Next step for a po' man

[cellardweller]

I couldn't find this question addressed exactly as I am about to, so here goes:

What is the next step after the SM57? I record mostly distorted guitars with the 57, but just want some more variety/flavor. I have a couple other mics I've messed with, one is a Sennheiser(good for vocals) an AKG something or other. Neither are fitting for this application.

SM58?
Behr-E609?
SProj.-B1?

Keep in mind, I am po', but I'd rather save my pennies and be happy in the long run...

Though I have little for a basis of comparison, maybe something a bit brighter and less mid-ish than the 57?

Thanx.

 

[DJL]

The Sennheiser MD421 is one of my favorite mics... it works GREAT for guitar amps, bass amps, kick, sax, and etc, etc. Keep an eye on ebay for a used one. IMO, the Sennheiser MD421 is a "must have" mic.

 

[Track Rat]

Or even better, a 441.

 

[DJL]

Or even better, a 441.

The 441 is indeed a great mic... but, I don't think it's better than a 421, it's just different.

 

[cellardweller]

What are the differing intents and purposes between the 421 and 441?

 

[chessrock]

If you're really poor, and you're just looking for a "better than 57" kind of thing, then you might want to try a used Peavey 520.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3704552520&category=15198

 

[cellardweller]

Poor is relative.

I had no problem buying the SM57. I've heard very few people say bad things about it, and it's reputation for being indestructible appealed to me, a somewhat accident prone person. The other mics, I sort of "inherited".

I guess maybe I'm cheap/paranoid of buying some delicate little thing that I will probably end up dropping! (though I've yet to drop my 57)

Are most Sennheisers pretty solid mics? (I'm sure some more than others, but in general?)

 

[freshmattyp]

You might also want to troll around ebay for a used EV 635A. They typically go for less than $40. Great on amps.

 

[cellardweller]

I guess, more specifically, I am usually recording semi to extremely distorted guitars. I probably should have mentioned this earlier.

Would the MD421 be suitable for very distorted guitar as well? It is my impression that it is. If so, where is the best/cheapest place to pick one up?

MF wants $329, but in the Mic FAQ, it says they list @ $299...?



**EDIT** Full Compass is the cheapest I can find $280.04 + S&H.

 

[DJL]

Would the MD421 be suitable for very distorted guitar as well? If so, where is the best/cheapest place to pick one up? [/I] [/B]

Yes, and ebay.

http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...rtProperty=MetaEndSort&query=Sennheiser+MD421

 

[chessrock]

more specifically, I am usually recording semi to extremely distorted guitars. I probably should have mentioned this earlier.

Yes, you should have.

Because then I would have told you to get a Shure SM-7B. Basically sounds like a much slicker and less peaky SM-57.

 

[cellardweller]

My bad.

The MD421 and the SM7B are both comparably priced, though I can find nowhere which refers to either in the capacity I've mentioned. Is this from personal experience?

Thanx.

 

[DJL]

My bad.

The MD421 and the SM7B are both comparably priced, though I can find nowhere which refers to either in the capacity I've mentioned. Is this from personal experience?

Thanx.

Yes experience... and the MD421 has been used for recording guitars amps and etc for years.

 

[chessrock]

. . . I can find nowhere which refers to either in the capacity I've mentioned.

You must not look very hard. Just kidding. Yea, tons of engineers use either mic in that capacity, and after personal experience (with the Sm-7), I can see why .

 

[cellardweller]

You're right.

I probably should have invested several more hours in dredging through countless websites just to find the words---

"filthy putrid wallowing dirt-caked distortion and the SM7B"

.

Jeez, talking to women about these things is a lost cause.
"How much does it cost"?

"Only about $300"

"$300.... but you just bought a mic..."

I'm off to sell some plasma...

 

[chessrock]

"$300.... but you just bought a mic..."

Famous last words, dude. Better take her to dinner soon. I hear you can get more money for sperm.

 

[bgavin]

Mics are similar to women's shoes: having only one set is not generous.

You can always take the time-honored tradition of picking up something for her of similar value to your mic purchase.

This doubles the price of your gear purchases, but it puts an end to have sex doggie style. You know, where you sit up and beg, and she rolls over and plays dead...

 

[cellardweller]

Mics are similar to women's shoes: having only one set is not generous.

You can always take the time-honored tradition of picking up something for her of similar value to your mic purchase.

This doubles the price of your gear purchases, but it puts an end to have sex doggie style. You know, where you sit up and beg, and she rolls over and plays dead...

I wholeheartedly agree with this approach, but yet it has failed me in practice.

All the same, I thank you for the suggestion.

 

[bgavin]

This was the rule laid out to me by the CINC. It works for me.

 

[cellardweller]

Wow, I just noticed that there is another perpetual newbie, I don't feel so lonely anymore...

BTW, what does CINC stand for?