SM57 + X2u for Acoustic Guitar Recording

[Luisconmir]

I have a SM57 + X2u setup I use to record electric guitar from the cabinet. I am satisfied with the results, I do this for hobby...

But when I try to record from acoustic guitar, the sound level is very low, even at maximum gain. The results are slightly acceptable, but I'm not satisfied with it.

I don't think the mic or the X2U are defective, I believe the SM57 has low output and the X2U has low gain.

I'm thinking to buy a condenser mic (which one??) around 100/150 $ or a better preamp.

I also use a cheap Behringer Guitar Link to connect guitar to Mac, perhaps it is better to buy a good preamp to connect guitar and SM57, instead of buy a condenser mic?

Thanks for your help...

 

[darrin_h2000]

Yes...you would be much better off...for a condencer an AT3035 is a home run for most new recordists...its a discontinued mic but you can usually pick one up used on craigslist and ebay for arround $50...and the quality beats most all the cheap stuff coming out of the eastern rim...because it wasnt in the cheap line from AT...and it is made in Japan where they have excellent quality control.

Be sure and find a preamp/interface with 48v and opt for something clean if possible...you dont want to buy a colored preamp unless you can afford a good one...and unless you have $1000 to spend there are only a few options.

Some here will reccomend the M-Audio interface...it seems to fit the bill here.

 

[Luisconmir]

Thank you Darrin, here the AT3035 costs about 220$

I can get these mics for about 110$

MXL 2006
MXL 603
Studio Project B-1

I will use this mic with the X2U shure USB interface.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Where exactly is Here?

 

[Ronan]

Have you tried raising the level in your DAW? If you are recording at 24 bit, it should be no big deal to record with a pretty low level and raise it (assuming you are hitting at least -40dBfs or so on your meters.

The SM57 is not always the perfect mic on acoustic (some times it is) but I would probably choose it over almost any cheapo condenser.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Thank you Darrin, here the AT3035 costs about 220$

I can get these mics for about 110$

MXL 2006
MXL 603
Studio Project B-1

I will use this mic with the X2U shure USB interface.

I was wondering too where you might be...here in the US I was able to get the AT3035 for $50 each...they are alot like my Shure KSM32 in some respects...they tend to be a really good recomendation.

 

[darrin_h2000]

The SM57 is not always the perfect mic on acoustic (some times it is) but I would probably choose it over almost any cheapo condenser.

You used to see the 57 micing acoustics onstage in the 1970s...it can work well too.

 

[Luisconmir]

Have you tried raising the level in your DAW? If you are recording at 24 bit, it should be no big deal to record with a pretty low level and raise it

The X2U is 16bit...

I can record, but the signal is very low, with these levels I think you cannot make a good recording...

(assuming you are hitting at least -40dBfs or so on your meters.

How can I measure the output of the mic?

The SM57 is not always the perfect mic on acoustic (some times it is) but I would probably choose it over almost any cheapo condenser.

A better preamp??

M-Audio Fast Track PRO / FireWire Solo / something else...

If there is someone using SM57 for acoustic guitar, what is the setup used??

Where exactly is Here?

I'm in Europe

 

[SZC]

Not likely to find someone in Europe who will let an AT3035 go for near the $50 mark.

As said above, SM57 can work on acoustic but a small condenser will probably get you nearer the sound you are thinking of.

From the mics you mentioned the 603 would be the choice but at around the same price you have Beyerdynamic MCE530, AKG Perception 170, Rode M3 or an AT2020.

 

[Luisconmir]

Not likely to find someone in Europe who will let an AT3035 go for near the $50 mark.

As said above, SM57 can work on acoustic but a small condenser will probably get you nearer the sound you are thinking of.

From the mics you mentioned the 603 would be the choice but at around the same price you have Beyerdynamic MCE530, AKG Perception 170, Rode M3 or an AT2020.

I can find these too for almost the same price of the 603:

Beyerdynamic MCE530
Rode M3
AKG Perception 170
MXL 2006
MXL 603
Studio Project B-1


The MXL 2006 seems a good deal, it is discounted of about 65% and it looks rugged and "quality built". Isn't it?

