condenser vs. dynamic for live acoustic guitar

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jalbert

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I've been looking for a condenser mic to amplify my acoustic guitar for live performances but now I'm wondering if I should just save the condensers for recording and use a dynamic for live amplification. Any suggestions?
 
That depends. Condensers tend to be more feedback prone than dynamics, all other things (such as polar pattern) being equal. On the other hand, condensers usually provide a more accurate and detailed signal than a dynamic, as well as less low-mid mud. But that difference will be mostly lost on your audience if the rest of the signal chain is poor, or not properly set (e.g., eq, gain). Condensers are more delicate than most dynamics, so their durability is less.

I use a external or internal condenser when performing live, blended with two pickups. I play solo fingerstyle and use a PA type setup. The mic really helps make a decent sound.
 
Thanks sdelsolray. I also fingerpick and play solo. I use a Lawrence soundhole pickup and I just want something to add a little real tone. The feedback problem is what I'm concerned about. Do you really think the tone from a condenser is that much, noticeably better than, let's say, a Shure SM57?
 
The tone will definately be a little better on a decent condensor than an sm57. If you are also using pickups, feedback may not be as big an issue since you won't need the condensor to be in the monitors or it won't have to be as hot in the mains. One thing that will help is to back up from the mains a little. The farther you are behind the mains, the easier it will be to get a better EQ setting and more gain:) Also learn to be sparing with your monitors. Many people have their stage monitors louder than is really necessary. Also, the more signal you give your mics, the less of a problem feedback will be since you can hit the mics with a little less gain. If you are really soft on the mics, you will have to crank the gain higher which will increase the mics sensitivity to outside sounds such as your main speakers, and your monitors.
 
jalbert said:
Thanks sdelsolray. I also fingerpick and play solo. I use a Lawrence soundhole pickup and I just want something to add a little real tone. The feedback problem is what I'm concerned about. Do you really think the tone from a condenser is that much, noticeably better than, let's say, a Shure SM57?
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Yes. But again, a lot depends on the PA or amp you are playing through, the placement of the speaker(s) and the room. I much prefer a condenser over the Shure SM57, which kinda sucks on fingerstyle acoustic guitar. But I'm in the minority on the SM57 sound. You might like it quite a bit.
 
I'd sujest getting a condenser and using only the pickup in your fold back.. but both in front of house..

If you do end up using a dynamic I'd probably shy away from the 57 on accoustic. Some people like them on there but personaly I can't stand the sound they give an acosutic.. I'd sujest a beyer m201 or a beyer soundstar mkII
 
I've had good success with the M201 on acoustic live. I wouldn't let a 57 anywhere near an acoustic guitar. SM81s work fine too, but the M201 is cheaper :)
 
I like to use mics at small intimate gigs, you know coffee house stuff. If it's a bigger venue, I'll jack the Fishman stereo blender into the PA. I'll use a condenser mic anywhere small enough that I don't need monitors. C414 and Baby Bottle both work pretty well as live instrument mics on a good soundstage, but oddly enough, some of the best feedback rejection I have gotten with Studio Projects C-4. I agree that I don't want an SM57 anywhere near my Taylor. Before I do that, I'll turn the PA off and just play loud. I like the SM57 on sax, though.-Richie
 
i use an sm81 at work often on acoustin inst. combined witha pickup it sounds ok and i dont have a whole lot of feedback probs. if im having to use it alone to mic a quite player i run into issues sometimes. id say not a ribbon because you need pretty clean pre with alot of gain to get enough volume to fill a room. ldc can get risky real quick if youve got a couple wedges in front of you and you need alot out of them.
 
Jalbert, to add to a soundhole pickup as you mentioned to get a more lifelike sound, a condenser is the way to go IMO. Just a little of it mixed in goes a long way in this I think, and if you can get ahold of a hypercard or supercard it'll help even more to avoid feedback issues.

Tim
 
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