mic for vocals and guitar?

[PJHumble]

For around $700-800, what would you guys recommend for recording vocals and guitar at home? I only want to buy one mic so I'm looking for one that would do well for both at the same time.

[skiltrip]

For recording both at the same time you're going to want two mics. Unless you want to just stick one condenser in a good sounding room and just play. But ideally for recording, you'll want a condenser on the acoustic and a dynamic mic on your voice. The dynamic mic will keep the majority of bleed off of that track so you can process the vocal track without messing with the acoustic.

All that said, one AT4033 can be a great mic to pick up a group of guitars. I believe it's used a lot in bluegrass. It has a healthy mid range presence and sounds good on just about everything.

I'd definitely get maybe an AT4033 ($399) that is a good acoustic mic but can also do both. And also a Shure SM7b ($349) which is a KILLER dynamic mic for vocals. You're still under $800 and have some versatility.


Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

[Von Beerhofen]

Beyer Beyerdynamic MC930
Sure KSM 9 (Vocal) 699.== KSM 137 360.== KSM141 492.== KSM44 800.== KSM32 550.== Beta 27 383.==
Sennheiser E906 120.== (used) E914 219.==
SE Electronecs 1A 75.== (used pair) T2 582.== 2000 40.== (used) 2200A II 150.== 2200T(ube) 270.== (used 200.==) 4400a 469.== (400.== used) Z5600A II 659.== GM10 (guitar mount) 500,== (used 150.==)
AKG C451E 250.== (used) C451B 333.== (stereo. also 65th Anniv. in black) 869.== C535 245.== C414 888.== C414B ULS ????? C414 TL2 ????? C414XLII 950.== C422 (stereo) ???.== C214 333.== TLM103 990.== Perception 420 (multi-capsule) 250.== C460 (multi-capsule USED) 300.== Perception 120 109.== (USB) 200.== C2000B 126.== C3000 259.== C3000B 100.== (USED)
Rode IXY 130.== (stereo) K2 579.== (stepless variable capsule) NT2A 269.== (multi-capsule) NT1A 189.== (matched pair) 380.== NT4 X/Y Stereo Condenser 358.== NT5 (matched pair 311.== Thomann) NT55 (Matched Pair/2 capsules) 559.== NT6 314.== NT1000 259.== NTK1 ???.== (used 300.==) Classic II Anniv. (Tube) $2099.== iXY iOS (stereo for Ipod) 150.==
Neumann TLM 49 900.== (used) TLM 102 555.== (used 400.==) TLM103 1100.== TLM 127 2300.== KMS104 500.== (bundle Thomann 507.==) KMS105 500.== KM184 639.== U87 2500.== (used 1700.==) KM184 1000.== (pair used)
Oktava Mod HST-11a ????? Oktava MK012-01 200.== (matched pair 299.== Thomann) MK012 (multi-capsule matched pair) 489.== MK 012 20 Black (incl. 4 capsules) 351.==
Royer Ribbon R121 1400.==
Audio Technica Genesis Studio AT4033CL SDC4021 SDC4051B SDC4041 SDC4022 AT4050 AT2050 (multi pattern) 250.== (used 150.==)
MXL 770 90.== (used) 990/991 package ($79.==) Genesis (250,== used) V67i Tube Double Diaphragm 449.== V69 ME Tube ($300) V69 XM Tube 379.== V76T Tube 299.== CR24 90.00 (USED)
CAD M179 ????
DPA 4090
DAP Audio CM87 150.== (used)
GATT LD7
JZ BT 201/1 A 149.==
JZ BT 201-3 279.==
JZ BT 201-3s stereopair 549.==
Schoeps M222 + NT222AC-DC A 1499.==
Schoeps CMH 54 cu
Schoeps CMC 6 MK2 Stereo set Omni A 2099.==
Schoeps CMC 6 MK4 Stereo set Omni 2000$
Schoeps CMC 6 MK21 Stereo set Wide Cardioid
Schoeps CMC 6-4g stereoset 2099.==
Schoeps CMC 64
Lewitt Audio LCT 640 $800.==
Brauner Panthera 900.== (USED)
Microtech Gefell UM70, M70, M94, M300, M930 1250.==
Mercenary Audio KM69 $1230
Telefunken Ela M 260 $2895 (matched pair)

