Trumpet microphone: live performance.

[Abundrefo]

Hi,

I am a trumpet player and I need to buy my first microphone for live performance.

I play a Monette Bb trumpet. I play in a small jazz group, but also play Soul music.

I am doing some research and found out some good clues, but some are very expensive for me, and some are not available where I live (Brazil).

Basically, I have to choose between Shure and Sennheiser.
So, I found out that these microphones below are not so expensive and could do the job:

- Shure Beta 56
- Sennheiser e609 (we don't have the Silver yet).
- Sennheiser e604

But, I could afford any of these and I cannot decide which one.

I heard the e609 Silver is a very good one, but since we do not have the Silver yet, will the (old) e609 do the job?

If you have any other suggestion, consider Shure and Seenheiser until US$ 150

Could you guys help me with that?

Thanks!

 

[cpl_crud]

I'd probably got the 56, with the 609 in a close second.
The bass curve on the 609 could lead you to some issues if not used properly, whereas the 56 is designed fora "higher" sound.
I'd give both a quick bash tho- you never know what you may find- plus it takes, waht, 30 seconds to change a mic?

 

[bgavin]

Audix OM7 will handle the high SPL of a trumpet.

 

[BigRay]

Ribbons sound phenomenal on trumpet....the cheap ones from shinybox are your best bet...

 

[fraserhutch]

Ribbons sound phenomenal on trumpet....the cheap ones from shinybox are your best bet...

Um, I would never use a ribbon live, isn't that just asking for trouble???
In the studio, yes, I love ribbons.

I use an AKG C535EB live and an AEA R84 ribbon in the studio.

 

[bubbagump]

I hate to be boring.... but a good old SM57/i5 or the like would work fine live on trumpet and has been used successfully for years. I know you are worried about expense, but if you could swing it, I might also consider an MD421. With the MD421s bass roll off and little bit of bump in the high mids, it would work swell.

I don't know if I would look at a Beta 56 as it has a pretty pronounced proximity effect which you may not like on a trumpet.

 

[BigRay]

Um, I would never use a ribbon live, isn't that just asking for trouble???
In the studio, yes, I love ribbons.

I use an AKG C535EB live and an AEA R84 ribbon in the studio.

..um yep I use ribbons live all the time. If a tool is good for a source, it is good for a source, period. I can name at least 10 professional location engineers who use ribbons live. I just dont see where this "asking for trouble" idea comes...Unless you are a 2 toed fat fingered jackass who doesnt know how to take care of equipment... I cant speak for studio work, as I dont do any..all my work is live captures.
I stand by my original statement. Ribbons sound great on trumpet.

 

[fraserhutch]

It's asking for trouble unless you are working top-of-the -line live venues.

It's not the mic user that's the possible risk, it's everyone else around them.

So go ahead, risk your ribbon onstage.

Oh, and BTW, I agree that the ribbon's the way to go soundwise, no reason to get your fragile little ego bent out of shape.

-signed, a 2 toed fat fingered jackass who apparently doesnt (sic) know how to take care of equipment...

 

[BigRay]

I wasnt calling you a name, but I can if youd like. I am simply saying that anyone who is a performer and takes on the risks associated with being a performer knows or should know how to take care of equipment, to include knowing how to handle audience members. I "risk" my ribbons onstage all the time. Now if this were a ska or similar band id worry, but I dont really see the worry about jazz clubs...Ive worked jazz gigs quite a bit the past few months and have used ribbons there with no worries at all..Its all about getting the best sound for me, so I take the best tools I can. Mics dont have nitroglycerine in them...they are made to be used.

What are audience members doing on stage??

 

[punkin]

Um, I would never use a ribbon live, isn't that just asking for trouble???
In the studio, yes, I love ribbons.

I use an AKG C535EB live and an AEA R84 ribbon in the studio.

I would agree with both of you...they sound great on trumpets...in the studio. I'm not so sure how that would work out. The backside picking up audience noise??? Anyone ever done this in smaller hometown venues?

 

[breeeeza]

hmm someone has probably said it but shure sm57... I have seen this mic used on brass instraments before (on a trumpet and tenor sax) and im sure it will be good for the job.

 

[jkokura]

I'd use a 57 in a cheap situation, and either a 441 or a 421 in a more expensive situation. Those three mics are the only ones I've completely enjoyed live on trumpet...I've also tried a AT pro37r and had relatively successful results.

