My mic collection - what would you add next?

[timspong]

I am building up a mic collection in order to start up a recording studio. Please give your opinions on the existing mics and what you would use them for. Also please give suggestions to what is missing from my collection and it's uses. I am particularly looking for a great mic to use for upright bass (my main instrument).

SM57's - instruments/ drums
SM58's - live vocals
Peavey Dynamic - live vocals
Oktava 316 condensor - instruments/drums
AKG 414 TLII condensor - vocals
Blue Kiwi condensor - vocals and everything
Royer R-212 - horns/Drums/guitar cabs

My main preamp is an API 3124 going into a protools HD3/192 rig.

 

[Track Rat]

Looks like you have a pretty decent collection going there. One of my favs for vocals is the Octava 319 (Iassume that's a typo and that's the one you have). I don't see ant small diaphram mics listed. A pair of Neummann KM-184's would be nice. At the other end of the bang for your buck spectrum would be a pair of Octava MC-012's with the three capsules and attenuator. Then you would have multiple patterns and the 33mm LOMO capsule fits the mic body which would give you another good vocal alternative.

 

[chessrock]

What are you using for kick-drum?

 

[battleminnow]

I agree with the small diaphragm idea. Probably a pair of MXL 603s that are regarded so highly, or a couple of Behringer ECM8000's. It's always nice to throw another pattern into the mix, like the omnis from behr. Maybe an AT pro 25 kick mic.

Pete

 

[pratt]

probably a bit ridiculous.....

in price, that is - but I helped a friend record a short piece of music for a dog food commercial (it was a samba type of thing)...he mic'd the upright bass with a Neumann U87 (his pride&joy) and it sounded fantastic...

they are a bit expensive though..

 

[knownuttin]

As others pointed out, look into a pair of small diaphram condensors. The lower priced options include the MXL 603's and the Oktava MC012's. One of these might be the ticket for your upright bass.

I would consider getting a decent large diaphram dynamic, like a Sennheiser MD421, Shure SM-7 or Electro Voice RE20. They're remarkably versatile and useful for drums, vocals, electric guitar or bass cabs.

Not to pry, but a bit more info about what you wish to record most and your budget might help.
-kent

 

[timspong]

what are the advantages of having a small diaphram mic? what would I use it for that I couldn't use the kiwi?

My budget is pretty good, but I wouldn't consider anything over $2000.

 

[Track Rat]

Acoustic guitar, drum overheads (although that Royer would excell there!) hi hat, etc. I'm sure the Kiwi would sound great on acoustic but not on ALL acoustics. It's nice to have another color every now and then.

 

[hrn]

A pair of Octava MC-012's, or three of it enabling yoo to use a pair for drum overheads and one on high-hats...it's simply the best for high-hats.

You can use them for almost everything, and in stereo if needed,

Think you need a kick mic like AKG D 112 too.

Hans,
www.hagen.nu

 

[chessrock]

Yea, dude. I'd say there's been a run in isle 7 on kick drum mics, and you missed out.

You should really have a matched, stereo pair of something - you really should. And since I'm sure it would cost a great deal and would probably be a waste to get another kiwi, you should go for a couple of small diaph. condensers.

 

[petimar]

There was a review in Recording Magazine last month of the less expensive Royer where it said someone used only Royer R121s on upright bass. Have you tried this on yours?