Ribbon vs Condenser

[joehempel]

Okay, I am in the market for a cheap mic, and the MXL R-144 is a Ribbon Mic that is on sale right now for $100.

But the only pre-amp I have is on the Zoom R16, and I've heard that you need an awesome pre-amp to record these things well.

I used to have Samson C02 Pencil Mic and got decent results but felt I might be a bit better off with a large diaphragm condenser...heres a clip of the samson..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu1koaKiFk4

Any thoughts and help would be appreciated!!

 

[Jim Lad]

I'm into ribbons and "Yes" you do need good preamps.
The average audio interface is only putting out about 60 dB and you need about 80 for a good ribbon sound.
Further to that, working with ribbons is a bit like fly fishing as opposed to actually getting out and catching some fish.
I'd give it some thought before buying even a cheap one.

 

[joehempel]

Thanks for the reply. I think a Condenser is the way to go then.

I just don't have the cash for a good pre-amp. Maybe the ART Tube MP Studio, if that's worth anything.

 

[moresound]

***Jim........... that is probably the only time I've heard someone connecting the likes of working with a ribbon microphone to fly fishing - But I can see your analogy.---especially if you make your own flies.

 

[WhiteStrat]

Hold up a second...it also depends on what you're recording. I record a ribbon with 60 dB all the time--and it works great. But that's electric guitar cabs (my favorite use for my ribbons). For vocals, maybe I'd want more than 60 dB, but my point is this: consider the source before you dismiss the ribbon.

 

[joehempel]

I'm recording acoustic and classical guitar, not plugged in, not mic'ing an amp or anything like that. I use my Sure SM57 for that.

So I'm thinking this isn't the way to go.

 

[WhiteStrat]

I'm recording acoustic and classical guitar, not plugged in, not mic'ing an amp or anything like that. I use my Sure SM57 for that.

So I'm thinking this isn't the way to go.

Agreed. I'd start with a condenser for acoustic and classical as well. Good luck and share some results after you get your new toys!

 

[joehempel]

Will do!!! Thanks alot!! I'm doing a test for possibly streaming my next show at Borders Books and Music, already did 2 shows and they want me back, here are a couple links to that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5jGOvFi_jk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSsXCSaafRA



Here's the link to the live stream test, it'll happen at 10am EST on Thursday!
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-fingerstyle

 

[WhiteStrat]

Will do!!! Thanks alot!! I'm doing a test for possibly streaming my next show at Borders Books and Music, already did 2 shows and they want me back, here are a couple links to that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5jGOvFi_jk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSsXCSaafRA



Here's the link to the live stream test, it'll happen at 10am EST on Thursday!
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-fingerstyle

Nice stuff man--I'm pretty sure I've never heard "Dust in the Wind" at my Borders--especially not live. Nice job!

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but before you buy a mic (or mics) check out my thread (I was honored to have it made into a sticky) on recording acoustic.

The thread is right in this forum called Acoustic Guitar Recording 101--wait a minute...why don't I just link it:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=290919

I don't know if you're budgeting for 2 mics--but it's really worth it. And your playing warrants a nice sweet stereo recording. I'm not saying you have to use what I use--just some ideas to consider (if you haven't already).

 

[WhiteStrat]

Oh yeah...where are you? At a Borders near me, by chance?

 

[joehempel]

Thanks for the link to that! But I've beat you to it, I've been reading it tonight! LOL

When I recorded my CD I had the problem of squeaking and breathing and hearing it in the mix too LOL, glad to hear I'm not the only one!!

Unfortunately I've got the budget for one mic. I've sold my Stereo Pencil Mic Pair because I thought a larger diaphragm condenser would work better.

As for the location, I'm in Cincinnati, OH and am getting ready to make a "Borders Round" playing at each of the stores in the area, I've got the O.K, now just need to set the dates!!

Appreciate your comment on my playing! I started out 2 years ago, learning country and about 2 months in, while still loving country music, I started to play fingerstyle almost exclusively...weird but it's yeilded me some cash (sold enough Cd's that it paid for the duplication and creation)...but now I'm into making my own arrangements.

 

[Todzilla]

Specifically, a ribbon mic needs a high gain preamp, especially when recording quieter sources. Typically, the better the preamp, the higher the gain, but it's not the quality of the preamp per se, but the gain.