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Phil in Az
New member
Can anyone direct me to a good mic for recording an acoustic guitar. Should i look at a condenser or dynamic for this application?
phil
phil
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BJW
New member
I've got good results with a matched pair of small diaphragm condensors. I used a pair of MXL 603s's (got the pair used on ebay for $150) in an X/Y configuration.
Click here for a stream of a song that I recorded the acoustic that way. See if it's the sound you're going for. I play a takamine FD-360sc. I run the mics into a PreSonus FirePod.
There are a ton of ways to mic acoustic guitar - what mic's do you have already, what type of sound are you going for, what type of pre-amp or sound card are you running the mic's into, and what is your budget? Sorry for all the questions, but it all is pretty essential information to give you a good recommendation.
Good luck!
Click here for a stream of a song that I recorded the acoustic that way. See if it's the sound you're going for. I play a takamine FD-360sc. I run the mics into a PreSonus FirePod.
There are a ton of ways to mic acoustic guitar - what mic's do you have already, what type of sound are you going for, what type of pre-amp or sound card are you running the mic's into, and what is your budget? Sorry for all the questions, but it all is pretty essential information to give you a good recommendation.
Good luck!
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expatguy
New member
BJW said:
Harvey Gerst, a well respected contributor to this site, is a proponent of the MXL 603s. There may be a copy of a review he did on site here, but try http://www.museweb.com/ag/rmmga/mics01.html if you like. It's a long page, but the review of the Marshall mics by Harvey is the first one on the page (title: Marshall Microphones Review - Finally) . A lot of people swear by these mics.
The Oktava MC-012 is also a popular choice for acoustic guitar, but by most accounts, Oktavas are hit-or-miss as far as quality control goes. The MXLs are said to be more consistent in terms of quality.
Be forewarned. Asking for recommendations about microphones on a bulletin board like this one is like walking into a candy store and asking the clerk to recommend something sweet. The choices are endless, and opinions are often across the board. You can agonize forever and get absolutely no recording done in the meanwhile. (Take it from someone who knows
.) So, my advice is to take BJW's advice and get a pair of MXL 603s, a matched pair if possible. They're not that expensive, and you can go on from there if you decide you want to expand your microphone collection. Also, you can learn a lot, probably more than you even want to know, about microphones and how to use them by checking out the very top thread on the Microphones page (Home Recording dot com BBS > Equipment Forums > Microphones).
Good luck!
BigRay
New member
Phil in Az said:
Whats your budget..thats important.
Teddy
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BJW
New member
If you do want the MXL's (not to rush you into a buying decision, though - take your time), here are a few pairs on ebay. Remember, though - don't think you need to jump into a decision early or just because there's something there - remember, there's always another deal out there.
Matched pair (comes in an aluminum flight case with shockmounts for each mic)
link
Another matched pair (more expensive, though, but the same thing):
link
Here are some auctions for those oktava's mentioned above (they have a great reputation as well - same type of mic's)
link
link
There seemed to be a pair being sold yesterday, but I don't think they were matched. The auction must have ended or something. . .
I think I actually bought mine from a member of these boards - look in the "free ads" section down towards the bottom of the forum. Lots of great deals down there - there are always mic's being sold. Its a constant trend - somebody wants some mic's, buys an entry level offering (like the MXL's), gets good results but eventually wants to upgrade to something a bit nicer, or just something else. I'm sure I'll be in that situation someday. . .
Again, please don't let me rush you into a buying decision. If you can, go try out some mic's in a store and see what you like best. You may like the sound of a large diaphragm condensor, which would also double as a nice vocal mic if you want to record vocals. A Studio Projects B1 would be a good choice here for an entry-level mic - I use a Studio Projects C1 for a vocal mic and I really like it, but I haven't tried it on acoustic guitar. Some people like the sound of a large diaphragm condensor paired with a dynamic instrument mic like a shure sm57. Like I said before - tons of options.
I know there's a website out there with tons of mic's and sound clips on different sources - a lot of acoustic guitar samples. I'm drawing a blank on the site, but maybe somebody could throw it up. I think a member of this forum runs it or something.
