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syberen
New member
I want to record my jazz guitar, by miking the amp. What is the best condensor mic for this for up to $ 200? Any advice on this and other advices? Thanks in advance!
Syberen
Syberen
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Big Kenny
New member
use a dynamic sm57, re20, os sennheiser 421 or 441
condensers tend to overdramatize and distort any cabinet
IMHO
In His Name
Big Kenny
condensers tend to overdramatize and distort any cabinet
IMHO
In His Name
Big Kenny
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Rod Gervais
New member
I have to agree with Big Kenny, go dynamic.
If you go with an SM57 you won't be sorry. For the money that is really one great little mike.
Rod
If you go with an SM57 you won't be sorry. For the money that is really one great little mike.
Rod
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Richard Monroe
Well-known member
Have to disagree here, Kenney. Jazz is not Rock n' Roll, and condensers are very effective for capturing the woody sound of a minimally processed hollow body. Look, ma, no distortion. Actually, the Oktava ML-52 ribbon works rather well for a jazz cab, on sale at GC for $200. Also AKG C2000B, $180 with cable and shock mount at 8th street.-Richie
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lumbago
New member
Rode NT-1A or AT-3035 will work ok at **lower** volumes.
Another (unconventional) option is to use a direct feed your guitar into a channel strip like a Focusrite Trakmaster, EQ to suit your guitar, then add a little reverb. I've found that much of the coloration from an amp/speaker can be replicated with the Trakmaster and some added reverb from a Lexicon MPX-500 - making the sound very controlled and consistent.
As always, try each approach suggested before you buy so that you can ascertain that your guitar and any processor is complementary. Same goes for microphones - test with your amp/guitar combination.
Another (unconventional) option is to use a direct feed your guitar into a channel strip like a Focusrite Trakmaster, EQ to suit your guitar, then add a little reverb. I've found that much of the coloration from an amp/speaker can be replicated with the Trakmaster and some added reverb from a Lexicon MPX-500 - making the sound very controlled and consistent.
As always, try each approach suggested before you buy so that you can ascertain that your guitar and any processor is complementary. Same goes for microphones - test with your amp/guitar combination.
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syberen
New member
Thanks for the replies so far. Indeed i'm not using any distortion nor am I playing loud. I don't think all these microphones are available here in Holland, but i'll have a look around.
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Richard Monroe
Well-known member
Hello Syberen- I'm sorry, I didn't know you were in Nederland. I think you'll find the prices on the AKG and Rode mics very attractive in Europe.-Richie
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Big Kenny
New member
Still think the re20 is the way to go
IMHO
BK
IMHO
BK
Track Rat
Just Your Average Sized Member
In a dynamic, a Sennheiser 441. In a condensor, an AT4033
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PinkStrat
New member
Jazz with condenser mics
I have to agree with Ritchie Monroe regarding the use of condenser mics for recording jazz guitars. I also will use dynamics BUT only when there is too much external noise happening while I am recording a track. My choices for LD condensers are either an AKG 4000B, a CAD/Equitek E350, or an AT4047SV. When forced to use dynamics I find that the Sennheiser MD421-II, MD441U, and/or Audio Technica ATM29HE always get the call long before an SM-57 ever would. I leave my old SM-57s for a nasty rock n roll attitude (like Ritchie says). For jazz guitar you (should) want a nice tonal color that compliments the mood of the song. The Shure KSM32/44 also work well for jazz guitar too!
I have to agree with Ritchie Monroe regarding the use of condenser mics for recording jazz guitars. I also will use dynamics BUT only when there is too much external noise happening while I am recording a track. My choices for LD condensers are either an AKG 4000B, a CAD/Equitek E350, or an AT4047SV. When forced to use dynamics I find that the Sennheiser MD421-II, MD441U, and/or Audio Technica ATM29HE always get the call long before an SM-57 ever would. I leave my old SM-57s for a nasty rock n roll attitude (like Ritchie says). For jazz guitar you (should) want a nice tonal color that compliments the mood of the song. The Shure KSM32/44 also work well for jazz guitar too!
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PinkStrat
New member
Jazz guitar mics
Hi Darrin,
Yeah, all that will work too BUT I think the poster's question was about which mic he could use for about $200. I think the AKG 2000B would be fine. The other mics listed (MD421, MD441U, AT4047SV, AKG C 4000B) are more expensive (with an exception on the Sennheiser 421... which can be had new for $299 and used for around $200 or perhaps less). I'd say the MD421 is the one to get because it kicks some real sonic booty and is really versatile. Much more detail than a SM-57 has. The SD condensers will also work but that is a different sound.
On another note I've often wondered about the tone Kenny Burrell got on the "Blue Lights" sessions from 1958? Some sound almost half electric & half acoustic in tone/character and I try to envision the recording techniques that Rudy Van Gelder used to get these sounds on this particular session. I feel there were maybe a few ribbon mics hanging around! Figure eight would be a great way to capture a jazz box acoustically on one side with the amp on the other side (lobe).
Hi Darrin,
Yeah, all that will work too BUT I think the poster's question was about which mic he could use for about $200. I think the AKG 2000B would be fine. The other mics listed (MD421, MD441U, AT4047SV, AKG C 4000B) are more expensive (with an exception on the Sennheiser 421... which can be had new for $299 and used for around $200 or perhaps less). I'd say the MD421 is the one to get because it kicks some real sonic booty and is really versatile. Much more detail than a SM-57 has. The SD condensers will also work but that is a different sound.
On another note I've often wondered about the tone Kenny Burrell got on the "Blue Lights" sessions from 1958? Some sound almost half electric & half acoustic in tone/character and I try to envision the recording techniques that Rudy Van Gelder used to get these sounds on this particular session. I feel there were maybe a few ribbon mics hanging around! Figure eight would be a great way to capture a jazz box acoustically on one side with the amp on the other side (lobe).
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PinkStrat
New member
Hi Track Rat,
I am now awaiting for my Sennheiser MD441U to arrive in the mail. Tell me about how this particular mic sounds to you for jazz guitar? What is the main difference between it and the MD421's sound for this particular application? I can tell you that I am really itching to get this one! A good friend of mine had four of these 441s and decided to give me one for an Xmas present. He doesn't use them much to record with horns being the big exception and perhaps a snare every once and a while.
I am now awaiting for my Sennheiser MD441U to arrive in the mail. Tell me about how this particular mic sounds to you for jazz guitar? What is the main difference between it and the MD421's sound for this particular application? I can tell you that I am really itching to get this one! A good friend of mine had four of these 441s and decided to give me one for an Xmas present. He doesn't use them much to record with horns being the big exception and perhaps a snare every once and a while.
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Dot
New member
At $299 the MXL V69ME tube mic is a great classic-sounding mic for jazz guitar amps.
Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions
Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions
