Best mic for vocals and acoustic guitar1

[Big Kenny]

Sounds like bad ears if ya can't hear the difference between those mics. I can't hear the difference between some of my mics but I can sure hear the difference between my Brauner and my AT 4033, or my NTK and my SP T3. You have a point about "us" being gear slutz and not needing to all have Neumanns but those engineers that I've dealt with all know which end of the mic to put on the cab

 

[smuffjules]

Dirk Brauner is a different kettle of fish.
Last time I heard, some of his mics were going for around 7000 euros.
But, I'll bet that if the Chinese broke one down, analyzed it and streamlined the production, they could build the same thing for $300. I met Dirk one time in Germany. I think that he may bulid the mics himself, or at leaset, he doesn't have a big plant. This makes it really hard to make cheap mics for German wages.
You can hear slight differences between mics, but I do think it's up to the individual as to what sounds "Better".

 

[smuffjules]

Nady tcm 1050 on mandolin

I just did a short session before my last reply with my new Nady TCM 1050 on a mando.
Sounded awesome.

 

[sdelsolray]

I recently recorded a whole bunch of mics one after the other from a C1000 to a AT4033 an AT 873R, MXL 990 and 991, a Rode NT2 a Neumann U87 to a $50 stageworks mic. There were eight different mics on the CD demo I produced, and I made sure that the volume was all the same level so that there would be no bias.
I first spoke into each mic, then played my nylon string guitar into it.
I played this tape back to the guy who lent me the U87 and he said that he didn't like the U 87 as much as some of the other ones. (Honest guy!)
I also played the recording to a bunch of band members on the way to a gig, and the AT 873R got top marks.
I can honestly say after A/B-ing all these mics that spending $3000 on a Nuemann may be a good finacial investment, as they may keep their value or even rise in value, but as far as sound goes, there's no difference, at least on my voice and guitar. However, there may be a difference when you blow horn into a cheaper mic. They can crap out real easy on some of the small diaphragm mics. The large diaphragm (cheap) mics work a lot better for this.
I recently bought a Nady ribbon mic, (an RCA 44 knock off) and a Nady tcm 105 (a U 47 fet Knock off). They both sound great, and if you blind A/B a bunch of musicians on the $3000 mics against the $300 mics, they will all come up with different answers. Of course, most engineers who've spent five grand on a mic will fiercely defend the "deep", "rich", "warm", "transparent" sound of the real thing right!
I'm not buyin' it!
The other electronics companies have streamlined the manufacturing techniques in countries where the cost of labour can be as little as $300 a year. That's why these mics are soooo cheap. You're getting the same product made by guys who will build it for a lot less money.
Just like buying a Mexican Fender instead of a USA Fender. Same product, less money.
The best thing to do is BLIND A/B a bunch of expensive mics against a bunch of cheaper mics for yourself.
I guarantee everyone will have a different opinion.

Smuff,

You're right about one thing. If you can't hear a difference, it doesn't matter.

 

[Dot]

Smuff,

You're right about one thing. If you can't hear a difference, it doesn't matter.

I dunno. I think there are a lot of people in a position who can't tell much difference because of several factors, including level of experience, knowing what to listen for, monitoring system, etc. Most of these inexpensive mics are being purchased by people who are just getting started and who are inexperienced. I do think there are definitely some tools that are better than others - even if someone who's just starting out can't really tell much difference. There is a difference.

Brian, I wouldn't recommend the C1 for what you're doing. Good vocal mic, lousy mic for stringed instruments. The 990's OK, but you can do better with your budget.

I think the CAD M179 and ADK Hamburg that are getting batted around here are much better recommendations. So - which one? Well, TLS found out by doing lots of comparisons that one of the strong points of the M179 is that it doesn't pick up much off-axis sound. Which means, that if the acoustics are aren't all that great in your room where you're recording that the M179 can sound better - because it doesn't hear much of the room sound.

Listen to the M179 soundclip on this page, and compare it with a few other clips. You can hear how the M179 picks up mostly guitar and very little of the room sound. There is definitely a plus side to that. Plus it's multi-pattern, so you play around with what those do.
http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/session5.htm

The ADK Hamburg and Vienna are excellent mics. TLS has gone through some 50+ mics under $1K in the last few years, and we think pound for pound they're easily some of the strongest mics in that price range. And add in the fact that they work equally as well on vocals and acoustic guitar - and that makes for a tough combination to beat for that kind of money.
I reviewed them at http://www.studioreviews.com/vienna-hamburg.htm

Hope that helps....

 

[Lambo]

Many of you have said x or y is a "good" mic. Well, what the hell does that mean? Last time I checked the word "good" didn't help me choose a mic for a clients acoustic. Would you all care to contribute more to WHY that mic is "good". For the few of you who had the comments about bright mics, this doesn't apply to you.

Ok now for my non-ass side... To me a mic is like a color of paint on a pallet filled with all sorts of colors. If I want a bright yellow, I'll through on an MXL 603s or a Rode NT1-a. If I want a nice purple I'll give you my beta 52, AKG D-112 or Audix D-6 for a lighter purple . If I want white or a watery blue, I'll give you my sm-81 or my earthworks or even my Kel HM-1. If I want that firy red I'll through on the 57 or 58. Mics aren't "good" because mics aren't vague, they are specific... so lets try to be a bit more specific shall we?

Sorry to be a dick about it, but somebody had to kick you into shape.

Ben

That's why I quit drinking Southern Comfort I wonder which mic the Rolling Stones used when they recorded "Painted Black"?

Both the C1 and the CAD179 are excellent suggestions.

 

[Big Kenny]

One of the problems in being a wise guy is people keep an eye on sarcasm. It was "Paint IT, Black", goof.

 

[Big Kenny]

I just did a short session before my last reply with my new Nady TCM 1050 on a mando.
Sounded awesome.

post it...........

 

[Lambo]

It was "Paint IT, Black", goof.

Sorry, my bad.

 

[Big Kenny]

Nah, you're good! That was funny!