Mic Dilemma

[Erockrazor]

Okay so Im currently using an Mxl 990 and mxl 991 for my recordings but im not really satisfied with either of them. They pick up low end way too much / too much for my taste..

My question is , do you think i should buy a Shure SM-57 to replace the other two?

Im recording acoustic(priority) , vocals , drums, and micing amps. The SM-57 gets the reviews that it does very well in these areas. The SM-57's frequency response leans a little more toward higher frequencies , which i tend to like more. Also it seems that every owner of the SM-57 likes to use them for drum micing after theyve surpassed their recording value to them on other instruments.

Just give me some input on why or why not to make the decision. I dont wanna jump the gun.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Just back off the mic till you get to the point where the low end sounds right.

 

[fazil]

sm57's don't realy have a reputation of great acoustic guitar mics but sometimes they might work.

But they're great allround mics and sound at least "ok" on everything.
They can sound pretty good on guitar amps and vocals.
They're great for close micing drums but not as overheads.

If you're gonna mike a kit you'll probably need at least one condenser mic to cover the whole kit (or 2 for stereo). Than put the sm57 where you need it (snare, kick ....)

Maybe you should try a studio projects b1. It's a condenser mic with the same pricetag. Works better on OH's, el. and ac. guitars and some vocals IMO.

If ac. guitar is you priority, I'd stay away from the sm57.

 

[CCS]

I would opt for a condensor mic with less emphasis on the low end. An AT2020 would be my choice over an SM. If, however, you've used the 57 for recording and like it, then by all means, go for it.

 

[corban]

Have you compared the sound of those two mics to other mics? Because I just got a new mic, and tested it out with myself on acoustic. Everything sounded way too muddy, even after moving the mics way back. Couldn't get a decent sound, until I realized I was sitting way too close to the corner of the room, and the room isn't properly treated. So if your room isn't treated properly, I would look at that before shelling out for new mics. This may not be your problem, but worth checking out.

 

[The Garage]

it sounds to me like a mic technique problem and not a mic problem.

 

[Erockrazor]

Okay , Im gonna try more micing techniques and experiment a little more before giving up on the mics. As far as the techniques go ive tried the 3:1 12th fret and bridge , the 12th fret and overshoulder mic , and just one on the 12th fret. None of them seem to really please me. I'll keep trying and see what i can come up with. Im beginning to think that Im being extra critical because im listening to my own stuff and not somebody elses ... I really dont know.

thanks for your input.

 

[jerfo]

...until I realized I was sitting way too close to the corner of the room, and the room isn't properly treated. So if your room isn't treated properly, I would look at that before shelling out for new mics. This may not be your problem, but worth checking out.

Yes! There's a very good chance that this is the culprit, especially if you're still getting too much bass/mud when you back off of the mic. Some carefully positioned sound absorption would probably do a lot more good than a new mic. For example, the "TeaBagz" solution here might be a good one for you. (I have no affiliation with the company, so I can't vouch for them personally. However, using OC705 inside a cloth wrapping of some sort isn't a bad way to go at all, and they apparently do the dirty work for you.)

If you don't want to spend any extra money on acoustical treatment, try moving a sofa and some stocked bookshelves into your recording room. The sofa will provide some absorption, and the bookshelves will offer some sound wave diffusion. That should improve things a lot more than an SM57 would.

- Jerfo