My advice would be to buy used, though. Check these boards for used mic's that might fit what you want, and then try ebay.
Matched pair (comes in an aluminum flight case with shockmounts for each mic)
link
Another matched pair (more expensive, though, but the same thing):
link
Here are some auctions for those oktava's mentioned above (they have a great reputation as well - same type of mic's)
link
link
There seemed to be a pair being sold yesterday, but I don't think they were matched. The auction must have ended or something. . .
I think I actually bought mine from a member of these boards - look in the "free ads" section down towards the bottom of the forum. Lots of great deals down there - there are always mic's being sold. Its a constant trend - somebody wants some mic's, buys an entry level offering (like the MXL's), gets good results but eventually wants to upgrade to something a bit nicer, or just something else. I'm sure I'll be in that situation someday. . .
Again, please don't let me rush you into a buying decision. If you can, go try out some mic's in a store and see what you like best. You may like the sound of a large diaphragm condensor, which would also double as a nice vocal mic if you want to record vocals. A Studio Projects B1 would be a good choice here for an entry-level mic - I use a Studio Projects C1 for a vocal mic and I really like it, but I haven't tried it on acoustic guitar. Some people like the sound of a large diaphragm condensor paired with a dynamic instrument mic like a shure sm57. Like I said before - tons of options.
I know there's a website out there with tons of mic's and sound clips on different sources - a lot of acoustic guitar samples. I'm drawing a blank on the site, but maybe somebody could throw it up. I think a member of this forum runs it or something.
My advice would be to buy used, though. Check these boards for used mic's that might fit what you want, and then try ebay.
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Chip Evans
Dave Clark Five
It's always been my custom to place the finest mic in the locker in front of guitar and other stringed instuments. Before the days of "one mic/on use" a studios main mic was used on virtually all sources. That said I would recommend a suitable large diameter "studio" mic which you already may have. The SDC's are also good for this application yet I have never used one, low or high priced, that equal a similar quality LDC. I do alot of work in the accustic realm and use a KSM44 in most sessions. A dynamic with a good output such as a SM7 would work well in treated room. Good luck and happy hunting!
Chip Evans
Chip Evans
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Big Kenny
New member
SDC's have much better definition in a mix. For solo work a combo af large and small is preferable.
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Phil in Az
New member
hey everyone, thanks for all the input. Quite a few questions were asked, so i'll just try to answer them as best i can:
1-My Budget - $500 or less - and there seems to be a lot out there available within that range.
I've seen a pair for sale, the 603s with the MXL 2003 for $169 on ZZounds and MF. That pair also seems to get a lot of good reviews.
Also the Shure SM-81 seems to be pretty popular but for $350? I'll have to think hard about that.
I realize i'm opening a pretty broad discussion w/ my question, but prior to yesterday i knew ZERO about a mic for an acoustic gtr. Nothing, Nada, zilch.
So this topic has been really helpful.
"Also, you can learn a lot, probably more than you even want to know, about microphones and how to use them by checking out the very top thread on the Microphones page (Home Recording dot com BBS > Equipment Forums > Microphones)."
ya i didn't see that until after i posted this thread. i read some stuff in there and was really enlightened.
Long story short - i've been playing gtr since '88. (i'm 35 yrs old) I've always had the ethic to be the best guitarist i can be so i've always "swung for the fences" so to speak. Now i'm home-ridden due to cancer surgery which affords me a great deal of time to do something i've always wanted to do - that is build a small time (albeit very nice) recording studio for my own personal enjoyment and that of my friends.
So this is how i'm getting started. I'm so glad i found this (and several other) sites. Talk about an information goldmine!!
Gear list:
-Pro-tools m powered
-1 shure SM-58
- Fender Blues Deville
-Ibanez JS 1000
-Ibanez Elec Acoustic AW 100CE
-Epi Les Paul
-Fender Tele w/ Tex Mex Pickups
-Boss and Morley Pedals (wah, volume, ds-1, bd-2, tr-2 etc etc...)
-Cheap Fender Bass
-Alesis Drum Machine
So that's a basic start. Now i want to aquire quality gear for recording my acoustic gtr.
