Shure SM81 and the Rode NT3

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AlexNormand

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Hey guys,

I was just wondering, does the Shure SM81 and the Rode NT3 do pretty much the same thing? Would I get as a nice sound with the NT3 pointing on the 12th fret as well as the Rode NT1A pointing on the bridge of my acoustic? I saw some guy using the SM81 instead of the NT3 and it was nice! Just wondering if i'd have the same "sound" if i'd use the NT3. Thanks!

-Alex
 
AlexNormand said:
I was just wondering, does the Shure SM81 and the Rode NT3 do pretty much the same thing? Would I get as a nice sound with the NT3 pointing on the 12th fret as well as the Rode NT1A pointing on the bridge of my acoustic? I saw some guy using the SM81 instead of the NT3 and it was nice! Just wondering if i'd have the same "sound" if i'd use the NT3. Thanks!
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Every mic is different. Among other things, I think that the NT3 has more low frequency response than the SM81, so you'll get a very different character. It is also a hypercardioid, so you'll get a much greater proximity effect, and if you move the instrument, you'll get a much greater change in tone than you would with a cardioid mic.

The bottom line is that the NT3 is probably not nearly as good a mic choice for guitar as the SM81. I'm not that fond of the SM81, either, though, because of its weak low frequency response.
 
I'm also looking at the AKG C451B...would that work good?

-Alex
 
I like the 81's in stereo for acoustic, especially in a mix. Had the 451's and sold them, they were fine but I prefer the Shures. I also REALLY like my Russian Octavas (mk012)
Because you are using a LDC as well, I don't think the bottom end of the small is as crucial.
Are you using this guitar as a solo thing or in a mix, it may make a difference...
 
I'll be using the guitar in both environment; solo and mixing. Thanks!

-Alex
 
it goes without saying that the guitar and player itself is 95% of the equation...but durned if i said it. :eek:

that said...

even besides acoustic - the 81 is cool on anything. old 451 is cool on anything. 012 is cool on anything. never heard the Rode or the new 451.

Mike
 
I like the 81 better than the Rode or 451. Never had a problem with lack of low end with it. Very good mic for a lot of things.
 
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