Recording: Finding the right mic!

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Hey guys!

I realize there are very similar threads going, but the more opinions I can get before next week, the better, and all your help is greatly appreciated!

My band is going to puchase a recording setup next week. I have everything planned out....all I need to do is decide on what mic(s) I would like to mic up my dual recto.

I was originally planning on just a single mic...then I heard that having two different mics in different positions can give a very nice recording tone (better mix/representation)......

So what would you guys recommend for me? Will one mic be sufficient, or can you guys convince me to go with two? I'm willing to go with two mics tops......I was thinking that maybe a Shure SM57 and Sennheisser e609 would be an interesting mix....

All input is appreciated!

 

[paleamberglow]

an SM57 is an excellent mic for miking a speaker cab, because it can handle high SPL's and the freq. response of it compliments that of a guitar amplifier. if you want to try a multi mic setup, try a condenser mic that is distant from the cab in addition to the 57 that is right on the cab, to give you some ambience and to fill out the sound a little more.

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

^I've also heard a lot about this sort of a setup.....

Would you not recommend two types of dynamic mics? I've heard some good clips with two SM57s (I thought the Sennheisser would add even more variety)......is there just no point to it?

What is a good condensor?

 

[ylo]

Use a good large diaphragm condenser microphone -- no coloration compared to SM57, Sennheiser, etc. You can always add coloration with EQ. You can also use the condenser mic for recording acoustic guitar, piano, vocals, room ambience, wind instruments, etc.

 

[paleamberglow]

a good condensor mic for guitar... Try an AKG C 414. If that's too pricey, you can find RODE stereo pairs of small diaphragm condensers for around $500. the RODE's are better for room miking or distant miking, while the AKG can do that and is good for acoustic guitar. I wouldnt recommend putting the AKG right on the cab. Using 2 dynamic mics right on the cabinet can be good if you want to get the sound directly infront of the speaker and maybe some extra boomyness from one of the corners of the cab with the other mic. but be careful using 2 mics that are close to one another because issues with phase cancellation can arise.

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Definitely good mics, but a bit pricey at the moment....how do the samson condensors stack up ($200-$300 range?)

In all honesty, I think I'll just work with the SM-57 for now, and add a compressor later, when I have the money for a good one.

 

[Empty Uranus]

Definitely good mics, but a bit pricey at the moment....how do the samson condensors stack up ($200-$300 range?)

In all honesty, I think I'll just work with the SM-57 for now, and add a compressor later, when I have the money for a good one.

A 57 is a killer little mic. Something about a 57 and a Celestion speaker that just makes a guitar sound so nice.

Try this - if you are stretched for budget, try experimenting with close mic positions.. Next, put pillows all around the mic allowing only the tip of the mic to be at the speaker cone. Obviously - the more you point the mic straight at the cone, the brighter it will be, but by moving the pillows around, you can get a trillion different sounds - and a lot of them are very nice.

Lots of folks are convinced that you HAVE to spend a trillion dollars to get great sounds. Experiment. In the end, the only thing that matters is how it sounds.....