Sorry for all the ramble, i just wanted to give a little background.
THanks again, i'll be looking at all the reccomendations.
phil in az
1-My Budget - $500 or less - and there seems to be a lot out there available within that range.
I've seen a pair for sale, the 603s with the MXL 2003 for $169 on ZZounds and MF. That pair also seems to get a lot of good reviews.
Also the Shure SM-81 seems to be pretty popular but for $350? I'll have to think hard about that.
I realize i'm opening a pretty broad discussion w/ my question, but prior to yesterday i knew ZERO about a mic for an acoustic gtr. Nothing, Nada, zilch.
So this topic has been really helpful.
"Also, you can learn a lot, probably more than you even want to know, about microphones and how to use them by checking out the very top thread on the Microphones page (Home Recording dot com BBS > Equipment Forums > Microphones)."
ya i didn't see that until after i posted this thread. i read some stuff in there and was really enlightened.
Long story short - i've been playing gtr since '88. (i'm 35 yrs old) I've always had the ethic to be the best guitarist i can be so i've always "swung for the fences" so to speak. Now i'm home-ridden due to cancer surgery which affords me a great deal of time to do something i've always wanted to do - that is build a small time (albeit very nice) recording studio for my own personal enjoyment and that of my friends.
So this is how i'm getting started. I'm so glad i found this (and several other) sites. Talk about an information goldmine!!
Gear list:
-Pro-tools m powered
-1 shure SM-58
- Fender Blues Deville
-Ibanez JS 1000
-Ibanez Elec Acoustic AW 100CE
-Epi Les Paul
-Fender Tele w/ Tex Mex Pickups
-Boss and Morley Pedals (wah, volume, ds-1, bd-2, tr-2 etc etc...)
-Cheap Fender Bass
-Alesis Drum Machine
So that's a basic start. Now i want to aquire quality gear for recording my acoustic gtr.
Sorry for all the ramble, i just wanted to give a little background.
THanks again, i'll be looking at all the reccomendations.
phil in az
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Big Kenny
New member
MXL's will serve you well for many things, especially acoustic and overheads
Sloan
New member
I really like the 603s as well. I get great results using them stereo.
I've also had good results with a Studio Projects B-1. It's got a real pronounced high end sound that seems to empasize the pick attack a whole lot and gives a more "percussive" sound.
I've also had good results with a Studio Projects B-1. It's got a real pronounced high end sound that seems to empasize the pick attack a whole lot and gives a more "percussive" sound.
M
Minion
Blow Me !!!
You can even get Little Mics that you Install inside your acoustic guitar, They aren"t a Acoustic Pezio Pickup they are usually a Small Condenser and From what I hear they sound fairly good and are easy to install and are very Inexpensive (under $50) ....
Just a Thought....
Cheers
Just a Thought....
Cheers
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expatguy
New member
Hello again, Phil in Az.
First, and most important, I hope your recovery from surgery is swift and smooth.
I was wondering if you've thought about whether you want to record the acoustic in mono or stereo. Both have advantages and disadvantages, usually related to whether the acoustic guitar is the centerpiece of the arrangement or not, and how many other instruments are involved. One advantage of mono is that you can, of course, buy more microphones and expand your sonic options if you are so inclined. Stereo has its own appeal, but some technical issues as well (which are also addressed in the Microphone thread at the top of the page).
BTW, don't forget those friends you plan to do some recording with. Everybody and his brother is recording these days, and even if it turns out that none of your friends have good mics, a friend of a friend probably has one you could borrow so you can judge for yourself.
First, and most important, I hope your recovery from surgery is swift and smooth.
I was wondering if you've thought about whether you want to record the acoustic in mono or stereo. Both have advantages and disadvantages, usually related to whether the acoustic guitar is the centerpiece of the arrangement or not, and how many other instruments are involved. One advantage of mono is that you can, of course, buy more microphones and expand your sonic options if you are so inclined. Stereo has its own appeal, but some technical issues as well (which are also addressed in the Microphone thread at the top of the page).
BTW, don't forget those friends you plan to do some recording with. Everybody and his brother is recording these days, and even if it turns out that none of your friends have good mics, a friend of a friend probably has one you could borrow so you can judge for yourself.
