Condenser Microphones and Acoustics

[pewterbird99]

I have a few questions about recording acoustic guitars. I have been reading a lot lately and seen that a condenser mic is basically the way to go about this. I am looking to have good quality but not spend a whole lot of money. I know most people say certain mics are good but is there a website or a place where I could listen to mics before I buy them? I am currently looking at Octava Mk012, MXL 603, and the discontiued Shure BG 4.1. Anyone have any preferences or can compare these mics?

Im using a Fender DG7 as of now.

 

[Innovations]

well, www.thelisteningsessions.com is preparing a small diameter condenser comparison to match their large diameter one, but right now there is none that I can think of.

 

[lo beam]

I'm pretty new around theses parts myself but I can direct you with some assurance to Harvey Gersts' Big Thread on mics to start off with ( pinned up at the top of the board) ....and then you could try searching the forum archives for info.
I've just bought a pair of ADK Sc1s for acoustic - a very similar mic to the 603s , Joe Meek J27, etc.

 

[sdelsolray]

I have a few questions about recording acoustic guitars. I have been reading a lot lately and seen that a condenser mic is basically the way to go about this. I am looking to have good quality but not spend a whole lot of money. I know most people say certain mics are good but is there a website or a place where I could listen to mics before I buy them? I am currently looking at Octava Mk012, MXL 603, and the discontiued Shure BG 4.1. Anyone have any preferences or can compare these mics?

Im using a Fender DG7 as of now.

A few questions:

What style of acoustic guitar music are are going to record (e.g., strummed accompanment, solo fingerstyle, etc.)?

What kind of preamp are you thinking of using?

Do you want to record the guitar in stereo?

 

[pewterbird99]

Mostly it is strummed but there is occassional fingerstyle solos. I am using a Tapco 6306 with phantom power. I would definately love to try stereo recording but I may not buy two mics at once. I will probably buy one mic then when I save up a little more money then buy it's duplicate. I really want a clear sound but not too sharp sound. I already own a Shure BG 5.0, a condenser vocal mic, which sounds pretty good on the acoustic, but I'm ready to step it up a level and get some nice instrument mics. I'm looking into oktava mk012, shure bg 4.1, or mxl 602s. Or if anyone has any better suggestions or critics of the mics I am looking at feel free to post. Thanks for all the help im getting.

 

[pewterbird99]

Sorry I meant 603s.

 

[Scinx]

Go with the 603s if it will just be guitar work.