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!

[CaffeineJunkie]

i'd go for the 57

[38thBeatle]

SM57' s are pretty reliable and have been used for years. There are better mics around but  the '57 does the job pretty well. If you can stretxh to a reasonable condenser mic also and use the signal from both. I think the SE1 mics are pretty good by all accounts but have not used them- they are inexpensive too. TO did an excellent post a while back.

[ibanez4life SZ]

So is there really no point of running two dynamic mics in different positions?

So a condensor would be better to pair with it?

Sorry, but what brand is the SE-1 mic?

[HTH AMPS]

I personally don't like the sound of condenser mics for guitar amps (not anything affordable anyway).  I have some Groove Tube GT55s that are VERY nice mics indeed but an SM57 sound a million times better for guitar & will withstand the high SPLs infront of a blasting 4x12.

If you can get a ribbon mic that will withstand high SPLs then that would be my suggestion for a 'distant' mic.  The Russian-made Octavia mics from always get great reviews and you can push it into service for vocals too if you want a different vocal tone (maybe for backing vox).  If you have some serious cash to spend then get a Coles ribbon mic (favourate of Bob Rock and Steve Albini)

For another moving coil mic I'd suggest a Sennheiser MD421-II

 :twisted:

[38thBeatle]

SE1 mics are made by a company called SE I think- I will check for sure though and will post again.

[38thBeatle]

Here is a link to GAK's site for the sake on convenience.

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=10847

[jt]

:D Try this one

http://www.dv247.com/invt/2859

Havn`t tried it myself yet but will be seriously looking to buy one for my recording setup as well as a Shure SM57

 :D  8)

[HTH AMPS]

seriously lads, save your money - don't buy cheap condenser mics, they sound shite.  you can get decent moving coil mics like the SM57 for cheap (around £75) but a decent condenser mic is gonna cost in excess of £250.

If you can find them, the best bargains are the discontinued Groove Tube mics - those are awesome and many places were selling them with upto 75% off.

 :twisted:

[ibanez4life SZ]

So what would be your suggestion on the two types of mics to get?

Two dynamic mics (SM-57 e609 types)? Dynamic and a different one? My budget won't allow for a quality condensor mic, as they are fairly pricey, so what else would you recommend?

What is your opinion on the dual dynamic mic setup (in different positions.....2 SM57's, Sm57 and e609)?

[Searcher]

You could also consider something like a Hughes and Kettner Red Box in addition to the SM57.  It won't be as good as a decent condensor mic, but it will offer another sound alongside the SM57.  I haven't used one of them, but I believe you can run 'em at the same time as you have your cab mic-ed. They are supposed to sound pretty good.

[ibanez4life SZ]

But are the lower end condensor's of good quality? Or would I better better of with two dynamics in the price range?

[38thBeatle]

The only reason I suggested a condenser mic to accompany an SM57 ( which I think is a benchmark mic for the money and has performed well for many years) is because it can be great to have 2 differing recordings to be mixed together- this is a whole subject in itself. If you are considering a condenser and are on a budget and want a decent cheap condenser then the SE range always seems to get good reviews in respected mags such as Sound on Sound. There is no reason why you cannot get 2 sm57s and record  from 2 different mic placings but you can get phasing problems and the effects can be, erm, underwhelming. On balance, I would say stick to one mic until your budget allows you to do more, read up on recording techniques- TO posted something on this forum  a few months ago which was superb.

[hunter]

I nicked these clips off a different Forum.
http://home.arcor.de/d.ter/gitarrenmikros.zip

There are different clips from these Mikes:
(1) Sennheiser MD441
(2) Sennheiser E906
(3) Palmer PDI-09
(4) Shure SM57
(5) Sennheiser MD421

There is also A Behringer DI-100.

I'd further recommend to check my clips in the thread below, which are made with 50:50 Mix of Palmer "The Junction" attached to the speaker out of the amp and a T.Bone SCT-800 Tube Mic 1m away in the room.
http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4228

[BleedMarshall]

I like to use a dynamic to record electric guitars and the like, and at times vocals, while I use a condenser for acoustics, vocals and that like. I also happen to like Audio-Technica and Shure.