Best Mics for Lowend Digital Recording?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dizzy991
  • Start date Start date
D

Dizzy991

New member
Hello,

I'm new to the world of recording, I'm used to using my 424MKII with my band to bang out some demos (decent quality) before going to the 2" 16 track at a good studio so the recording process was pretty intuitive to me since I was so used to playing with these guys (and wasn't as concerned with the recording quality). Now I am making the jump to record other bands with a stand alone 8 track digital
machine. I own 2 Shure SM-57s and a cheap CAD condenser and have managed to squeeze a ton of mileage out of those with my 424. But now since I'm going to be working with other bands and now have a machine that's got a little more headroom that the 424 I was wondering if I should consider picking up some new mics that might be able to take advantage of my recorder (low end, Fostex FD8).

Would anyone be able to suggest some mics that would be able to take advantage of the FD8? This is a low end multitrack but I'd still like to get some mics that can maximize its specs without breaking the bank. FYI I have a 3630 compressor (kind of weak) and Joe Meek VC2 (probably too good for the FD8 but I traded in an old strat for it) so I'm not sure if any mics might have synergistic properties with
these types of compressors (I'm basing this on my guitar experience, strat + silvertone amp, les paul + marshall, etc). Thanks for any info you can provide.
 
$

I think its what you can afford. I use RodeNt1, AT 3525, and a sm57. A lot of people around here recommend
AT4033. The best mic for low end digital is the same for high end, the best you can afford.
 
Dizzy,
I have the AT 4033, and I too have an FD-8. I use the TUBE MP mic pre-amp. I use a BLUEMAX compressor. It's a decent set-up. Got the 4033 from Sweetwater Sound for $350. If you shop, you might get it cheaper. Good luck. kmar
 
The 4033 is a great budget large-diaphram condenser. It is also a good idea to have some AKG C-1000'S's around.. they are pretty good general purpose small diaphram condensers and they cost next to nothing compared to other mic's in their class.
 
I also have used the MXL-2001 by Marshall Electronics for vocals as well as acoustic guitar. Its a large diaphram condenser mic... The specs are good on it & everybody seems to be running sales on it now. You can get one for $170.
 
MXL2001....

Little or no Quality Control on the part of Marshall Electronics results in a mic that can be at best mediocre, or at worst, a Radio Shack mic.... for the same money (or just a little more!) you can do WAY better... ;)

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound
 
Dizzy, all of your replys are good info. All I will add is don't write off your SM-57s, I have found them to be fine mics for drums and for loud electric guitar amps. Try a little experimentation with mic placement and you might be surprised how much you like the results.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top