I need a GOOD mic for acoustic guitar

[LocusLarsen]

Here's my deal...I am using a 1680 to lay my tracks...In my bedroom...I do have access to a very nice wooden shed which I have used and has an interesting sound, anyhow...I have been trying to locate some info on a good mic for acoustic guitar (maybe vocal too, but guitar!) I am mic-ing a Martin D41 and would like too get the sound that it makes, ya know, that god-like tone...So if anyone has any Ideas, especially if you have experience mic-ing top of the line Martins and you know how to reproduce that sound, and you know the difference between a good Gibson and a good Martin interms of the tone they make and which mic for which guitar...PLEASE let me know what you think. I am looking to spend about a grand a piece for a studio pair. ...I know, I need to spend 2500 for so and so, lets try and keep it around a grand - fifteen okay.

 

[Aaron Cheney]

I'd listen to a pair of Oktava MC012's first. You can get a pair of those for around $200, and they are great for acoustic guitar and overheads.
Typically you will find that small-diaphram condensors are the best choice on acoustic guitar and overheads. Shure SM81 is another common choice.

Aaron
http://www.voodoovibe.com

 

[Track Rat]

Neumann KM-184's. They can be had for around $400 a piece. I have a D-41 and for god like tone, the KM-184's do the trick. The Octava does a good job too. Watch how you mic that Martin, no matter what mic you go with, they're notoriously boomy and will woof out a mic if you get near the sound hole.

 

[duck]

Just to add to the above.

http://duckhead.50megs.com/acou.htm

http://duckhead.50megs.com/xlr.htm

 

[freshmattyp]

I've had great luck with my AT 4041 at the 12th fret, and a SP C1 about 3 feet away aimed at the bridge. I get a nice full sound that way.

 

[foreverain4]

shure ksm32. i use this both for guitar and vocs.




lynn
www.therecordinghouse.com

 

[VOXVENDOR]

AT 4033!!!!!!!

 

[fenix]

AT 4033!!!!!!!

word to your mother on that one.

 

[Track Rat]

Very true, a 4033 sounds pretty damn good too. Two is even better.

 

[Treeline]

Being ever the opportunist, let's get a little feedback on the Rode NT5 matched pair ($300) for this use. Anyone with experience here?






------------------
Hurry, my VISA is itching...

 

[Bass Master "K"]

I think Track Rat is giving you good advice: One of the most important things (I think) to getting that full "God sound" is to be able to record the acoustic in stereo. It makes a huge difference.

Octava's work great
AT4033's are awesome
I've used stereo C-1's and gotten great results.

Stereo is the key imho.

 

[OneWatt]

Mic'ing a Martin

This may not be an very impressive setup if you really want to blow lots of extra money, but I have been entirely thrilled with the sound of my Martin D28 with the following in a digital recording environment:

Shure SM81 condensor (phantom powered) - aimed towards to neck
Rare Earth humbucker in-soundhole pickup (no modifications to Martin required!)
Older Shure dynamic - aimed towards bridge

I then soft-pan the condensor and dynamic to l-r speakers and settle rare earth pickup somewhere around the middle, depending on what else is happening in the mix.

By EQ'ing each to your satisfaction, you can make your guitar sound like its literally right there in front of you, with the stereo sound washing all around you.

This will not cost you scads of $$$ either. About $300 for the SM81 condenser, another $125 or so for the Rare Earth pickup, and about $100 for a dynamic at most. Moreover you can use either mic for any number of other things (vox and/or drums very much included) and the Rare Earth pickup can be used in any acoustic steel string instrument - again without modification/drilling/damage.

Hope this helps in your research.