Tube Mic Polar Patterns

[lgsmith]

Hello,
I am renting an Apex 460 Tube condenser mic, which has proven
to add strength & integrity to my recordings using CEP. One
question though, I'm not too clear about which polar pattern I should be using for guitar & vocals. The power supply has a
selector switch that I can select from omni-directional,
half omni-directional or the figure 8 pattern, which i'm not sure
what is used for? I have been using the half omni-directional
setting since I've had the mic, with positive results. My acoustic
guitar sounded a little boomy, I generally pick the strings with my fingers, but am having a tough time eq'ing the boominess sound
coming from the strings. I am also running the mic through an art preamp/compressor. Any feedback or comments would be appreciated as always.

lgsmith

 

[lgsmith]

After listening to my track a few times, I have noticed that the
tube condenser mic, is much more sensitive than the AKG3000, that I was using before. It's a different sound, one I'm not use to hearing.Every tone on my acoustic is being accented greatly, especially the low's & mids.
I can hear my breathing & even my shirt rub against my
guitar while I'm recording.


Just some thoughts from a newbie.

lgsmith

 

[Tukkis]

If you use omnidirectional then it wont have any boominess because it wont exhibit any proximity effect. Half omnidirectional is cardiod which is usually the standard for vocals and guitar.

The boominess also has to do with the mic position. For vocals it's best to place the mic either slighty above or below the mouth and not directly in front.
For acoustic guitar, don't place it directly in front of the soundhole. Try placing it about 12th fret where the neck meets the body.

Tukkis