Advice - what to purchase next?

[Mica]

I’ll list my current setup first:

CPU – P4 1.7 Ghz with 1 GB RAM

Audio Interface – M Audio Delta 66 with Omni I/O Breakout Box

Mic’s – Studio Projects C-1 and Shure Beta 58

Mixer – Behringer Eurorack MX802A

Mic Pre’s – ART TPS two channel mic pre, the two mic pre’s “utilizing M Audio’s critically acclaimed DMP2 Pre-Amp technology” on the Omni breakout box and of course Behringer’s “Invisible Mic Preamps” on the Eurorack.

Compressor – FMR RNC

Monitors – Tannoy Reveal Active monitors

Guitar – Morgan OM (Indian Rosewood back/sides and Sitka Spruce Top).

Software – Cakewalk Sonar Producer Edition

I record primarily acoustic guitar and vocals.

I’m looking at another purchase with the idea in mind that I would like to increase the quality of my acoustic guitar tracks and also have the ability to record the guitar in stereo. I’m pretty happy with the C-1 on vocals, but if I end up buying a new microphone that pushes the vocals up a notch while sounding great with the acoustic, I would be stoked.

My question is this: If you experienced folk were in my shoes and could only make one purchase would you go with a higher end Mic Pre (like FMR RNP), A higher end Large Diaphragm Condenser (like AT 4050) or a pair of small diaphragm condensers (like Marshall 603’s or Oktava MK012’s)?

 

[DJ_Mixhousedude]

I'd go for the pair of SDC's. It will allow you to mic your guitar in stereo, and should give you better quality than the C-1. Other than that, your setup's fine. It seems the obvious choice to upgrade your acoustic guitar recordings. Unless you're recording your vocals and guitar in one take...

My two eurocents...

 

[Warhead]

I think you're on the right track focusing on mics instead of preamps at this point if you're on a budget. The SDC pair is a good idea, but so is a high quality LDC.

War

 

[DJL]

I’m looking at another purchase with the idea in mind that I would like to increase the quality of my acoustic guitar tracks and also have the ability to record the guitar in stereo.

Well, it takes two mics to record in stereo... I recommend a matched pair of good quality SDC mics.

 

[BJW]

I'm in the same boat. I've got a DMP3 pre and I'm looking to buy some mikes to replace my ancient LD condener cheapo.

I know I want a SP C1, I've heard too many clips that sound awesome on vocals similar to mine, but the next question is how to mike my guitar. I've thought about the SD condensor pair, but buying a C1 and a B1 together is way cheaper. I can get a B1, C1, 2 boom stands and 2 cables for about $340. I can get a C1 and 2 MXL 603's (not matched) with 2 boom stands for $420, and I can get the C1 with a matched pair of 603's for $500. Anybody ever do a stereo mike-job on an acoustic with a C1 and B1? I also have an sm57.

Maybe this could help Mica and me both, since we do the same kinda stuff.

-Brian

 

[BJW]

Mica, our signal chain is almost identical. I've got a takamine acoustic, spruce top, rosewood back and sides, an M-audio DMP3 (though I haven't used it yet. . . .just got it in) into a Delta 44. I also use berry pre's on my board for the other 2 inputs. I also do mostly vocals and acoustic guitar. How does that C1 treat you? I want one of those for vocals.

Do you have any clips of your stuff online? I'm curious what sort of voice you've got and how the C1 sounds with it.

-Brian

 

[steve350]

To record your guitar in stereo, you could add an under saddle pickup like a Fishman. Run one side direct from the pickup and the other with your Mic.
I do that with my Martin HD28V.

 

[DJ_Mixhousedude]

To record your guitar in stereo, you could add an under saddle pickup like a Fishman. Run one side direct from the pickup and the other with your Mic.
I do that with my Martin HD28V.

It might sound like ass though...

 

[Mica]

Thanks for all the replies. Now I'm just trying to decide whether to go with the Oktava or Marshall small diaphragm matched pair.

I'll put something up and post a link to something I've recorded later today or tomorrow.

I have a B-Band pickup system in the Morgan that works great in live situations, but there is absolutely no way I'll use it (or any other acoustic guitar pickup) for recording. It does the instrument a huge injustice.

 

[sickstring69]

Just got my new DMP3 and (2) 603's today. From everything I've read on this site recently-you all talked me into trying this combo. I too play a Morgan acoustic and can't wait to see if I can capture something that resembles the incredible tone I hear everytime I play it. I'll try it out this weekend and report back with hopefully some good results.

 

[BJW]

Just got my new DMP3 and (2) 603's today. From everything I've read on this site recently-you all talked me into trying this combo. I too play a Morgan acoustic and can't wait to see if I can capture something that resembles the incredible tone I hear everytime I play it. I'll try it out this weekend and report back with hopefully some good results.

I definately want to see how this goes for you. Keep us informed. Haha, I might end up buying that combo before you tell me one way or the other. Sounds like there will be a bunch of us with the same exact signal chain.

 

[Big Kenny]

oktava mk012's, you will love them on guitars and overheads

 

[DJL]

Thanks for all the replies. Now I'm just trying to decide whether to go with the Oktava or Marshall small diaphragm matched pair.

Both are nice... the MC-012 is a tad darker sounding than the MXL603S... FWIW, I perfer the 603S over the MC-012 on my D35.