Jacob

 

[breeeeza]

I'd use a 57 in a cheap situation, and either a 441 or a 421 in a more expensive situation.

Im sorry i dont understand what you mean by cheap situation? do you mean cheap being live and expensize being recorded?
thanks.

 

[bubbagump]

I think he is saying the same thing I did above. If cost is a major issue, look to an SM57 as it will get the job done and not cost a lot. If you have more money to spend, look to an MD421. Either mic can be used live or in the studio.

 

[boingoman]

What are audience members doing on stage??

You need to get out more. Also, you are a douchebag.

That aside, a ribbon would be great. But maybe not practical in a situation involving say a Brazilian soul band on a small stage with monitors, where the odd guest horn player might sit in or grab the mic and scream "Lets hear it for the band!" It's not the audience that worries me when it comes to my mics, it's musicians.

Beta57s work great for trumpet. As do the already mentioned SM57 and Sennheisers.

 

[BigRay]

You need to get out more. Also, you are a douchebag.

.

:kiss:

douche bag- a 20 year old man who throws a party with six other guys, and sings karaoke to Dido, Lauryn Hill, and other strange singers at 3am waking up all the neighbors in an apartment building.

I cant cope with just six. I need at least 12 guys in my party. Also, the karaeoke track is a mix of Winger, DC Talk, and Toby Keith.

I guess what I dont understand is that I use ribbons all the time with anywhere from 4 musicians to 84 , all different kinds of music..and ive never had a problem. Why compromise?I know a guy who used to use a ROYER(read, expensive) ribbon for live gigs, IN the audience..(concert taper) and never had issues.....the only issue is that they generally need a lot of gain..

To the original poster, when and if you get a chance , do yourself a favor and try out a ribbon. 165 Bucks..sure you cant drive nails with it, but it just might be the sound you are looking for. All the pro guys that I know use ribbons live too with everything from Classical Trumpet to Dirty Dozen Brass band To canadian brass to Brian Setzer....never any mention of these issues..

http://www.shinybox.com/ShinyBox23.php?osCsid=8d48b4bb66e6a7621ffbde2f39ecdb18

 

[mshilarious]

Ribbons use to be used all the time for live music in the '40s, '50s, etc. Carson had a 330 on his desk and beat the hell out of it sometimes.

However, it probably used to be easier and cheaper to get a reribbon than it is now, and getting reribbons on the Chinese mics in Brazil might be tricky.

I think I would use a 57 and not worry about it. It's just a live performance.

 

[sweetnubs]

Ribbons are ok to use live. Definitely shock mount them (they tend to have a bump in the lower frequencies and are subject to rumble, etc.) They are more dynamic than condenser-like (well they actually are dynamic mics) in their "sensitivity" i.e. you don't have to worry about the backside of the figure 8 unless you are in a smaller venue. Shit I use u47's on stage although these with very professional conservatory trained professional musicians. Ribbons kick ass on trumpet and besides if this guy can afford a monette trumpet he can afford a good ribbon mic. If he actually is playing a monette trumpet no sense in ruining the sound with a '57. Worst trumpet mic ever. Thanks bitches!


Oh, sorry Bitches! I also recommend an EV re-20. Very good live and studio trumpet mic. Adios bitches!

 

[Abundrefo]

I got my Monette in the US.
…and this happened when my country’s money matched the value of US$. 1999.

I cannot go overseas anymore just to buy a mic.

So I decided I will be happy with the best thing I can find here, where I live: Sao Paulo - Brazil.

Thanks for your help!!!
Without this help I couldn't make the decision I made.

I tested some mics and ENJOYED the e609.
I'm happy with it, because this was the best I could get.
(Lot better than the Shures - from the sound I heard out of them)

Thanks again!!!

 

[BigRay]

Ribbons are ok to use live. Definitely shock mount them (they tend to have a bump in the lower frequencies and are subject to rumble, etc.) They are more dynamic than condenser-like (well they actually are dynamic mics) in their "sensitivity" i.e. you don't have to worry about the backside of the figure 8 unless you are in a smaller venue. Shit I use u47's on stage although these with very professional conservatory trained professional musicians. Ribbons kick ass on trumpet and besides if this guy can afford a monette trumpet he can afford a good ribbon mic. If he actually is playing a monette trumpet no sense in ruining the sound with a '57. Worst trumpet mic ever. Thanks bitches!


Oh, sorry Bitches! I also recommend an EV re-20. Very good live and studio trumpet mic. Adios bitches!

The voice of reason.