Sm57 with MMP-2 Pre

[er1chu]

I wanted to test out an sm-57 on acoustic guitar today.

Plug the thing into my roland mmp-2 pre and it seems like even the highest gain delivers minimal and barely audible sound.

I had heard before hand that it required a lot of gain but I thought the mmp-2 could handle it.

I guess I was wrong...if the mmp-2 is the only option I have, does this mean I have really not much use for it in the studio besides it being a paperweight or something?

 

[daav]

SM57 and SM58 are extra-crappy on acoustic in my experience, regardless of the pre. That said, if that pre has a high/low gain switch you might want to check that out.

I don't htink you have a big gain issue, the dynamics expect a pretty strong direct sound source in fairly close proximity. The mic needs to be withint a few inches of bridge, if that doesn't help, move it around and try it near the 12th fret and right in front of the soundhole. Most of the time though, so much of the nice acoustic harmonics and faint undertones are going to be lost with an SM57. See if you can try out a (or better yet a pair) of small diameter condensors (everyone seems to love the Octava 012, i have MXL 603s- cheap and good). You will love the acoustic tone compared to teh SM57.

Don't use the 57 as a door jam though, theya re great on amps, and lots of drum apprications.

Daav

 

[dbeanerz]

Ive had the same experience with Sm57 and DMP3 mic pre. Flat out, 57 is not for acoustic guitar.

 

[er1chu]

I currently record acoustic with my Audio Technica 4050. Do you think I'd fair better with that instead?

 

[dbeanerz]

I can't reply on that, I only have minimal experience with mics. I just know the 57....isnt for me. In all honesty, I've gotten fantastic recordings with an MXL V67 going through a DMP3 into Cubase, with a little reverb. Given, I'm no expert, but for my taste, which range from post-rock to folk, it sounds great.

Then again, I recently ordered a pair of the new 604's, after hearing recordings of them and they sound phenominal, plus they are only 99$ each.

I remember reading good things about the Technica though, but can't help from experience. One thing I've noticed since starting this recording hobby since 4 years ago, you'll never find a direct/good answer on what to use when recording acoustic guitar. Ever. All you'll read is 'this mic is awesome' and 'mic placement and eq is most important'. Good luck