Does a single mxl603 deliver?

[Kipper]

Thanks to the copious threads on mic-ing acoustic guitar, I have read a lot of good advice and am massively swayed towards the mxl603 for my first, low-cost guitar mic purchace based upon comments like "it's a no brainer."

However, I am wondering about the performance as a single rather than in a pair. The pair just won't fit into my small (ua-5) set-up along with the vocal mic. almost all the praise referes to a sterio pair (Flatpicker mentioned in the faq that he'd prefer a B3 to a single 603). My other tendancey is the b1 (which seeems to have been compared to every other mic and come up with good reviews). Anyone happy with his/her SINGLE 603 for home recording?

(You many assume: I'm setting up my first computer-based recording studio, planning on using edirol ua-5, I'm a novice recorder, long time player, and have read what may well be all related threads. Note, too, that being in Italy means I can't test or return mics; it's just not done.)

Thanks, Kip

 

[chessrock]

I couldn't believe how much better my one 603 sounded once I got another one.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Ditto on that two in an xy at the 12th is exellent

 

[DJL]

Anyone happy with his/her SINGLE 603 for home recording?

Yes I am... I don't always like stereo acoustic guitar in a already busy mix. However with that said, it's nice to have a matched pair so you have the option... oh, and I think the Marshall MXL603S blows the B1 and B3 away on acoustic guitar.

 

[cominginsecond]

The MC012 beats the MXL603, whether in a pair or not. I would forget the 603 and get one MC012 now and one later.

 

[cominginsecond]

Re: Re: Does a single mxl603 deliver?

Yes I am... I don't always like stereo acoustic guitar in a already busy mix. However with that said, it's nice to have a matched pair so you have the option... oh, and I think the Marshall MXL603S blows the B1 and B3 away on acoustic guitar.

I like my B1 and B3 on acoustic guitar better than the 603. But, for mono acoustic guitar, my favorite mic that I've used is the Rode NTK.

 

[tdukex]

The MC012 beats the MXL603, whether in a pair or not...

That's not true in my experience. They sound very similar. I would lean toward the MC012 though, because later you can buy an omni cap (which I did).

 

[cominginsecond]

That's not true in my experience. They sound very similar. I would lean toward the MC012 though, because later you can buy an omni cap (which I did).

The 603s I have had in the past have been too bright. The MC012, on the other hand, has a nice, woody tone to it. On acoustic guitar and drum overhead the difference between the MC012 and the 603 were pretty damn noticeable to me.

 

[DJL]

Re: Re: Re: Does a single mxl603 deliver?

The MXL603S is a little brighter sounding than the MC-012 and that's why I like the MXL603S better on acoustic instruments... however, I do perfer the MC-012's over the MXL603S as drum overheads... but, most of the time I use AKG C451's or Josephson C42's.

 

[chessrock]

Yea, I actually think they're pretty different. I have a few of both, and it's a tough call to try and pick one and say it's better. It depends on the situation; particularly what the guitar sounds like and whether it's in a sparse or dense mix.

 

[cominginsecond]

On acoustic guitar, I've never gotten anything but a slightly "ouchy" tone out of the 603s. Maybe it's just my guitars, but my MC012s deftly avoid the "ouch."

 

[cominginsecond]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Does a single mxl603 deliver?

but, most of the time I use AKG C451's or Josephson C42's.

I'd be interested in hearing some of the songs you've recorded. From what I've gleaned from your posts, you have a pretty bitchin' mic cabinet.

 

[DJL]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Does a single mxl603 deliver?

I'd be interested in hearing some of the songs you've recorded. From what I've gleaned from your posts, you have a pretty bitchin' mic cabinet.

I have a lot of mic's and I just joined a new band (I play bass) so after I learn their songs and we record them I plan on posting some samples for you and others to hear... it's going to take a while tho.

 

[tdukex]

The 603s I have had in the past have been too bright. The MC012, on the other hand, has a nice, woody tone to it. On acoustic guitar and drum overhead the difference between the MC012 and the 603 were pretty damn noticeable to me.

I should qualify my post. In my room through a DMP3 micing a Webber OM the two I have sound very similar to me. They actually make a good stereo pair IMO. I haven't had the MC012 that long, so maybe my opinion will change with time. I don't mic drums, so I couldn't comment on that application.

 

[Kipper]

Thanks...are we still talking pairs?

Thanks for the copious responses. Without seeming unappreciative, I'd like to reinforce that what I am primarially wondering is if a SINGLE small-diaphram is going to dissapoint me. People's responses continue to come in the plurals "MC012s...AKG415s...C42s."

I'd apologize for posting a question that bounces so close to other recent ones, but it seems that everyone likes examining the minutae and I thank you for your ambitious fastidiousness!

Kip

 

[lo beam]

FWIW I think it depends on what sort of music you're recording.
I play what has come to be known as Alt Country - think Wilco, etc. - and if the song is a sparse acoustic & vox number I'll maybe plum for a pair of sdcs or a ldc on the acoustic, but 9 times out of 10 I'll just go with one sdc ( usually the Mk012) if it's sitting in a busier mix.
Sometimes I don't want it to sound TOO good anyway!

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Re: Thanks...are we still talking pairs?

Thanks for the copious responses. Without seeming unappreciative, I'd like to reinforce that what I am primarially wondering is if a SINGLE small-diaphram is going to dissapoint me. People's responses continue to come in the plurals "MC012s...AKG415s...C42s."

Kip

It depends on how the instrument is supposed to sit in the mix and/or the arrangement. Where you have a whole band for example, and the guitar is strummed and using simple chords, you might use one mic and your pan control to place it in a good spot in the sound stage.

If the guitar is the only instrument and it's backing a singer, you might want to broaden the guitar sound by recording it in stereo and spread it out a little.

For recording blues, another standard practice (although a little less common today) is one mic, about 18" out, and forehead high, picking up both the guitar AND the vocal. Once you get the balance right between the guitar and the vocal, you'll have a recording that sounds great on any system, and is almost impossible to mess up.

 

[Bob Keelan]

On the 603 vs. MC012 thing, it's going to depend on your preference and your guitar. I have a Gibson J200. For the most part I prefer the 603 but I will use the MC012 in certain applications. These mics are inexpensive enough to have a couple of each.

On the single vs. stereo thing, one mic will work just fine if it's something like an acoustic rhythm track with other instrumentation. If the acoustic guitar is going to be rather prominent in the mix you would probably prefer a stereo situation.

 

[StevenLindsey]

I, too, have noticed a little of the "ouch" referred to by a previous poster when using the 603 by itself but that's usually when just listening to the guitar recording by itself. It works ok when you mix it with some other tracks and put it in it's place. To me the 603 seems to add just the right magic when used on the neck with another mic on the bridge. The 603/NTK combination sounds great. A 603/441 (or even a 57) combination has a totally different sound but sounds very good too. I think I like the NTK better than the 603 when using only one mic. But then, for some reason, the 603 is just what I want to hear on some days. It's a good little mic to have around and it's cheap. You really can't go wrong with it...it may not be exactly what you want for a certain guitar... but you're not going to hate it. I'm going to have to get one of those MC012s when they get down to about 50 bucks.

 

[cominginsecond]

I'm going to have to get one of those MC012s when they get down to about 50 bucks.

Seeing as they're the best SDCs until you get to the Josephsons, I'd say they're worth a lot more than 50 bucks.