B
Ben P Music
New member
Anyone have any recommendations for a good acoustic guitar mic? just around 100 dollars... anyone? thanks
antichef
pornk rock
You *probably* want two of the same kind that are sort of matched (not necessarily perfectly matched) so that you can do stereo recording. If you're sure that's not important, than one's OK, but most folks (me included) seem to want to record acoustic guitar in stereo.
Do you mean like something you can run out and buy new for $100 at will? Or do you have time to wait/hunt/stalk and find a good deal on used?
The reason I'm asking is that I have two mics that I use a lot for this (Oktava MC-012) that I got for $25 each recently at a local pawn shop, but you'll find that the price is higher for a used pair on ebay (usually above $100). Another one of my favorites, although I paid substantially more for two is the Shure SM81. A lot of people here like the MC-012 (or MK-012 - same mic, essentially) better than the SM81, but I like both. If you see either of these used in your price range, you should pick it/them up. These are cardioid pattern small diaphragm condenser (SDC) mics that require phantom power in order to work (the phantom power requirement will be there for just about any mic you want to use for acoustic guitar). (capsules are sometimes available for both that allow for an omni pickup pattern, and the MC/K-012 has capsules for other patterns, diaphragm sizes, too).
Anyway, file that away and keep your eye out. For mics you can get via mail very promptly, check out the Naiant series ( http://www.naiant.com/studiostore/microphones.html ) - the guy who makes them is a regular here, btw. These are also SDC mics, and they have an omni pick-up pattern, rather than cardioid. I have two of the X-Qs and I've made some very nice tracks with them spaced out on either side of the guitar in front. It's nice to have both those and the others I mentioned, so maybe consider going for the Naiants now, and patiently waiting for a good deal on the others (if you feel like you even need more mics, which may not be the case).
Do you mean like something you can run out and buy new for $100 at will? Or do you have time to wait/hunt/stalk and find a good deal on used?
The reason I'm asking is that I have two mics that I use a lot for this (Oktava MC-012) that I got for $25 each recently at a local pawn shop, but you'll find that the price is higher for a used pair on ebay (usually above $100). Another one of my favorites, although I paid substantially more for two is the Shure SM81. A lot of people here like the MC-012 (or MK-012 - same mic, essentially) better than the SM81, but I like both. If you see either of these used in your price range, you should pick it/them up. These are cardioid pattern small diaphragm condenser (SDC) mics that require phantom power in order to work (the phantom power requirement will be there for just about any mic you want to use for acoustic guitar). (capsules are sometimes available for both that allow for an omni pickup pattern, and the MC/K-012 has capsules for other patterns, diaphragm sizes, too).
Anyway, file that away and keep your eye out. For mics you can get via mail very promptly, check out the Naiant series ( http://www.naiant.com/studiostore/microphones.html ) - the guy who makes them is a regular here, btw. These are also SDC mics, and they have an omni pick-up pattern, rather than cardioid. I have two of the X-Qs and I've made some very nice tracks with them spaced out on either side of the guitar in front. It's nice to have both those and the others I mentioned, so maybe consider going for the Naiants now, and patiently waiting for a good deal on the others (if you feel like you even need more mics, which may not be the case).
T
Toker41
Better Than You
Above is good advice.
If you go with a single mic, I got great results with an Oktava MK319 on the Ovations used in this song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=353210979
They are also plugged in direct, and I put a 603 on them, but the 603 was kinda bright so it's really low in the mix.
The 319 was also used on the vocals.
If you go with a single mic, I got great results with an Oktava MK319 on the Ovations used in this song:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=353210979
They are also plugged in direct, and I put a 603 on them, but the 603 was kinda bright so it's really low in the mix.
The 319 was also used on the vocals.
M
mrmoe
New member
$100 or so will get you an AKG c1000 on ebay.....nice small diaphragm condenser.....
O
omtayslick
New member
My personal favorites (on a Martin D-35) are the SM81, Oktava 319 and the MXL 603.
The only one in your stated price range is the 603. However, some of the less expensive MXL LDC's can be pretty good on acoustic, and can be had for under $100. Two that I have used and found pleasing are the V63m and the V57m.
The only one in your stated price range is the 603. However, some of the less expensive MXL LDC's can be pretty good on acoustic, and can be had for under $100. Two that I have used and found pleasing are the V63m and the V57m.
T
Toker41
Better Than You
The 319 can be found for under $100.
K
KKLL
New member
I totally agree with Antichef. Naiant mics are a great price/performance value.
If you have reasonable soldering chops and can follow simple schematics, you can try your hand at the TapeOp omni mics.
I made a few sets of them. You can check out a few soundclips I did at my website. Just scroll down and select the Mic Eval links. I have sound clips using the TapeOp circuit with Panasonic WM-60 capsules on a grand piano and a tenor ukulele.
If you have reasonable soldering chops and can follow simple schematics, you can try your hand at the TapeOp omni mics.
I made a few sets of them. You can check out a few soundclips I did at my website. Just scroll down and select the Mic Eval links. I have sound clips using the TapeOp circuit with Panasonic WM-60 capsules on a grand piano and a tenor ukulele.
apl
Stand Up Comity
Yeah, killer value, great sound. Lots of other clever devices and a theremin in the works, too.
apl
Stand Up Comity
Oh, and making a stereo guitar track with a matched pair sounds very rich.
O
omtayslick
New member
B
Big Kenny
New member
worst mic on the planet, all the rest mentioned will work, niaints are a great surprise, Shure 81's are my choice as well as MC012's in omni, Your mileage will not vary
BlackHawk2029
New member
I'm not sure about these but i was looking at them today and thinking about ordering a pair just to have 'em around, but i'd like to know how these would do as well:
http://www.karmamics.com/k10.html
http://www.karmamics.com/k10.html
apl
Stand Up Comity
You'd do better with a couple of pair of Naiants.
MiamiMike
Musician - Composer
For that price ($100) I'd go with an AT-2020. 
For about double (MF price) I'd go for with :
Rode M3 - $199 at Musicians Friend
Rode NT1A - $199 at Musicians Friend
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount $70
MXL MXL 990 USB Powered Condenser Microphone $100
Preamps:
ART Tube MP Studio V3 Mic Preamp $75
Edirol UA-25EX USB Audio Capture Recording Interface $239
For about double (MF price) I'd go for with :
Rode M3 - $199 at Musicians Friend
Rode NT1A - $199 at Musicians Friend
MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount $70
MXL MXL 990 USB Powered Condenser Microphone $100
Preamps:
ART Tube MP Studio V3 Mic Preamp $75
Edirol UA-25EX USB Audio Capture Recording Interface $239
dgatwood
is out. Leave a message.
For $100, I'd buy a pair of Naiant mics. If I had $200 to spend on that, I'd probably get a pair of Oktava MK-012 mics.
