Singer/songwriter needs help with pro tools here!

[lp51122]

Hey all,

I'm new here. I'm a singer/songwriter/lead guitarist and I got pro tools 8 le with the m box a month ago. Right now I'm doing everything with the plugins I have (massive, mini grand, xpand, vacuum) but I want to do vocals and record my guitar/bass. I'd like any cost effective recommendations for what I need for the following:

- Mic for electric guitar amp
- Mic for acoustic guitar (do I need an acoustic amp for this?)
- Mic for vocals (do I need a preamp too? please explain this)
- Mic for bass amp

Thanks for any input, I really appreciate it!

 

[bdenton]

Keeping in mind your budget, I'd look at a Shure SM57, priced at around $100 US. The SM57 is a good all-around mic, and while it won't be perfect for everything you want to do, it will do a quite credible job on all of it. And it's just a good mic to have around for a variety of purposes.

Acoustic guitars are usually recorded without an amp, with just the mic in front of the guitar.

The MBox has two built-in preamps; you would not need to purchase external ones.

If you could go $200 US, there are some decent condenser mics in that price range (the SM57 is a dynamic mic). However, I'll leave it to others to make recommendations for low-end condenser mics as I'm not really familiar with the "latest and greatest" in that category...

 

[lp51122]

thanks for the suggestions! I was think that model shure already and it's cool to have someone back it up. Much appreciated.

any recommendations for a condenser mic?

 

[ryanjfaucett]

I would second the idea about buying a shure sm57. I actually just bought a pair yesterday myself. (I got 2 for 140). Shop around, and you can find good deals on the shure's, and they're invaluable, so do get one or two.

As far as condensors, it depends on how much you're willing to spend, but again, shop around. I've used an AKG Perception 200 for the past few years and it's definitely got the job done for what I paid for it. (I'm pretty sure they've since upgraded to a 220 and maybe another model). I'm thinking about getting a blue dragonfly next, but they're around 600. Maybe look at the blue baby bottle. I've heard great things and they're pretty affordable. Let us know what you end up getting.