small diaphragm condensor for acoustic guitar

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jamie_drum

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I currently record vocals and acoustic guitar with a Rode NT1-A, which I really like. However. I would like to get a second mic so I can record the vocals and acoustic guitar together, instead of in two separate takes.

Most of what I read recommends a small diaphragm condensor for this sort of application. Any recommendations? Is the Rode NT5 a good choice?

I am thinking < $400 here. My current signal path is mic--> M-Audio DMP3 --> Audiophile 2496 soundcard.
 
jamie_drum said:
I currently record vocals and acoustic guitar with a Rode NT1-A, which I really like. However. I would like to get a second mic so I can record the vocals and acoustic guitar together, instead of in two separate takes. Any recommendations? I am thinking < $400 here. My current signal path is mic--> M-Audio DMP3 --> Audiophile 2496 soundcard.
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There are some who like the NT5 but I have read in the threads of those who prefer others to it.
The MXL 604 is a nice low-cost one that get positive rep here at $99.
The Shure SM81 has a rather flat response and also gets a lot of good press here at $349.
Being a dealer of another microphone brand, you'll need to PM about my own personal preference.
PS-what do you think of you NT-1A as a guitar mic?
Perhaps keep that as your mic for guitar if it works for you and spend
your $400 on a new vocal mic? ;)
 
jamie_drum said:
I currently record vocals and acoustic guitar with a Rode NT1-A, which I really like. However. I would like to get a second mic so I can record the vocals and acoustic guitar together, instead of in two separate takes.

Most of what I read recommends a small diaphragm condensor for this sort of application. Any recommendations? Is the Rode NT5 a good choice?

I am thinking < $400 here. My current signal path is mic--> M-Audio DMP3 --> Audiophile 2496 soundcard.
Click to expand...

Shure SM-81
Peluso CECM6 wth hypercardioid capsule
Oktava MC-012 with hypercardioid capsule
CAD M-179 (large diaphragm with figure 8)
 
sdelsolray said:
Shure SM-81
Peluso CECM6 wth hypercardioid capsule
Oktava MC-012 with hypercardioid capsule
CAD M-179 (large diaphragm with figure 8)
Click to expand...
Excellent counsel!
 
I always record acoustic guitar with 2 mics.

While I have a pair of SM-81's, I will generally go to a pair of AT 4041's. This is a greatly underated mic IMHO.

Just my 2¢...
 
i would strongly suggest getting a pair, and recording guitar in stereo
 
I always thought LDC were better for the job. I have no experience with condensers but that's what I heard. THe small diaphragm have too much high end for acoustic, but again, that's what I hear.
 
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pdlstl said:
I always record acoustic guitar with 2 mics.

While I have a pair of SM-81's, I will generally go to a pair of AT 4041's. This is a greatly underated mic IMHO.

Just my 2¢...
Click to expand...

And 8thstreet sells them in bulk pac for $219 each--a real bargain. I've heard a lot of good things from experienced recordists and pros regarding these mics and acou guit.
 
myhatbroke said:
I always thought LDC were better for the job. I have no experience with condensers but that's what I heard. THe small diaphragm how too much high end for acoustic, but again, that's what I hear.
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SD mics, in general, are more accurate and have better transient response (how quickly the mic's diaphram responds to changes in a sound waveform). That is why, in general, I will use two SDs when recording solo acoustic. Often, in song mix with other instruments, I will use a single LD because I don't want stereo, and it has more presence in the mix.
 
I like the flat response of the SM81. It's great for studio and live recording applications.
 
Lots of positive feedback about the sm81...I will definitely check it out.

Recording with more than one mic simultaneously, will I need to worry about phase issues?
 
jamie_drum said:
Lots of positive feedback about the sm81...I will definitely check it out.

Recording with more than one mic simultaneously, will I need to worry about phase issues?
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Generally no, because you are doing stereo recording, so the mics aren't mixed. However, certain mic techniques are more mono-compatible than others. Check out this site for details:

http://www.dpamicrophones.com/

Under "microphone University"


Also check out the KSM141, not too many people have tried it, it seems, but I prefer it to the SM81 on most things, and it has switchable patterns too.
 
Recording with more than one mic simultaneously, will I need to worry about phase issues?
Click to expand...

phase issues are always a concern when you have more than 1 mic on a single source, but with decent placement/technique shouldn't really pose a problem
 
I had a pair of matched NT5's....didn't like the response at all. I thought they were kinda edgy and boxy sounding, too difficult to control no matter how I placed them or how I mixed them. I only had them for a couple three months before I sold them.

I use a 414 and an omni AT3032 and I am getting much better results. That little AT mic is just an awesome performer for the price. I also think AT mics are generally underestimated.
 
Ironklad Audio said:
phase issues are always a concern when you have more than 1 mic on a single source, but with decent placement/technique shouldn't really pose a problem
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true- but i still find it rather tricky when you try to grab the acoustic and vocal at once. could just be me.

having a set of bi directional mics and nulling the other source out can work really well.

using a mic on the guitar with a clean off axis response and using a tigher patterned mic on the vocal works for me as well.

definitely a concern though, particularly if the player is a loud singer, soft strummer. :eek:

MIke
 
mshilarious said:
Generally no, because you are doing stereo recording, so the mics aren't mixed. However, certain mic techniques are more mono-compatible than others. Check out this site for details:

http://www.dpamicrophones.com/

Under "microphone University"


Also check out the KSM141, not too many people have tried it, it seems, but I prefer it to the SM81 on most things, and it has switchable patterns too.
Click to expand...
why don't you tell him about your cheap and amazing mics!
 
true- but i still find it rather tricky when you try to grab the acoustic and vocal at once. could just be me.

having a set of bi directional mics and nulling the other source out can work really well.
Click to expand...

yea, using multiple mics with multiple sources makes things a little stickier from a phase standpoint...i personally prefer to record the guitars by themselves, then overdub the vocals over the top, so i only have to try to perfect one thing at a time
 
Why not try a MSH-1M from Niantic. It was 22 bucks and sounds like a Grand. Not only on acoustic guitar, but also on voice (go figure). I can't believe this little sucker.....how does he do it...........does wonders for my Martin and Taylor acoustic (and MY voice).
 
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