What mic to use?

  • Thread starter Thread starter herringscales
  • Start date Start date
H

herringscales

New member
Hello...I'm looking to record acoustic guitar, vocals, piano, and some other strings...Will the Shure 57 suffice for demo-ing the vocals and acoustic guitar, etc...? Is there another inexpensive mic (less than $100) that might suit me better...Is there a way to get a decent piano recording without a condensor mic? Thanks!
 
for demo-ing I think the SM57 will suffice. I record my band practise all the time with two sm-57's in the room. And that recording could certianly be used as a demo.
 
For less than $100, I would say stick with the trusty old SM57, U won't find a better mic than that(in that price range) IMHO.

Sabith
 
I honestly believe that the 57 is the best mic on the market when considering value. You can never go wrong with the 57. However...

I recently purchased the Marshall MXL-2001 and was extremely pleased with its performance. The cost of the unit is around $190 (with shockmount). I now use it for my vocals, guitars, and pianos. If you're willing to pay a little more, I think it is definitely worth it.

When recording my acoustic, I place the mic about 15 inches in front of the guitar for a nice, even sound. When recording my electric, I put the mic five feet in front of my amp and four feet up. This gives me a true "roomy" sound--it also helps to cut down on some of the high-end twang of my Strat.

I have been very happy with my MXL purchase so far, but...you can never go wrong with the 57!
 
Thanks everyone for the great replies!! Leadoff...thanks for the tips...that's my next issue...figuring out mic placement and such..
In terms of guitar, you said you keep th mic about 15 " from the guitar..where exactly..the neck?
Also, what about piano? Again thanks everyone for the info...I love this site!!
Scott
 
herringscales

I usually place the mic directly in front of the sound hole (is that the actual technical term?) of my acoustic. If I use the 57, I usually place the mic closer to the guitar, back near the bridge. (I find that the 57 picks up a good deal of pick noise, and this placement works for me in reducing the noise. However, some people like the noise!)

Recording the piano remains a total enigma to me. I have tried the 57; I've used a Beyer M10; I have even given the 58 a shot once--I have yet to record a sound with which I am pleased. I have recently been using the Marshall MXL that I talked about in my last post. It records the piano well, but something is still missing--I can't seem to get a good, full sound. My piano is an old spinnet, and that may have a lot to do with my problem. I've got the Honky-Tonk sound down solid, though!

Howerver, when all else fails--trial-and-error! That's half the fun of recording--searching for that perfect sound!

Hope this will help you out!

leadoff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top