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-   -   You don't hear much about the K&K Meridian mic. (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472617)

ahorsewithnonam 06-07-2017 11:23 PM

You don't hear much about the K&K Meridian mic.
 
I just don't hear about these or see them anywhere but I really thought the concept was fantastic. Anyone try one?

AndyC 06-10-2017 02:30 AM

It seems like you don't hear much about them here either :)

j.blay 06-11-2017 12:35 PM

I had one. It does reproduce a very fine acoustic tone. It's very versatile in that you can move it around the top and adjust it various distances from the top or the neck. I can also be used on multiple guitars. The main drawback is much the same as other microphones and pick up systems; feedback proneness. I wound up getting a super deal on a similar Silver Bullet model of the K&K microphone. I mounted it under the strings internally with a JJB Prestige 330, wired in stereo to the output jack. (The Silver Bullet model seemed to be slightly more pleasing to my ears). Then I use a stereo cable to the DTAR Solstice blender which allows me to blend in just the right amount of microphone with the JJB and adjust the sound of both to minimize the feedback issues. It's common to run any guitar pick up through a mixer or some sort of unit with notch filters and/or EQ capabilities. There are more and more wonderful acoustic amplification and pick up options coming out every year. I think the Meridian has just fallen out of fashion and has much more completion now. There's really nothing "wrong" with it; just typical things one must do to optimize and tailor the sound for each person's needs/likes.
By the way, I've learned so much from this forum and I hope my shared experience can give back just a fraction of the knowledge and wisdom, saving me from many (not all) of the expensive lessons I could have learned the hard way.

MrErikJ 06-12-2017 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.blay (Post 5371463)
I had one. It does reproduce a very fine acoustic tone. It's very versatile in that you can move it around the top and adjust it various distances from the top or the neck. I can also be used on multiple guitars. The main drawback is much the same as other microphones and pick up systems; feedback proneness. I wound up getting a super deal on a similar Silver Bullet model of the K&K microphone. I mounted it under the strings internally with a JJB Prestige 330, wired in stereo to the output jack. (The Silver Bullet model seemed to be slightly more pleasing to my ears). Then I use a stereo cable to the DTAR Solstice blender which allows me to blend in just the right amount of microphone with the JJB and adjust the sound of both to minimize the feedback issues. It's common to run any guitar pick up through a mixer or some sort of unit with notch filters and/or EQ capabilities. There are more and more wonderful acoustic amplification and pick up options coming out every year. I think the Meridian has just fallen out of fashion and has much more completion now. There's really nothing "wrong" with it; just typical things one must do to optimize and tailor the sound for each person's needs/likes.
By the way, I've learned so much from this forum and I hope my shared experience can give back just a fraction of the knowledge and wisdom, saving me from many (not all) of the expensive lessons I could have learned the hard way.

I've also been looking into the Meridian as a nice, optional, addition to my LB6 loaded guitars when the event calls for it. I wouldn't use it in terribly small settings but I thought it could be a nice second-source in certain environments.

Do you like the Silver Bullet better? I've considered wiring a mic in stereo to my LB6 and using that as a second source. It appears the Silver Bullet requires a 9volt power supply. Are you wiring the JJB to the Mic's preamp? Just curious how you're making it work.

j.blay 06-13-2017 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrErikJ (Post 5372589)
I've also been looking into the Meridian as a nice, optional, addition to my LB6 loaded guitars when the event calls for it. I wouldn't use it in terribly small settings but I thought it could be a nice second-source in certain environments.

Do you like the Silver Bullet better? I've considered wiring a mic in stereo to my LB6 and using that as a second source. It appears the Silver Bullet requires a 9volt power supply. Are you wiring the JJB to the Mic's preamp? Just curious how you're making it work.

sent you a pm

philjs 06-13-2017 03:04 AM

I've got one (and I like it...it's a great mic) but like the similar, twice as expensive DPA, the mounting method and location leaves a lot to be desired. First, getting the mount tight on the guitar is tricky and usually takes me 2 or 3 attempts. I certainly couldn't see using one on multiple instruments on stage. Second, if you play slap or artificial harmonics or use right hand-fingering then the mic just gets in the way.

For both of the above reasons I prefer to use an AT Pro 70...with the addition of a "cough switch" or mic mute (which the DPA or Meridian would also need) it's quick and easy to transfer the mic between instruments on stage AND is completely out of the way for a fingerstyle player.

My 2c...and here's your change!

Phil

slimey 06-13-2017 10:09 AM

I have one which I use for smaller gigs, it's also nice if you have a guitar you'd prefer to keep "acoustic" but want to play out occasionally.
Really nice tone, next to using a regular condenser mic it's as good as you can get imo.
I place the mic on the guitar top on the upper bout half way between the soundhole and the edge of the guitar, I find this is less prone to feedback. I've played gigs with a bass player in the band and have not had issues. Lift the mic from the top of the instrument, try playing with the mic floating in the air and the bass frequency wave will have everything screaming in seconds.
Playing in a duo or solo you'll not have to worry about feedback where ever you place the mic head.
It's very interesting that the tone will vary depending on mic placement, towards the neck a full bassier tone, back towards the bridge a brighter tone. SO you have to experiment finding the ideal location to locate the mic for the tone you like from the instrument you're using.
If you want a clean acoustic tone without having to worry about standing next to a mic stand for the whole gig, it's a nice reliable solution.

lweb10 07-03-2017 10:04 AM

I have one with K&K's larger pre-amp box. It sounds nice, mic placement has some good versatility and yet I seldom use it because it can be prone to feedback. I have used it in a small audience setting with a Loudbox mini, just to give a little boost for both the audience and me and it was excellent. I also used it once through a larger system run by a good sound tech with plenty of time for a sound check and had very good results - plenty loud, too (just proves my theory that no one, including me, should allow me to mix for FOH). I haven't used it for recording but I think it could be useful in maintaining mic position for more consistent results in punch-ins and while editing.


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