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chestwick91
New member
Like others, i must say the 603's (get the pair, Its worth it) You want condensor. it's cleaner, and much more quite. i got two of them new on ebay for under $200 and i use them on my acustic ( one on the 12th fret and one on the bridge) or just one on the 12th and i barley have to eq it much. That and they make killer overhead/room mics for the drums if you ever need them...not all that bad for back up vocals
D
Dan Micah
New member
Higher quality?
If you wanted a slightly higher quality - though pricier - pair, try the Peluso CEMC6. I've got a pair and they sound great on acoustic instruments - clear, bright and natural. Others on this board also like the Avenson Audio omni pair - they are more like $500, the Pelusos are about $650 a pair.
I bought a cheaper pair of sdc - Rode NT5s, which I liked to start with, then decided they weren't natural enough.
Cheers,
Dan
If you wanted a slightly higher quality - though pricier - pair, try the Peluso CEMC6. I've got a pair and they sound great on acoustic instruments - clear, bright and natural. Others on this board also like the Avenson Audio omni pair - they are more like $500, the Pelusos are about $650 a pair.
I bought a cheaper pair of sdc - Rode NT5s, which I liked to start with, then decided they weren't natural enough.
Cheers,
Dan
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travelin travis
New member
I ordered a pair of joe meek jm27's from ebay and have been trying them out today on acoustic guitar. Alot of bang for the buck if you ask me. You can get them here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Joe-Meek-JM27-P...ryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I have a 603 on the way and I'll do some comparing but I don't hear a damn thing wrong with the jm27's. They came with a good pair of shockmounts and a well built stereo bar. They're not noisy either like the pair of sdc superlux's I had. I'm betting that I'll be selling the 603.
I have a 603 on the way and I'll do some comparing but I don't hear a damn thing wrong with the jm27's. They came with a good pair of shockmounts and a well built stereo bar. They're not noisy either like the pair of sdc superlux's I had. I'm betting that I'll be selling the 603.
ljmaxx
Hurricane Offender
I'll second you check out a matched pair of Peluso CECM6's. I have two pairs of them and one pair gets used more than my set of Earthworks QTC1's which were four times the price of the Peluso's. The other set is still in the case unused. If you can stretch your budget another 100 bucks or so the Peluso's will fit the bill. Good luck!
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Richard Monroe
Well-known member
Hello Phil in AZ! Let me try to decrease confusion a bit. First, there are as many ways to record acoustic guitar as there are to paint a car. Consensus generally supports the use of condensers over dynamics, but that is not universal. Ribbon mics, a subcategory of dynamics, seem to be an exception, and ribbons have been used for many years on acoustic guitar with success. There are some cheaper ribbons now available from China, but they would be the only ribbon option in your price range. I would say, go with condensers for the most quality and versatility in your price range.
When using condensers to record acoustic, most people use one, two, or three mics. That can be any combination of small diaphragm or large diaphragm mics. The most common configurations are:
1. One mic on or about the 12th fret, close mic'd
2. Two matched mics in coincedent (X-Y) stereo configuration, backed off a bit. An additional mic, above the player's right shoulder, pointed down across the bridge, is optional. This will tend to pick up more of what the player hears, as opposed to what the audience hears.
These formats can use either small or large diaphragm mics in any combination. It's a matter of preference, and there are as many opinions as there are cats. In general, SD mics produce good high end detail, and cut through dense mixes well. They are noisier, on the whole, and can be excessively sensitive at times, which can be an issue with finger and pick noise. LD mics often produce a richness that adds depth, especially in solo guitar recordings. Both are viable, and both have been used for years with success. You don't *have* to do it any particular way. It is useful to have the omni option. In some cases, especially if you have a very good room, close mic'ing with omnis can reduce "boom", excessive low frequency output, produced by the proximity effect of directional mics. That, also, is up to preference.
So now the big question, how to spend the money? A lot of people are suggesting MXL603. If you go that route, I would suggest a matched pair of MXL 604's, which are very similar to the 603's, but with omni capsules in addition to cardioid. Matched mics are helpful for making balanced stereo recordings. A pair of 604's are about $200, but there is a lot of markup there. I can get them for $130 the pair from Guitar Center, out the door, so negotiate a little.
