but the bad comments I hear make me hesitate to buy one..

Thanks in advance,
Stan.

 

[Stan the man]

MP3 of a 603

I heard that 603s is good in recording acoustic guitar. I got a Martin D-15 and im using Rode NT3 and I dont like it. Can anybody post a song using the MXL603s for acoustic guitar? Plan to buy one.

Here are some mp3's.
I think it sounds a bit too bright though...not enough lows...

Click here

 

[DJL]

I want a very natural sounding mic for my acoustic (steel string) guitar. I don't need a prescense boost or anything, it just has to sound as natural as possible. What is my best choice for under a 100 dollars?

I've heard many good things about many mics, but the bad comments I hear make me hesitate to buy one..

Thanks in advance,
Stan.

Come-up with a little more money and get yourself a Shure SM81.