SM57, Beta 57 or e609 for guitar cab?

[santiu]

Hey there,

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'd thought I'd give you my own situation and ask which one you guys think fits best. I'm looking at getting either the SM57 ($90), Beta 57 ($125), and e609 ($110) to mic a guitar cab. Although, I'm open to other suggestions in this price range as well.

I'm mic-ing a PRS hollow-body through Fender Twin Custom 15. Lots of midrange and a very sweet/warm sound. Soundwise, the closest example I can give is Trey Anastasio from Phish.

Also this will mostly be used to record "live" situation (not necessarily on stage, but all amps and instruments in the same room).

So what do you guys think I should get?

 

[soundchaser59]

I think you should get a different seller if $110 is the best price you found on the E609.....

Did you call fullcompass.com?

If you are willing to spend $110, and if it were me, I would drop an extra $30 into it and get the EV ND468. That is one screamin little mic for guitar cabs.

Or you can go the other way and try an AKG D770 for about $55.

And for the benefit of the hair-splitters.....Yes, that is my "opinion".....but it's a good opinion, in my opinion!

 

[jkokura]

Any of them will do the job. I wouldn't get the Beta of ther the SM - I think they're sonically very similar which doesn't make the price difference worth it... The e609 does a great job too.

I use both a 57 and an e609 and an MD421 at the same time sometimes. I like having variety when they're blended together and I end up liking the sound better than any one alone.

Jacob

 

[Jacobi1211]

i do the same thing, but with an sm57, AKG C2000B, and a AT DR140... sounds great!!!

I think it's great because you could have an AMAZING performance shot dead in it's tracks with a certain mic...

Jacob

 

[santiu]

ohhh... the ND468 looks really cool (sorry, I'm new to all this, cool looking stuff is still amusing to me). I can probably move my budget up to ~$150 for a mic if the jump from ~$100 to ~$150 makes a big difference in quality and sound. Although multiple mics isn't an option right now.

Again, I'm very new to all this stuff, so sorry for the stupid question. But, do you guys think it'll matter if i get cardioid vs. super-cardioid? While the plan is to eventually use the purchased mic for some isolated tracking, the majority of the time it'll be used in live-recording type situations with instruments and amps pointed in all the worst ways. And to be honest, we probably won't do the mic justice at first, but my theory with stuff like microphones is to buy nice stuff that's versatile to begin with and not have to bother with trying to upgrade later.

Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions thus far! Keep 'em coming

 

[SRR]

Just an FYI, I just bought a Beta 57a from fullcompass, and it was $111, plus there is a $15 rebate on them.

 

[David Katauskas]

The e609s may not be the ticket for your needs. It essentially cuts the mids and is brighter than the others. For a warmer tone, then look at the MD421.

 

[mjau]

Personally, I like the mids on the 609 much more than the 57, though each has their place. I like the beyer m69 way more than either mic.

 

[punkin]

That's my taste as well 'cept I like the blend of both the SM57 and the E609 with more of the E609. I should say that it's going to depend on your cab and speakers too.

 

[BobbyBalow]

If your looking for Bite on your guitar, the beta 57 has it all man. I throw a LDC a few feet back and mix it with the beta to get an amazing sound.

 

[Big Kenny]

421, yup well worth the $. CAD M179 is also great on cabs (and toms and oh's,etc etc etc)