Microphone Suggestions
r1vers
Posts: 244
Hello there - looking into buying a mic (condenser being the best option from the very limited knowledge i have) for around $100, definitely not over $200. primarily for acoustic/some electric guitar, bass, and vox. being able to really pick up my bass is my primary concern. i really don't know what to be looking for and what would give me the best value for that price range. i know i'd need an interface as well - any suggestions there too would be great. enlighten me with your experiences
"Last time I think we played that song here was like, a long time ago, and there was a bonfire in the back and people were like throwing each other into it...very exciting days but a huge fucking relief that that's not how it is tonight..." Ed Irvine Night 1 2003, after Deep
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Here's the thread: http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=270705
The other thread dealing with the SM57 and Tom Petty was in Oct-Dec 07 called "Vocal mic help" - posted by JonnyPistachio
- Ian
<b><font color="red">CONTACT ME HERE</font>: www.myspace.com/ianvomsaal</b>
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both are excellent mics and not expensive
If you are going to get only one mic to record with, it should be a Shure SM57.
Add a pop filter if you're going to record vocals, and that will improve your results dramatically. For $20-40, a good pop filter is a great tool to have.
I've also recommended the MXL large-diaphram condensers, which can be had for under $100. A condenser will sound much better on acoustic guitar (although I've had some luck recording acoustics with 57's) and will be a different (not necessarily BETTER) vocal sound.
I'd recommend getting an SM57, an MXL V63, and a pop filter.
Now, for interfaces, I assume you intend on using a computer-based system?
Here's a cheaper interface: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Lambda-USB-Audio-Interface?sku=245506
It's got two simultaneous inputs with preamps and phantom power (which you would need for condenser mics), as well as Cubase software, which is a pretty good program.
For a few more bucks: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Digidesign-Mbox-2-USB-Audio-Interface?sku=240479
Made by DigiDesign, this is the entry-level ProTools interface. Again, two inputs. Right now, it sells with two MXL condenser mics included... that might make it worth your while.
What is a pop filter?
7/9/06 LA 1
7/10/06 LA 2
10/21/06 Bridge 1
How would you compare the recording of bass guitars between the two (if you have any experience)?
And a pop filter is something like this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-Pop-Filter?sku=421139
..it prevents well, popping, and hissing etc.
It's ALWAYS great to see MIG around and he knows his sound!
The pop filter was invented for people who sing like me! It helps take the "P" and SHHHH and SSSSS out if you sing like that. Mainly to help from overdriving and clipping the amp.
I just went to using a Shure 57 and a pop filter for my vocals. I have a deep voice and the 57 works pretty well for that. You don't have to have your lips so close to the mike like a 58. The 58 and 57 are about the same thing, just a round windscreen over the head of the 58 and you have to be right on that for consistent vocals.
I'm playing guitar and singing at the same time, so I have a hard time staying on the mike when I'm playing and I can be 5 or 6 inches away from the 57 with the pop filter on it.
The 57 works great for low frequencies on bass, too and is just a great all around mike.
Man, years ago, I think McCready is God and I recommended that everyone who buys an electric guitar should be issued a Shure 57!
Don't be mankind. ~Captain Beefheart
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Threw it in my bass drum, snare drums, hats...loved it. one of these days I will get some drums mics.
For recording bass, you would want to put the 57 right up next to the speaker, about 2" away from the speaker cone. I like to put it pointing straight into the speaker, about half-way between the center of the cone and the outside of the cone. For a large-diaphram condenser, you would want to back off just a bit, maybe 1 foot away from the cabinet, pointed straight in. The 57 will have more presence and clarity, whereas the condenser will be much more boomy, more low-end but more muddiness.
The Shure 57 is still used on live stages and recording studios for multi-platinum bands. It's a favorite mic for snare drums, timbales, many percussion toys, guitar cabinets, and so on. They even use SM57's for the President when he gives a speech from a podium, it's usually two or three of them together, and they've used that system for decades. It's not only a good, clear, even sound, it's also reliable. Has anyone here ever heard of a Shure 57 that no longer worked? The old joke goes, "You can use a 57 to hammer nails into the stage, and turn around and use it for the gig."
Start looking at nice mic pre amps.