Mic Choice for Acoustic Guitar (and some vocals) for under £700/$1000

[Justsomeguy]

As long as we're talking mics for acoustic, my fav is the AT4033 by far. The KM-184s are OK but a little thinner than the 4033's. I only have the Earthworks SR-71s which are out of production but I don't care for them on acoustic guitars (but they rule as drum overheads).

lol, tbh my list of "mics to buy if i had a bigger budget" is just a general list; i mainly want the earthworks and blue mouse for drums. i've not heard or tried the AT4033 but i'm a big fan of LDC's in general on acoustic (but that's just may taste)

and bobbsy; i totally agree about the sE2200a, i'm actually surprised i didn't suggest it earlier as it was my "go to" acoustic mic for years (i think i've said it so many times before that i just assumed i had ), and i'm a big fan of the NTK on both acoustic guitars and vocals. i've used the sE1a's for a long time for all SDC duties and although they're still great work horse mic's at work i do prefer the oktava's and as they're now the same price (which makes me sad as the first sE1a we got was £60 new about 6 years ago) with changeable caps that's where my money would go. or, if you can still find them, the sE2a's are great (there was a uk store that was flogging them at £60 with the three caps and the cool shock mount; another thing the newer sE1a's have gotten rid of!)

 

[moresound]

the new SE2200A multipattern mic. I have several of the original SE2200A cardioid only mics which I frequently use in preference to some more expensive stuff I have--and had a chance to try the multipattern version a couple of months back. It instantly went on my "must buy soon" list.

I've been meaning to ask you Bob about the new 2200 compared to the old 2200.
Can you go more into depth here about that?

 

[Bobbsy]

Henry, I had a chance to play at a local dealer who had a few of us in for an evening. To my ears, in cardioid mode, the new 2200a II is identical to the original (which, to me, is a good thing). However, it has the advantage of switchable patterns so getting one would give a an omni/figure of 8 as well. If I get one (I have a lottery ticket for a $30 million draw this week) I'll do more testing at home and see if I can hear a difference but it's bound to be subtle if there is one.

The other change is the finish/surface which is now grey and slightly rubberised rather than satin metal--I think it looks good but that's not a biggie for me.

Edited to add: Of course there's now also an SE2200A II cardioid only which I didn't play with but assume it's very similar/identical to my originals.

 

[Justsomeguy]

Bobbsy, have you tried the sE4400a? if so, are there any notable differences in the sound between the new 2200a and the 4400a?

 

[SevenHells]

Thanks for more suggestions.

Funny to see the SE1A mentioned as that is the mic I currently use. It's passable but I think I've outgrown it now. I have a £2700 guitar and it feels wasted when listening back to tracks with it recorded by a se1a.

I'm looking for a significant upgrade even if it means using up my entire budget on 1 mic (and saving up again for a 2nd)


edit:

How is a sE Electronics Gemini II?

 

[Armistice]

I use an AKG451B and a Neumann KSM105 these days. Yes, I know the Neumann is a stage vocal mic, but it's working well as a secondary mic for me and I do mainly acoustic stuff.

Have a listen...

 

[Orkinous]

I can highly recommend the AT4050, as I've been using it for years. It's great on both vocals and acoustic guitar. I bought it on the recommendation of the well known producer and engineer Joe Chiccarelli, back in the early 2000's when he was a regular advisor in a forum called Artist Pro. I'm in the process now of finishing a vocal/acoustic CD for a singer/songwriter. He wanted to do the whole thing live, so I had the 4050 on his vocal, and an AT4033 on his acoustic guitar. The 4033 is just like the 4050 but without the option of omni or figure 8 patterns. I also had a small condenser, a Shure BG4.1 on the guitar, as well as running the pickup direct. It's turning out great. Every track has bleed on it, but I'm making it work.

 

[Ears]

The J200 is a different beast. I have one.Well an SJ200 but they are very similar in tone. Also have a JB signature and its in the same family. I have the D28,D18 Martin,Larrivee L 09, Taylor Baritone etc. and recorded Taylors otherwise....The Gibson Jumbo is a sweetheart when it comes to sound. Especially strumming flat style....Good choice.
It has all the bottom and lower mid a guitar can muster sept maybe a Lowden, but it just needs a clean signal in my opinion. I use KM84s not 184s not a fan, but they aren't cheap.
I would recommend the Peluso P28s (tube small and can be used for vocals too as they have a 141db SPL) if you can afford them. I just ordered a pair. They are warm and rich but not boomy, and they will bring out the little top end the J200 has without sounding tinny.

I have the Neumanns, Schoeps, Geffels, Shure SM91s, and Rode NT5s, Earthworks .....all great mics....all different...but I am anticipating the P28s to be the best for that Gibbie warm sound.
As far as vocal mics to go ...He sells many as well. They are very good. Been at this for many years now, with all the top end Neumanns in my locker and the Peluso stuff is the sh@! for the price.

http://www.soundpure.com/p/peluso-p-28-pencil-tube-microphone/881?gclid=CITL45rX57ACFcYBRQodQys_zg

I didn't buy them here but I found a video.