Which Better to Start With?

[eadgbe]

After reading many of the posts here (very informative for a newbie), I'm ready to make my mic purchase and was planning to buy the Marshall MXL 603 matched set from AvantAudio, plus an SP B1 for vocals (total cost approx. $275). However, now I noticed Marshall's Pro Pac with the 2001/603 combo for $175. Seems like a nice "starter" kit.

Question: other than stereo recording versatility, what benefit will the matched set provide me? Will having a matched set make a significant difference in my recordings? Also, how do the B1 and MXL2001 compare? (BTW I will be recording exclusively acoustic guitar and vocals through a Behringer UB802 mixer).

 

[Gidge]

nah, the 2001 sucks.....

maybe get a pair of mxl990's....i hear they have the same capsule as the 603's, yet the design is more vocal friendly.......and they are cheaper than the 603's

 

[Gidge]

as far as stereo, matched set wouldnt be a big deal for acoustic guitar...in fact alot of people prefer using 2 different mics such as a omni over the shoulder pointing down and then a SDC or LDC in front of the guitar, usually around the 12th fret.....

if you are doing drums though and you want stereo, matched is really the way to go to keep the balance....

 

[Mark7]

The 2001 is purportedly the worst mic in MXL's line, whereas a lot of people seem to have something good to say about the 603S and the SP B1. Spend $275 and get three good mics, or spend $175 and get one good and one mediocre? Hmm, decisions, decisions.

 

[Gidge]

for that $175, you could actually get a MXLv67G and a 603 separate and come out with a MUCH better mic.......

 

[Richard Monroe]

I don't usually go for the cheapest mics, but I have to side with Gidge on this one. V67B and a 603 would not be bad. I also have to side with Littledog on this one. For first mics, large diaphragm mics will work fine. I'd say a B-1 and a V67B would be a great combo. Probably the B-1 alone on the 12th fret, or with the V67 as an over the shoulder mic. Then you can try vocals through both mics, and see what sounds good. All I'm saying is that although many people do prefer small diaphragm mics for acoustic guitar for their fast transient response and off-axis response, I've had my best luck with a single large diaphragm mic, mostly now using AKG C414B and Shure SM82. Many delicious acoustic guitar recordings have been made without a small diaphragm mic in sight. The B-1 makes a good all-purpose instrument mic, and there's no telling what your voice will sound like through either mic, but I would most likely prefer the Marshall for vocals, and the B-1 on guitar.-Richie

 

[eadgbe]

Thanks for the advice. I settled on the two Marshalls (v67 and 603).