double mic question...

[Robertt8]

I've been told many times to record vocals and guitars with two mics for a good stereo effect, but I never really tried it until last night...and I'll be damned if that doesn't sound freaking awesome!

Here comes my problem. I've only got two decent mics...and unfortunately, they're both the same kind (Shure SM58 dynamic mics). On the guitar it sounds okay, but on the vocals when they're placed in different spots, I get one that sounds pretty good (right in front of my face), and the other comes out sounding a bit high (placed further from my mouth)...like there's no bass or mids...I mean, obviously I don't want them to sound exactly the same, but it's not as beefy as I thought. Like everyone else in the world, I'm on a pretty tight budget. Here are my questions...

What are good cheep vocal mics that might work well here? Maybe one dynamic and one condesor mic? good placement?

Also, would I use roughly the same stuff for acoustic guitar recording?

Thanks...

 

[Track Rat]

Personally, I never record a vocal with two mics.

 

[Gidge]

ive tried vocals with 2 mics (SM57 and MXLv67)....its pretty hit and miss, but sometimes it comes out ok......i think to thicken a vocal most would recommend a second performance of a single mic......

ive recorded guitar with 2 mics, but never for "stereo effect".....more for getting a close in your face sound and a room sound , and having the 2 to play with and have options.....of course that'e when im in experimental moods cause the J-Station still rocks

again with guitar, i think most would recommend 2 performances panned left and right......

 

[sjjohnston]

For what it's worth:

I don't use two mics for vocals either. I do, however, use two mics (matching ones, if possible) for acoustic guitar.

But maybe that's just me.

 

[littledog]

One reason why two mics work so well on certain instruments, is that a relatively large amount if area is contributing to the production of the sound. Guitars fall into this category, as do pianos, string basses, drums, etc. So two mics are useful to capture more of the sound producing area.

With a vocalist, however, the vast majority of his/her sound is being projected through a relatively small orifice - the mouth. There is no particular advantage to two mics in this case, and some potential disadvantages such as phase issues. I would guess that 99% of the vocals you have ever heard on all your favorite recordings were made with one mic. Occasionally some people use a room mic as well to capture the natural ambience of a beautiful sounding recording space. Since so many home recordists are usually struggling to eliminate their room sound, I'd say your best bet is stick with one mic.

 

[swsmusic]

I have to agree with track rat. If you wanted to...you could use a different microphone for the backup vocals and odds/ends to give the vocals tracks a different sound than the lead...but since you have 2 of the same mic, this suggestion is out of the question. You could also do the same with different vocal effesct, plugs, ect...

Can you afford to invest in a more suitable vocal mic for recording? I started out with a rode nt2. still have it and still love it.

-daniel

 

[SLuiCe]

Good thread....
BTW...Your points were very well stated Littledog. Great answer...