I know nothing about mics, and have no time to make tests or search for used mics.

I can spend up to 200/250 for a condenser mic or a better preamp.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Luisconmir]

I've found this website: http://www.studioauditions.com/jamroomsessions_home.php

where you can listen to mic samples, they use super professional equipments, but I think one can hear the different sound of the mics.

I like very much the Beyer MCE530 !

 

[SZC]

SP B-1 is large diaphragm.
As is the MXL2006, this is one of the least liked MXL mics.

Try the Beyer, AKG or Rode with your existing Shure X2U, see if you are happy with the results, then look at preamps if you are not happy.

 

[darrin_h2000]

I guess in europe the AKG2000b might be availible...its going to be great on the acoustic...IDK that the AT line was more expensive there...dont we have the same Ebay?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Look around for a used AKG C2000B. (no, not 3000B). It's a better choice than any of the Perception series for almost any purpose, IMHO. It's also a fair vocal mic and a really good cab mic.-Richie

 

[darrin_h2000]

Well Im not sure that the usb device will power the condencers at all...if not the only option on condencer would be the AKG C1000b...and Id rather go with a nice dynamic than go there.

 

[SZC]

Well Im not sure that the usb device will power the condencers at all...if not the only option on condencer would be the AKG C1000b...and Id rather go with a nice dynamic than go there.

It will power condensers

 

[Luisconmir]

I'll go with the MCE530, I'll post to this thread my impressions...


Thank you for your help!

 

[Luisconmir]

I received the MCE530...

I also bought a Mic Stand: K&M 25650, I find the quality of this stand is OUTSTANDING!

I tryed to record the Acoustic Guitar with the same setup used for the SM57.

The result is very GOOD! I'm satisfied with this mic. If you want I can post 2 samples. But be advised I'm a poooor guitar player, I'm just at the beginning...


I've measured the two mics with TrueRTA, the MCE530 has an, obviously, higher input level, +10dB. But I think this is not the only difference, the MCE can record more details. The background noise was not a problem.

I'm satisfied, thank you for your suggestions!!

Now I would like to buy a good Mic Preamp, but I'll open another thread for this...

 

[keithersgsx2003]

Go to ebay......then......

do a search for a LARGE DIAPHRAGM CONDENSOR MICROPHONE.

Then pick what suits you the best. You can have the best mic in the world but if you have crappy engineering skills your mix will still sound like crap. Actually.................unless you have a sound proof studio.....i would reccomend a less than stellar mic....because it wont pic up the background noises..............as bad anway...........like a high priced mic will.

Oh and Dynamic microphones are designed to withstand high pressure levels...........meaning......when you strum your guitar the mic is like........................wait......wait......hmmmm.......ok there it is..........but i can baaaarrrrreeellllllly hear it. lol......sorry. Dynamic mics are for recording high pressure levels...........such as LOUD GUITARS, or a front man who has a very strong voice, or someone who screams.


Cheers.

 

[Luisconmir]

do a search for a LARGE DIAPHRAGM CONDENSOR MICROPHONE.

Then pick what suits you the best. You can have the best mic in the world but if you have crappy engineering skills your mix will still sound like crap. Actually.................unless you have a sound proof studio.....i would reccomend a less than stellar mic....because it wont pic up the background noises..............as bad anway...........like a high priced mic will.

Thank you for your suggestion, I'm satisfied with the MCE530 I think for the price it is very good, so I don't need a stellar mic.

Oh and Dynamic microphones are designed to withstand high pressure levels...........meaning......when you strum your guitar the mic is like........................wait......wait......hmmmm.......ok there it is..........but i can baaaarrrrreeellllllly hear it. lol......sorry. Dynamic mics are for recording high pressure levels...........such as LOUD GUITARS, or a front man who has a very strong voice, or someone who screams.


Cheers.

I agree with you, probably I am not very skilled but I am not stupid

Anyway I made lot of searches and found a lot of PRO's that use to record Acoustic Guitars with dynamic's