mic for acoustic guitar

[goodbyebluesky]

What would experienced people here reccomend for mic'ing acoustic guitar?
I have an MXL 990 now, and I like it so far on electric, but its too bright and sensitive for acoustic. I want a bit fuller sound in the lower frequencies.
Here are some I am considering, all these mics are 100 bucks or less- which is what I can afford:
MXL V63
M-Audio Nova
Audio Technica AT2020 LDC

opinions?

 

[jkokura]

Most often I use a pair of SDC's on my acoustic recordings...either a pair in XY formation or one at the 12th fret and one at the bridge. Sometimes I use an LDC, but most often it'll be in conjunction with an SDC.

Secondly I would say that you should raise the bar on your mic quality. Save up or stretch your food budget or something and get a good mic, or at least a mic that will be a significant jump up from the 990. When I started building a mic collection I tried to get lots of different mics that were cheap, now I find that I pretty much use 1 or 2 LDC's - my NTK and my 4040. I still have a C1 that I don't use, and I sometimes buy cheaper LDC's but usually they don't stay long. I'd love to even replace the 4040 with a 4050! I just find that the NTK does all the work of all the cheaper LDC's I've had better than they did it! Why have 3 mics around 100 bucks instead of 1 that does the same jobs better for 300? (I actually paid more for the NTK but that's beside the point...) Just a suggestion, and I would say you should look at the SP B1 and the MXL V67 in that price range over the others...

Jacob

 

[goodbyebluesky]

Most often I use a pair of SDC's on my acoustic recordings...either a pair in XY formation or one at the 12th fret and one at the bridge. Sometimes I use an LDC, but most often it'll be in conjunction with an SDC.

Secondly I would say that you should raise the bar on your mic quality. Save up or stretch your food budget or something and get a good mic, or at least a mic that will be a significant jump up from the 990. When I started building a mic collection I tried to get lots of different mics that were cheap, now I find that I pretty much use 1 or 2 LDC's - my NTK and my 4040. I still have a C1 that I don't use, and I sometimes buy cheaper LDC's but usually they don't stay long. I'd love to even replace the 4040 with a 4050! I just find that the NTK does all the work of all the cheaper LDC's I've had better than they did it! Why have 3 mics around 100 bucks instead of 1 that does the same jobs better for 300? (I actually paid more for the NTK but that's beside the point...) Just a suggestion, and I would say you should look at the SP B1 and the MXL V67 in that price range over the others...

Jacob

I assume you mean the MXL 67G right? They arent seperate models?
And yes, I would love to spend 250-300 on a condensor. Its just not possible right now. It would be months down the road before I could consider anything much over $100, and even then it just pushes other gear further down the list. I'm sure everyone can identify with that!

 

[scrubs]

If you want a full bass sound, I would scratch the 2020 off your list. It has a pretty steep rolloff in the bass frequencies.

The standard answer on the BBS would be the Studio Projects B1. I've never used one, but they have a good reputation.

The MXL 603 or 604 would be another option, although the 603 supposedly has the same capsule as the 990, so you may not like that.

 

[stetto]

Oh, I dunno about pumping all that much money into the mic's right off...I use the JoeMeek JM27s and SP C4s and get some wonderfully clean, articulate tracks from my acoustic...And my guitar was a problem child because it has a VERY seasoned cedar top that generates a monstrous full low end that is a religious experience in person but needs tamed for recording...

The C4 is more expensive, but does have more clout in the lower ranges and the convenience of a rolloff switch. The JM27 is thinner in the lows...

Eric

 

[Zetajazz44]

Most often I use a pair of SDC's on my acoustic recordings...either a pair in XY formation or one at the 12th fret and one at the bridge.

Yep, hard to go wrong on this setup... I've tried many mic positionings and seem to always go back to this one, XY at the 12th fret... and you can control your imaging by the angle seperation of the 2 mics... I use a matched pair of Rode NT5's...

 

[Big Kenny]

Yep, hard to go wrong on this setup... I've tried many mic positionings and seem to always go back to this one, XY at the 12th fret... and you can control your imaging by the angle seperation of the 2 mics... I use a matched pair of Rode NT5's...

I think we use it (xy with sdc's) cuz it's easy to move around later. You can pan them, or put them right next to each other. Has nice definition and sits well in a mix. Captures a real picture of the guitar by itself as well

 

[Zetajazz44]

I think we use it (xy with sdc's) cuz it's easy to move around later. You can pan them, or put them right next to each other. Has nice definition and sits well in a mix. Captures a real picture of the guitar by itself as well

Yeah, I realize that. I was just throwing in 'another thing' XY configuration could give you... I guess I could have added as well that this configuration is less prone to phase problems since the capsules are placed so close together....

I also use a spaced pair at times as well...

 

[CCS]

What would experienced people here reccomend for mic'ing acoustic guitar?
I have an MXL 990 now, and I like it so far on electric, but its too bright and sensitive for acoustic. I want a bit fuller sound in the lower frequencies.
Here are some I am considering, all these mics are 100 bucks or less- which is what I can afford:
MXL V63
M-Audio Nova
Audio Technica AT2020 LDC

opinions?

The AT2020. Excellent mic for acoustic sources with just the right amount of low end. My favorite budget mic.

 

[jeffree]

The standard answer on the BBS would be the Studio Projects B1. I've never used one, but they have a good reputation.

Seconded. I have two SP B1s that I use just for acoustic stringed instruments, and they do an excellent job given their low price. I particularly like the lack of harshness and the fact that I need little EQ work if I take my time positioning the mics. Search the forum here for (too) much more on this popular mic.

J.