Acoustic Guitar Mic(s) - $300 range

[lpdeluxe]

for a small diaphragm condensor...

...the Audio-Technica 4041 is under $300 and is nearly comparable to my SM81s.

 

[Flatpicker]

Just one concern is that will I be able to get a full enough sound with 2 small diaphrams, or should i be using a larger diaphram with double tracking, or larger + smaller combination. I know its a matter of opinion but what do you guys think.

Although small diaphragm mics can have as low a frequency range as large diaphragm mics, they tend to compress the low frequencies more, at least to my ears. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what you want.

To me, an acoustic guitar’s low-end sounds more open and natural using large diaphragm mics, so for solo or with other acoustic instruments in a light mix, that’s usually what I’ll use. On the other hand, if I need tight bass for a pop or rock mix, I’ll use the small diaphragm mic.

In the $300 range, try the AT4040, Studio Projects C3 (the C3 got a good review in Recording mag for this app), a used AT4050, or a CAD M9.

 

[tkingen]

If you want to go stereo with your guitar, I would suggest another KSM27. Record your guitar and then overdub your voice. In my experience the KSM27 sounds better than the SDC's in that price range.
My .02

Terry

 

[Fpstudios]

OK guys now im torn between one at4040 or a pair of mk012s... The one guy who said he would do a comparson, it would be greatly appriciated!

 

[mshilarious]

OK guys now im torn between one at4040 or a pair of mk012s... The one guy who said he would do a comparson, it would be greatly appriciated!

Well ask yourself this . . . if it is truly solo guitar/voice, then you're going to want stereo mics on the guitar. But if it's guitar in a mix, then a single mic should be fine.

 

[Raaen]

Takamine EG530 with Elixer 13s... singer/songwriter sparse arrangements (rhythm guitar with a pick)... the sound i have now is like tinny/cheap im using nady cm-88s. Also tried ksm27 on the guitar wasnt too happy with that either.

I concur with the Octava 012's and AT40xx. Would pass on the SM81...kinda weak/thin sounding by comparison, imo.

Raaen

 

[tkingen]

What is it that you don't like about the sound of the KSM27? The Oktava is going to be more of a lower mid voicing. The AT4040 will probably sound similar to the KSM27.
I'm starting to think the problem may be more of an issue with mic placement and/or the sound of the recording environment. Those issues can make any recording sound bad.

Terry

 

[mshilarious]

What is it that you don't like about the sound of the KSM27?

I'm not a fan of the KSM27 on guitar either. It has a tailored presence peak more suited to vocals, plus it seems a little soft. I always prefer the SM81 to the 27, it's so easy to get a good sound with the 81.

 

[tkingen]

mshilarious,

You may be right...the KSM27 may have a softer sound for acoustic guitar than other mics. I use a KSM44 and the frequency charts are similar. "Soft" as opposed to "in your face" may be an appropriate description. I guess the stuff that I've been doing has benefited from that sound.
I tried the SM81 and bought a KSM32 instead. The SM81 reminded me of an AKG C1000, a bit strident and not full bodied. Maybe I just like the sound of larger diaphragms?
Have you compared a KSM32 to the SM81? What did you think?

Best Regards,
Terry

 

[mshilarious]

Have you compared a KSM32 to the SM81? What did you think?

No, but I'd like to. The 32's response looks similar and is quieter. Sometimes I think the 27 was a mistake and should have gotten the 32. But the 27 is nice on vocals.

 

[Big Kenny]

You know what? I like all the combinations listed. I like two sdc's, I like an ldc at the twelfth fret, I like a senn 441 or an RE 20 right at the sound hole, I like a figure of eight ( like Harvey said) with the null on the box, or facing a wall with a little delay bouncin' back. They are all great!

 

[JLM]

I just recorded an acoustic last night and got some good sounds out of a pair of Shure BG 4.1's. A pair of the Octavas sound nice too.