Best Mic For MONO acoustic guitar recordings

[Track Rat]

This was one of the first things I wanted to know when I entered the world of recording. Having asked this question many times in the past, the most common response that I have received is “the Neumann KM184”. They are usually in the $500-$600US range. I do not own one YET. I will first have to spend some time justifying that type of expense for a budget-minded hobby recordist such as myself. In all likelihood I’ll step up to a Neumann through smaller steps like MK012 (I already own 2) and then maybe the MXL603s or maybe the Shure SM81.

Johnny, I have some KM-184s and while they're dandy mics, there are lots of mics that can do just as well (as you know, it depends..). Out of mics I own I like 4033's a lot on acoustic. An Earthworks SR-71 sounds pretty good to me as well. The Octava MK-012's (MK, MC, same mic) with the cardiod caps are nice and smooth. Hell, I've gotten a GREAT sound once upon a time with a MK-319. One I've heard good things about but have not tried yet is a Josephson C-42.

 

[hognogger]

Anyone have any experience with the Peluso small diaphragm condenser?

It seems to be priced at a little more than an SM81.

 

[Marcellovalerio]

Wow!
Thanks for all the replies...

In my case, I will be doing a lot of fingerpicking on a twelwe string. (and singing at the same time)

 

[chessrock]

But is it the case that LDCs might be better for sparse arrangements where you want the acoustic to be strongly present than SDCs, and that SDCs are better in a busier mix?

Or is it more complicated than this?

In a very broad and general sense, it's not a bad way of approaching things. LDC's tend to color things in a certain way; give them more of a present and forward quality, which is probably why people like them so much for lead vocals. SDC's tend to be more faithful to the source. Again, a very broad statemen, of course.

 

[JohnnyMan]

And by the time you buy the good one, you could have bought two with the money you spent on the cheap ones. Of course I say this following your procedure to the letter.

Although this true, I would not have amassed a collection of “cheaper” mics that may have their place in other recording situations.

 

[JohnnyMan]

Johnny, I have some KM-184s and while they're dandy mics, there are lots of mics that can do just as well (as you know, it depends..). Out of mics I own I like 4033's a lot on acoustic. An Earthworks SR-71 sounds pretty good to me as well. The Octava MK-012's (MK, MC, same mic) with the cardiod caps are nice and smooth. Hell, I've gotten a GREAT sound once upon a time with a MK-319. One I've heard good things about but have not tried yet is a Josephson C-42.

Thanks for the suggestions Track Rat. I will check out your suggestions (especially the 4033 – I have yet to possess an AT mic).

John

 

[DJL]

Actually, DJL's reply to my question has me thinking.

I've tried a Rode NT1000 and a Marshall V67 to record my acoustic guitar.

The Marshall I didn't like at all with my particular guitar. The sound was kind of murky, dead and undetailed. The Rode was much better, but it did give a kind of fat sound that was OK for solo voice and acoustic guitar.

In fact, I was surpised at the sound I got from the Rode, since makes my vocals sound a little more trebly than I would expect, but my guitar a little less trebly than I'd expect - maybe it has to do with placement.

In any case, I see that some people prefer LDCs for acoustic guitar and some prefer SDCs.

But is it the case that LDCs might be better for sparse arrangements where you want the acoustic to be strongly present than SDCs, and that SDCs are better in a busier mix?

Or is it more complicated than this?

I think Harvey is best qualified and could explain (put it in words) best... see if you can get him to help you... it's easier for me to show someone than to tell them... I have a hard time putting it into words.