http://www.thomann.de/nl/prod_cbundl...006&art=156950
http://www.thomann.de/nl/rode_nt2_a_...n_s_bundle.htm
http://www.thomann.de/nl/firewire_audio_interfaces.html
humidifier
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http://www.thomann.de/nl/harley_bent...FUbMtAodGjEA8w
http://www.thomann.de/nl/grover_humi...FcbKtAodNXUALQ
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...15#post4008715

Audio interfaces:
Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP
MOTU Audio Express
MOTU Track16 Bundle Medium end
M-Audio ProFire 610
Echo Audiofire 4
RME Fireface UCX high end

1750.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
2200.== (Thomann)
1500.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

700.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
1149.== (Thomann)
2350.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

500.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

800.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
579.== + 269.== (Thomann)
800.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
579.== + 269.==
400.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
1000.==
http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
350$
225.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
300.== (2 voor 550.==)
http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
2700.==
195.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
300.==
180.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
225.==
120.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
450$
600.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

75.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

500.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
800.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
1400.== (Thomann)
500.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
300.==
http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
bieden
350.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr
350.== http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-e...reviousPage=lr

Ludwig

[Von Beerhofen]

Sorry about not being able to give a better response but my computer doesn't allow more detailed information then what I've listed. Note most prices are in Euro and the list doesn't particularly show which one is best for either or both situations. All I can say is that I'm looking for the same thing as you and the choice is huge.
I hope it's of use anyway.

Ludwig

[dave42]

I second the AT4033.

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by PJHumble

For around $700-800, what would you guys recommend for recording vocals and guitar at home? I only want to buy one mic so I'm looking for one that would do well for both at the same time.

So you're planning to record the vocals and the guitar at the same time using a single mic? I assume since you are willing to spend $800 on a mic you will be expecting very good results. Have you done some experimenting with this type of setup already? If not, you may want get some experience using a cheap mic to see how well it works for you before you commit to pricey gear. You may find it difficult to get the balance between the vocal and the guitar how you want it to be and you won't be able to adjust it after it's recorded.

Also, you may find that the best mic for vocal is not necessarily the best mic for your guitar. You might also want to consider recording the vocals and guitar independently, then mix them together. If you record the vocals independently of the guitar you could consider a mic with swappable capsules (i.e. 3 Zigma CHI mics accept small diameter capsules as well as large diameter capsules. You could start with a single head amp, a LDC, and a SDC to cover both the vocals and the guitar and later add a second head amp with a SDC to record the guitar in stereo).

It seems the best mic for vocals is dependent on your voice; you may want to choose it based on what is a very good match for you. You may want to consider a large diameter condenser.

For the guitar, some like small diameter condensers, some medium diameter, some like large diameter. It's often nice to have two mics for the guitar and record in stereo. I prefer using a pair of small diameter condensers with either cardioid or omni polar patterns, in a spaced pair arrangement.

Do you already have the rest of your recording equipment (computer, preamps/interface, cables, stands, monitors/headphones, etc)? The type of mic, such as its polar pattern, should be selected keeping in mind your recording space and you may want to have components (mic, preamp, monitors, etc) with a similar level of performance.

I'd suggest you also ask your questions in the Record subforum.

[handers]

In this price range AKG 414XL are great very versatile mic with great flat response and Los noise. Adjustable mic patterns and lovely tone

Hans

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by PJHumble

For around $700-800, what would you guys recommend for recording vocals and guitar at home? I only want to buy one mic so I'm looking for one that would do well for both at the same time.

You're in large diaphragm country, but you don't have to go broke buying mics. There are many decent mics in your range, and some for much less. I prefer to use two mics, in fig-8 patterns for guitar/vocal separation, so in your position I'd get two less expensive multi-pattern mics. For example, I have two MXL 4000's that I believe I paid $200 each (and got a pair of 603s small diaphragms to boot). They are plenty good for what I need for home recording. I also have a pair of Shure SM86's I use on stage.

