alto sax mics

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Meaufaux

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Okay – here’s my first post after reading a lot of great stuff.

I'm just getting back into recording after a hiatus, and I need a microphone for recording alto sax. After reading this board and the GS board, I’ve heard a lot of good, thoughtful advice, and have learned this:

  • I should put my C3000 in a sock and use it to beat the salesperson that let me buy it
  • Spending huge amounts of cash on microphones has an effect similar to Viagra

I also called a now-prominent engineer who many years ago recorded me with the best sound I’ve ever achieved in a recording. After all of this research, I’ve determined/still need to know the following:
  • When he recorded me all those years ago, he used a TLM170 – for this reason he suggested that I look at the TLM193 (which keeps getting creamed on this board, and he had not actually used it, just knew it had the 170 capsule)
  • He has also had very good results with the Rode NTV, but it’s no longer made (but he likes Rode in general) – is there a mic that compares closely with the NTV? (I’m considering the NTK)
  • He said I would also probably not go wrong with AT LDCs in terms of the price/quality (especially the 4050, 4060)
I have approx. US 1000 to spend. I want the mic to not be too hot on the high end (key noise, etc), but I want it to be versatile enough to record other instruments and vocals if possible. Is this asking too much? Right now I’m going into a Joemeek pre but am considering other choices as well.

I know there are lots of shades of gray on these decisions, and that it’s hard to nail down a definitive “best” answer, especially in the budget range. I would appreciate any advice on this, especially from anyone who has used these mics for recording horns.
 
4050 would rock on instruments and most vocals, I haven't heard the 4060 but have heard good things about it. I think the NTK might be too hyped in the highs to be versatile. A lot of people are digging ADK of late. I just got a Brauner Phantom C that I can't say enough about but I have not used it on anything but vocals and acoustic guitar so far
 
Thanks. The 4050 seems a good all-around choice. I really need to check out those Brauners.

So, would one Brauner Phantom C be a better overall buy than (perhaps) both a 4050 and an NTK?
 
Spending huge amounts of cash on microphones has an effect similar to Viagra
Click to expand...

....in that it gives you a 24 hour hard one with kick ass sex????
damn, i need to friggin' buy more Neumann mics
:D

anyway, i'd actually recommend an SM57 'cause you asked for an all around mic that's good with a sax and won't pick up the keys. i'm a sax player myself and i've had good results with that and an SM81.
look around ebay for that NTV although i wouldn't suggest going with a tube mic for sax. I'd choose a condenser first.
 
Thanks for reminding me about the SM81 - I have used one of those before, and it did give the recording a really nice tone. Though still not as good as that damn TLM170. I really don't want to spend 2500 on a mic. There's those 2 kids who apparently want food, shelter and education.

That 81 could be a good supplemental mic though...
 
As an alto sax player, i have tried a lot of mics. For a clear honest tone I like the beyer m500. However, my cad m179 is really forgiving to my somewhat bright tone, and I have been happy with it on all my reeds. The day I put an sm57 on my horn in the studio is the day when everything else is broken. For a club, it's tolerable, but for a studio it's my last choice.
 
I'm a reed player too (alto and tenor mostly), and I've had really good results with my NTK. The sax is a tough nut to crack when recording, though. You're probably already aware, a few inches difference in microphone position can result in a really big tonal change. So if you get some time to experiment, it will probably be time well spent. I've found success with the mic chin high, about two to three feet away, and 6- 9 inches off center on the key side aimed at the "G" finger.

Here's some other ideas. Other engineers have used on my alto an AKG 414 once and a Beyerdynamic MC834 another time. Couldn't complain about either.

Good luck!
 
For $1,000 you could get a Gefell M930. That mic sounds great on my sax -- WAY better than any AT mic. I doubt that the ADK can handle the high sound pressure (they were built with classical music in mind).

Alternatively, consider getting a small condensor, like a Josephoson C42 or a Neumann KM184 -- which works best on my tenor sax. It all depends what sound you are after. If you want a smoooth silky jazz sound, get the M930; if you want crips highs and full bottom end, get the KM184. Each of these mics are within your budget.
 
P.S.: if you don't want to spend such an amount, get a used Sennheiser MD441 on Ebay for $300.-. One of the best dynamic mics ever built.
 
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