Good mic for acoustic guitar only

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike W
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Mike W

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I'm brand new to recording and will be recording acoustic guitars through probably an MR8. I know condensers are the way to go, but how about something besides the Shure SM81 (not in the budget this year). Is the Shure PG81 decent?

Anything else you think I will need?

Thanks in advance
 
Mike W said:
I'm brand new to recording and will be recording acoustic guitars through probably an MR8. I know condensers are the way to go, but how about something besides the Shure SM81 (not in the budget this year). Is the Shure PG81 decent?

Anything else you think I will need?

Thanks in advance
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The PG81 sucks compared to the SM81. I recommend a Marshall Electronics MXL603S, it's only $72.95 http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7910&Category=Microphones and sounds great on acoustic guitar.
 
Depending on the guitar, the 603 is good or an Oktava MC012 or even two LDCs one in cardoid and the other in figure 8 about 12 inches out with the null pointed at the soundhole. Depends on the room though.
 
Well, thanks guys, guess I should have read the topic below mine first. Three pages of the same thing.

Does battery power like the Rode NT3 make a difference compared to going with a preamp and phantom power? I read all this about preamps and then some suggest the preamps in these cheap little mixers.

Sorry I'm so new, I know shitloads about other stuff. THANKS
 
I've had good results with the 603s and if I had it to do over again, that would still be one of my first mic purchases. Just remember if you do get one, that they are fragile. It's not an SM57: handle with care. I learned the hard way.
 
I like both ldc and sdc on acoustics. I recently got a matched pair of mk012's and I dig the sound. I also like AT4033, AT 3035, and my baby bottle
 
I've used both the Marshall V67G and Studio Projects B1 with very good results in my vocal booth. Not close mic'd but off-axis, about 3 feet up and 2 feet away. Proof positive that the room can really make a difference.

DD
 
Both the MXL 603s and the MC012 sound excellent on AG IMO.
 
I did use a Lawson L47, but I used a Studio Projects C-1 and like it better than the Lawson mic. Ans it's about 1/10 the cost.

H2H
 
For a bright cutting sound, I like my Josephson C42s. For a mellower sound I like my Baby Bottle or Oktava MC012s.

But I really love the C42s.
 
cominginsecond said:
For a bright cutting sound, I like my Josephson C42s. For a mellower sound I like my Baby Bottle or Oktava MC012s.

But I really love the C42s.
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Aren't the Josephson C42s about $100 more than the Shure SM81s? How does that help him when the Shures are already over budget for him?

Low budget acoustic mics that are good IMO;

MXL603
MK012
SP B1
RODE NT1000
Behringer B5
Behringer ECM8000 (in a good room)
SP C4

Blessings, Terry
 
Yeah, I guess you're right, but half of the mics other have mentioned are as much or more than the Josephson, so your criticism shouldn't be leveled just at me. People were mentioning the BLUE Baby Bottle, the Neumann KM184, the Shure KSM32 and 44.

Anyway, I guess I along with a few others, didn't read his post closely enough.
 
603's are the best cheap ones. In fact, they are so inexpensive you can get two. INMO, using two small condensors of good quality gives you a better result than one of great quality, especially when you are using prosumer equipment as opposed to $20,000 preamps and the like.

I do like my AT4041.
 
when mic'ing stereo accoustic do you guys prefer two small condensors or a small cond. with a large diaphram?
 
Bobalou said:
when mic'ing stereo accoustic do you guys prefer two small condensors or a small cond. with a large diaphram?
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I don't understand this question.
 
I do.

My personal preference is a ld away from the soundhole and a sd omni over the fretboard. It just gets the sound I have come to like best over the years.

H2H
 
Oh, I see. I thought he was saying the logically impossible "Small Condenser with a large diaphragm" if that makes sense.
 
My fave acoustic guitar mic is the Blue Dragonfly.

If you want cheap, then look at the Oktava MK012 if you can find one or two of them.

I also suggest the Audio-Technica AT4040.
 
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