Mic questions...

[kb-29]

OK so i'm trying to get into recording some stuff on my comp, and oviously need a mic. I'm going to be recording electric guitar/vocals, maybe some drums later. So what would be a good mic? I was looking at the Studio Projects B1, it gets really good reviews and is only $79. Any other suggestions? Would I be able to use a condensor to record a blasting guitar or drums?

This brings me to my next point, what do I have to worry about when getting a condensor? What things will damage it? What should I get to protect it (like pop filter, shockmount etc don't really know what these things are but have heard of them)

thanks,
Kent

 

[bsanfordnyc]

A condenser mic would be good for those applications.

For that price range you may also want to check out Marshall MXL v67. Used to sell for closer to $300, and now can be had for around $100.

You'll also need a phantom power supply & possibly a preamp.
A pop filter is a very good idea, since moisture is bad for the mics. Your hot ass breath and spit could damage it over time...not even to mention it dampens some of the hard popping sounds your mouth creates with you sings (like P's, B's..etc)

Also, humidity and smoke are elements you don't want coming into constant contact with your mic.

Shockmount would be good to have, and a boom microphone stand is essential. Don't forget to add in a couple essential cables.

All in all, you will end up spending closer to $200-300 (assuming your mic costs $100), so be prepared for that.

 

[chessrock]

Would I be able to use a condensor to record a blasting guitar or drums?

I'd never put a condenser up against a raging guitar amp. For the longevity of you mic, and for sonic reasons. Not that it will necessarily sound bad or anyting, and not like it will destroy your mic. Just that I think you'll ultimately get more wear out of a dynamic in that application, and the frequency response characteristics will generally be more favorable. This is why the SM-57 is so popular.

Now for cleaner guitar played at somewhat milder volumes, I highly highly recommend trying a large diaphragm condenser -- generally comes out sounding more realistic and true to the sound of your amp.

 

[Rev E]

For the preamp, you would get a lot of mileage out of using the preamps (and phantom power) in a small mixer. My first suggetions would be a used Soundcraft Folio (should be about $100 or less on eBay). OR a new or used Soundcraft E-series mixer. Very decent pres (I favor 'em over the Mackie). Or a new or used Mackie 1202 Vlz Pro (make sure it's vlz pro). With a small mixer, you will have a built in monitoring station (with the headphone output), when recording and monitoring with headphones.

The Studio Projects B1 sounds like a good choice for what you want. Another fine choice would be the SM 57 as Chess suggested.

Es.

 

[DJL]

Smoke, temp, dust, moisture, air, spit, and etc can all be harmful to condenser mics... and I think it happens more often or quicker with the budget mic's... but when that happens and if the mic only cost $80 you can always just throw that mic away and get a new one.

 

[kb-29]

Ok, thanks for the suggestions, keep the ideas coming. Can sound level be harmful to condensors? I'm not saying 100 watt full stack, but like a 40w tube 1-12 combo cranked? Or drums?

thanks,
Kent

 

[Track Rat]

Condensors can take a lot of SPL but they can be damaged. I wouldn't put one in front of the hole of a kick drum as the sudden rush of air after a hit could cause cumulative damage by stretching the diaphram. Other than that, they're fine around otherwise loud sources. That's all I use on a drum kit is condensors except inside the kick drum where I use a D-112 (dynamic). I also love 4033's or C-1000s on guitar amps, both condensors. Not exclusively but I ain't afraid of putting them there at all.

 

[Sklathill]

Re: Re: Mic questions...

I'd never put a condenser up against a raging guitar amp. For the longevity of you mic, and for sonic reasons. Not that it will necessarily sound bad or anyting, and not like it will destroy your mic. Just that I think you'll ultimately get more wear out of a dynamic in that application, and the frequency response characteristics will generally be more favorable. This is why the SM-57 is so popular.

Nothing wrong with the SM57 on the grille thing, but personally, my guitar amp mic is my CAD E-100, then my MXL 990 in the back, and then a 57 in a pretty close 3rd... but still 3rd, IMHO. These are things worth trying out... and with the cost factor, I do agree with DJL's sentiment... (more like 50 bucks for the 990... )

 

[chessrock]

I've read so many conflicting reports on it all. And I highly doubt that at mild volumes, you're going to do any damage to your condensers. But very high volumes -- we're talkin' Spinal Tap cranked to 11 -- might be another story. I've read where the thinner, more responsive diaphragms can be stretched over time, ultimately changing it's sound and shortening it's useful lifespan. Whether that's fact or fiction I have no idea.

 

[DJL]

I've read so many conflicting reports on it all. And I highly doubt that at mild volumes, you're going to do any damage to your condensers. But very high volumes -- we're talkin' Spinal Tap cranked to 11 -- might be another story. I've read where the thinner, more responsive diaphragms can be stretched over time, ultimately changing it's sound and shortening it's useful lifespan. Whether that's fact or fiction I have no idea.

Anything that stretches the diaphragm (like temp changes and etc) can shorten the life of a mic.

 

[kb-29]

thanks for all of the advice. However I'm thinking that since I will also be using it for vocals, I will go condensor(i heard they're alot better at vocals) But keep ideas coming,
Kent

 

[DJL]

I will go condensor(i heard they're alot better at vocals) But keep ideas coming

Not always... and here's a really good idea... audition some mics and buy the one YOU like the best.

 

[TexRoadkill]

I use condensors on cranked amps all the time with no problems. I usually put the mic a few feet away.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Actually, KB, dynamic mics can be excellent for vocals. Jacko and Elton John have proven that repeatedly. The problem is, dynamics (and ribbons, a subcategory of dynamics) have much lower output than condensers, so they need a very good preamp to sound their best. Usually, good pres don't come cheap. My advice would be- if you're using a mixer or a cheap preamp, a condenser will usuallysound better on vocals. If you shell out at some point for a kickass preamp, add a kickass dynamic to the pile.-Richie