In your price range I would look at the AT4050, AKG 414, Shure KSM44, Rode NT2A, Rode NT2000 ... there are others.

[dgonz]

Shure SM57. Records many things just fine, built like a tank, will last a lifetime, about $100. You can absolutely get a great recording tone for anything using this, if you just know a few basics.

[Tomm Williams]

Don't overlook the excellent mics sold by Michael Joly.

[Andy Howell]

Have a look at the Mojave 300 or 301. Great new mics from David Royer.

[Wardo]

I have a Rode NT1, Shure SM86 and a Senn 835. All three together new didn't add up to $800.

[pieterh]

That was a huge list up there (and a bit hard o decipher).

Recording is tricky in any situation but especially at home. Good large diaphragm mics are going to give great results but are likely to pick up everything - I was doing a voice over using an old Neumann U87 and I had to put blankets over the drums and the piano as they were resonating to my voice, I took the battery out of the clock and turned off the house heating as the electronic relay was being heard!

That said I Iove the AKG 414, it does just about everything well (studio AND live). If you are tracking and not doing guitar and voice live (ie at the same time) then it will do a great job on both - though a pop shield is a must and don't sing too close to the mic like you would a dynamic live performance mic. They like a small distance from the source, especially voice.

I don't agree that a dynamic is the best option for recording guitar, there are some great overtones and shimmery "air" on an acoustic that needs a decent condenser mic to bring it out. That's not to say a dynamic isn't useful and I do like the 57, but in a two mic setup. What's more there are better options than eg SM or Beta 57s that pick up higher frequencies than the 57 (AKG D7 or Sennheiser e945 for example).

I've used our Neumann KMS104s for recording both vocals and guitars (not at the same time) and they do a pretty good job too!

[alohachris]

Aloha PJ,

In your price range, you have several decent studio/recording, vocal, condenser mic choices, a few of which have been previously mentioned. Of course, you MUST try many vocal studio mic's (types & brands in several price ranges) BEFORE YOU BUY. Vocal condenser mic's are completely voice-specific. So, let your voice decide before you reach for the credit card.

One studio vocal mic I would definitely check out is the Mojave MA-200. You can find many USED in great condition in the $700-800 range. The mic only came on the market about seven years ago. It sounds great on many voices.

Although I use more high-end, vocal condensers for many of my recordings, I often reach for the David Royer-designed MA-200 because it is detailed, warm, great off-axis so you can work it, takes EQ very well & sits well in a mix. It makes my voice sound much better than it is without being hyped in any one frequency as the cheaper mic's are. It doesn't impose it's "will" on you - Ha! It's more of a "light rather than heavy" vocal mic. So this tube condenser is very transparent & natural sounding & is effortless to record through. And, it also sounds really great on acoustic guitar, particularly for strumming tracks.

Here's a description:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...FVKIfgodZ5cA-Q

Check out USED Mojave MA-200's, PJ, at places like Gearslutz classifieds. Highly recommended.

Good Luck in your search, PJ.

alohachris

PS: Make sure, before investing in such a nice studio/recording mic, that you have adequate DIY Room Treatment (That's what Pieter is referring to above). Check out the numerous previous threads on the topic we've had over in the 'RECORD' forum (which this thread should really be moved to). Gearslutz is another good source for treatment ideas - check out their Studio forum. Room Treatment is actually more important to the quality of your recordings than the mic's or gear you use. - alohachris -

[midwinter]

Well below your budget, but I'm considering adding an AT2050 to my cache of (affordable) mics.

With your budget, you could get two of them, put them in figure-of-eight mode, and record guitar and vocals simultaneously with very little bleed.

Originally Posted by PJHumble

For around $700-800, what would you guys recommend for recording vocals and guitar at home? I only want to buy one mic so I'm looking for one that would do well for both at the same time.