mic and amp 101

[rikoshaprl]

Please be patient. I know zero and even lurking I can't understand half of what I read. But here goes:

I want to get a microphone and amp for my daughters vocals. I was thinking it might be good to get two inputs so she could put a mic on a stand for her guitar too if she wants. Is that still done? She has a non-electric Taylor Big Baby. Anyway here is the amp I was looking at:

http://www.music123.com/Behringer-U...tic-Guitar-Amplifier-480306-i1169655.Music123

It has two inputs (vocal and instrument) with separate volume and equalizers.

For the mics I was looking at these:

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WiredMicrophones/us_pro_SM57-LC_content ; for the guitar

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WiredMicrophones/us_pro_PG58-XLR_content ; for vocals

How do I know if they jack into this amp? I am also trying to figure out about matching impedences.Thanks.

 

[Seidy]

are you looking to record or just play?

 

[rikoshaprl]

Play for now.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I think that Behringer unit is a no-go. Reason- it has only one mic input. The other channel is an instrument input, appropriate for an electric guitar or an acoustic with a pickup. By the time you had added a pickup to the acoustic, you'd be into the price range of a much better amp. Yes, people still use mics on acoustic guitars, although pickups are more common for stage use. I understand you want your daughter to be able to learn how to use a mic properly, but IMHO you would be better off getting a small PA that can double as an acoustic guitar amp with more power. You will then have a unit that does everything you want, with added effects, such as reverb for vocals, and an instrument input if she gets a pickup for stage use or an electric. The additional power will also make the unit acceptable for small scale performances, such as a coffeehouse, or a small band practice. Consider this-

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=42739&category=Package_Systems

As far as mics go, I am not a fan of the Shure PG series, not because they totally suck, but because you can get the real thing for a little more money (or about the same used), or mics that while not top of the line, are better for less money. Here is a mic that is better than the PG series for $20 new:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=6535&Category=Microphones

If you want the real deal, just get a Shure SM57 and SM58 (or Sennheiser e835- my choice in that price range) and never look back. Better yet, spook around on ebay and look for an old, used AKG D320A, B, or C. That is a mic I would rather use than any of the above. I bought mine for $36.

In spite of advertising hype, there is almost no practical difference between dynamic stage instrument and vocal mics. A pair of any of those will work just fine. If you decide you want a pickup added to the mix, unless you want to get into cutting holes in guitars, I would just go with a magnetic soundhole pickup. It will give you an edgy, slightly-electric sound. For that real acoustic sound, I prefer mics anyway. Here's an example:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ProMagPlus/

Best of luck-Richie

 

[rikoshaprl]

Richie,
I really appreciate your comprehensive response! What you say makes sense.

Rick