MXL 603s + Pickup OR 2 MXL 603s'

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Beantowna

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For recording guitar, I am going to end up getting a combo of either one MXL 603s and a Pickup, probably a baggs or fishman, or getting the 2 MXL 603s package. I was wondering if anyone had any expirience with either or enough knowledge to contrast the two set-ups. Thanks.



edit - somone mentioned thinking about also thinking about the MXL 2003
 
I would skip the pickup for acoustic guitar. Even the high-end ones just don't capture the "natural" sound of the instrument like a microphone. I use the MXL 603s frequently for acoustic and think it's a good choice. MXL also has the 604 out now, which has an omni cap and some other improvements.

There are plenty of other options as far as budget mics to record acoustic instruments -- the search feature will retrieve a wealth of additional information/opinions.
 
I agree - unless you want an electric or artificial type sound for a specific use, go with a mic. It takes a little finesse with placement and maybe room preparation but it's well worth it. The 603 is good. In the low-cost range, also good are the MSH-1A and KEL HM-1 if you want a mic without the high freq rise that the 603 has.

Tim
 
Agreed! Two mics (or one) is always my choice. The plugged-in sound can be pretty cool on nylon string guits, though.
 
Much as I love the the sound of the LR Baggs I-Beam that I just put in my Martin, I would go with a pair of SDCs for a more balanced stereo sound for recording. I prefer Oktava Mk-012s to MXL 603s, with the former capturing more of the wood, the latter capturing more of the steel (or bronze, as it were). They're both good SDCs at a good price, I just find the MK-012s more acoustic sounding.
 
Robert D said:
Much as I love the the sound of the LR Baggs I-Beam that I just put in my Martin, I would go with a pair of SDCs for a more balanced stereo sound for recording. I prefer Oktava Mk-012s to MXL 603s, with the former capturing more of the wood, the latter capturing more of the steel (or bronze, as it were). They're both good SDCs at a good price, I just find the MK-012s more acoustic sounding.

I actually use them in tandem for ORTF with the 603 on the neck and the 012 on the bridge--mainly because I have only one of each. :D
 
No me :D . Hes been helping me on UMGF. Their perspective is always good, because, well, I love my Martin. :p
 
tdukex said:
I actually use them in tandem for ORTF with the 603 on the neck and the 012 on the bridge--mainly because I have only one of each. :D

Hey, I'll bet theat sounds pretty good. In a good sounding room you might want to try an omni cap on that 012, along with that 603.
 
Robert D said:
Hey, I'll bet theat sounds pretty good. In a good sounding room you might want to try an omni cap on that 012, along with that 603.

I actually have the omni cap and have been meaning to try it over the right shoulder (ala Harvey Gerst). But I need to get my new recording rig finished and up and running. I also have a new recording space that I think will sound good.
 
I can respect the Larrivee. ;)

Can anyone point me in the right direction for info/tutorials on mic placement, mic cables, and pop filters. I can guess I don't want to buy monster cable XLR, or put the mic by the headstock; though I would really like to be sure about my decisions there :o .
 
Beantowna said:
I can respect the Larrivee. ;)

Can anyone point me in the right direction for info/tutorials on mic placement, mic cables, and pop filters. I can guess I don't want to buy monster cable XLR, or put the mic by the headstock; though I would really like to be sure about my decisions there :o .

Play a Webber or two. You'll likely add that brand to your respect list too.
 
I use three mics

Hi,

I use two omnis close (6 inches), one at the twelfth fret and one on the wood behind the sound hole.

Then I put a SDC over my shoulder about 18 inches up at the boundary between near and far field. I used to like my 603 until I bought an Audio Technica Pro 37. It gives me more detail. I still like my recordings with the 603 and I'm not sure I could guess which mic is on which song but when I got the Pro 37 I compared them both on the same songs and I liked the Audio Technica better.

I play real quiet and get a real big sound. Different styles and different guitars mean different mic placement. Another very good stereo option is XY about 3 ft away with cardiod mics.

When mixing I balance the stereo pair panned all the way wide with the meters and my ears. Then I bring up the center channel listening for guitar sound and stereo image. When I get things just right it's more like the guitar is sitting in between the two speakers rather than the very wide image without the center channel which sounds like it is coming from the speakers.

As far as pickups go I like K&K. They are one of the only options for archtops like my Silvertone L5. I am going to try them on my Sigma too when I get a round tuit.

Still pickups never beat mics for recording unless you are playing the acoustic with a band in the same room and want separation.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
I just got a 604 from GC because the guy took $25 off for me :) . Can anyone explain to me the technical difference between the two caps on them and what the accomplish?

I am just going to end up getting a V67 for vocals on top of that and try to get away with using it for guitar when I re-record the separate track. If I don't like the outcome, I'll probably get another 604.
 
If I'm going to be recording acoustic guitar to be used on the context of a multitrack recording, then I'll usually only use one mic. I'll use two mics on a solo track. Then, I'll usually use a matched pair.

Anyhow, get the MXL 991 in the MXL 990/991 package which goes for $90. Rumor is that the 991 is the same as the 603. I don't know if it is or not but I do like the sound of the 991 on acoustic and drum overheads. The 990 doesn't suck on toms if you need a tom mic. If not, then sell it.

My personal fave acoustic guitar mics are:

Blue Dragonfly
Audio-Technica AT4040
Oktava MK012

If I'm recording stereo, then I'll use the Oktava MK012 of which I have a pair.
 
Beantowna said:
No me :D . Hes been helping me on UMGF. Their perspective is always good, because, well, I love my Martin. :p

If you love your martin dont ruin it by using a pickup. Go with two mics!
 
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