The Pelusos mentioned above I have never used, but a lot of people whose opinions I respect here recommend them. Personally, I would spend the $500 like this- A pair of Studio Projects C-4's, which I prefer to the MXL mics for most things. They come with a flight case, shock mounts, and cardioid and omni capsules for $300. I would spend another $160 on an AKG Perception 200, a large diaphrgm mic that comes with a hard case and a shock mount. This will allow you to play around with all the mic combinations outlined above, and will be versatile for many other options for recording lots of stuff.
There are thousands of other valid ways, and this is just my suggestion- YMMV. Best of luck.-Richie
P.S.- You asked about Shure SM81. This is a well respected, mid-priced SD mic that has been a stage and studio standard for years. I can say nothing bad about it, except that for versatility, and as a learning tool, I'd rather have at least two mics for recording acoustic, preferable three. A pair of SM81's and an AKG C414B-XLS would rock, but that is about $1600 worth of mics.
When using condensers to record acoustic, most people use one, two, or three mics. That can be any combination of small diaphragm or large diaphragm mics. The most common configurations are:
1. One mic on or about the 12th fret, close mic'd
2. Two matched mics in coincedent (X-Y) stereo configuration, backed off a bit. An additional mic, above the player's right shoulder, pointed down across the bridge, is optional. This will tend to pick up more of what the player hears, as opposed to what the audience hears.
These formats can use either small or large diaphragm mics in any combination. It's a matter of preference, and there are as many opinions as there are cats. In general, SD mics produce good high end detail, and cut through dense mixes well. They are noisier, on the whole, and can be excessively sensitive at times, which can be an issue with finger and pick noise. LD mics often produce a richness that adds depth, especially in solo guitar recordings. Both are viable, and both have been used for years with success. You don't *have* to do it any particular way. It is useful to have the omni option. In some cases, especially if you have a very good room, close mic'ing with omnis can reduce "boom", excessive low frequency output, produced by the proximity effect of directional mics. That, also, is up to preference.
So now the big question, how to spend the money? A lot of people are suggesting MXL603. If you go that route, I would suggest a matched pair of MXL 604's, which are very similar to the 603's, but with omni capsules in addition to cardioid. Matched mics are helpful for making balanced stereo recordings. A pair of 604's are about $200, but there is a lot of markup there. I can get them for $130 the pair from Guitar Center, out the door, so negotiate a little.
The Pelusos mentioned above I have never used, but a lot of people whose opinions I respect here recommend them. Personally, I would spend the $500 like this- A pair of Studio Projects C-4's, which I prefer to the MXL mics for most things. They come with a flight case, shock mounts, and cardioid and omni capsules for $300. I would spend another $160 on an AKG Perception 200, a large diaphrgm mic that comes with a hard case and a shock mount. This will allow you to play around with all the mic combinations outlined above, and will be versatile for many other options for recording lots of stuff.
There are thousands of other valid ways, and this is just my suggestion- YMMV. Best of luck.-Richie
P.S.- You asked about Shure SM81. This is a well respected, mid-priced SD mic that has been a stage and studio standard for years. I can say nothing bad about it, except that for versatility, and as a learning tool, I'd rather have at least two mics for recording acoustic, preferable three. A pair of SM81's and an AKG C414B-XLS would rock, but that is about $1600 worth of mics.
kensington
New member
Question for Mr. Monroe
Richard, Why do you prefer the SP c4's to the MXL's (604's) I'm thinking of getting one set or the other........or two SP b3's.......or one SM81. Are the C4's less bright than the mxl's? I mainly want to record a Taylor 314 acoustic guitar which is a bit "bright" to begin with. thanks to you. KK
Richard, Why do you prefer the SP c4's to the MXL's (604's) I'm thinking of getting one set or the other........or two SP b3's.......or one SM81. Are the C4's less bright than the mxl's? I mainly want to record a Taylor 314 acoustic guitar which is a bit "bright" to begin with. thanks to you. KK
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