Mic choice for Acoustic guitar and Grand piano

[Nephidoc]

I'm brand new to this and have a Audio Technica AT2020 that I'm just learning to use.
I'm using a Presonus Firebox, Cubase LE with my laptop.

I want to record my acoustic guitar and/or my daughter playing the grand.
(both mics on one instrument)

I was thinking of a pair of these:
- Oktava MK012
- Studio Projects C4
- Marshall MXL 603
- Sennheiser e614
- Audio Technica Pro 37

I only have 2 mic inputs so should I bag the small
condenser idea, use my AT2020 paired with 1 of these:
- Audio Technica AT2020
- Audio Technica AT4033
- Studio Projects C1
- Sennheiser MD421II

I was hoping to stay under $400.
Thanks for any sage wisdom you may have.
I just don't want to buy something that sits in a box because I made a poor choice.

Stan

 

[jkokura]

This is just what I'd do

Please keep in mind that I have only some of the mics you mentioned...

I'd get the MK 012's, and upgrade the 2020 to a 4033...0r a 4040 if you can

I like the MK 012's on acoustic a lot! I have a pair, and I also have a few of the pro37r's...they AT's are useful but the 012's are much nicer on acoustic guitar....they also make superb overheads on drums if you ever get there. I don't know what they sound like on Piano, but I'm sure they'll do the job nicely.

I'd upgrade your 2020 simply because I know what you're getting in a 4033 or a 4040...they're great mics IMO...I also have a C1, and I like it. The 4040 I have is better on my acoustic guitar and my vocals...it really depends on what you want your recording to sound like...but that's what everyone says really...

Jacob

 

[bcains]

MK 012s: Very nice on acoustic / havent heard on piano.
SP B1s: Nice on acoustic, have seen it recommended for piano also. A good all-round mic to have. (bright / neutral )
MXL 603s: Another all-round mic, good as O/Hs, Acoustic and recommendable for piano.

Others to consider:
MXL V67Gs / AKG C541s

Piano Article

P.S If you do a search theres over 14 pages that come up under "piano recording" in the microphone forum.

Good Luck with the choice

 

[xstatic]

The AKG 451's would most likely sound much morenatural and even on all those sources than any of the mics listed above. However, just opne new 451 is outsidethe budget I did recently see however a used matched pair for $600

 

[mshilarious]

I'm brand new to this and have a Audio Technica AT2020 that I'm just learning to use.

I think I would learn the sound of the AT2020, and if you like it, buy another. I wouldn't pair it with a different mic, that's quite a bit trickier in stereo applications.

 

[The Garage]

i agree with mshilarious.

i think it is terrible advice to sell the AT2020 before you've learned it. you may find that you like the sound, in which case maybe you should pick up another. be patient and experiment with placement.

 

[jkokura]

It's true

Selling the 2020 before he's learned it isn't the best advice...you're right... but I did say that's what I'd do. That's just based on my experience with that mic.

The reason I like the 40 series mics I mentioned is simply because I find they help me get the sound I want out of vocals and acoustic instruments, at least much easier than the 2020 did. I only recomend those mics to this fine gentleman because that's what he's trying to do.

Another option to my earlier post is to add one to the collection you've built at a later date...but by then the choices you have for aquisition may be much greater...

Jacob

 

[Alexbt]

I've used MXL 991s on piano before and it came out fantastic when I got the stereo spread/placement right.

Placement is the best suggestion I can give as I don't own any of those mics, though if I recall, the 99X is similar to the 603.

 

[Nephidoc]

Thanks for all the input.
I'll hopefully get a clip together soon.

Stan

 

[ozraves]

According to me as quoted in this month's ad in Tape Op, the AT2020 is "as good as it gets" in its price range.

If you're going to be recording solo instruments then certainly a pair of mics might be preferred. I think your budget is a little short of a meaningful step up to a pair of AT4040 Audio-Technica AT4040 or a pair of Avenson STO-2. You might consider buying a single AT4040 but I'd only do so after using the AT2020 for everything you can get out of it as it's as good as most of the mics listed by the original poster if not better.

 

[Robert D]

I love the 012s. Thay sound great, especially on acoustic instruments, and they have interchangeable capsules, making them very versatile.

-RD

 

[corban]

I have used the AKG 451s on piano and acoustic, and they are very nice. I just purchased a SP B1, and so far it seems like a good purchase, although I prefer the AKGs for piano and guitar.