mini mics - internal vs external

[Wengr]

I have never had an internal mic. I do use a DPA 4099G clip on.
I wonder how the sound quality would compare to a good internal mic?

[Hotspur]

Most internal mikes don't work that well as standalone systems. They end up sounding pretty boxy and airy. Most of the time, they seem most effective as a way to put a little air in a sound that is mostly magnetic or piezo, to open it up a little.

The exception would be something like the Lyric, which is a microphone but really it's own thing.

[Unionjack515]

Lyric is worth consideration if you're willing to ream your end pin hole a bit. It's a marvelous little piece of kit.

[guitaniac]

Internal mics have some of that in-the-cave sound, but parametric EQ helps (with my MiniFlex 2Mic at least) and blending in a bit of UST signal also seems to help.

Since introducing the parametric EQ, I've been pretty happy with my dual source UST/MiniFlex 2Mic setup - even for home recording. Here's a recording that I made which features a simple strumming accompaniment. The guitar is an inexpensive Samick OM which luthier Dave Wendler overhauled for me.

https://soundcloud.com/guitaniac/be-my-lucky-star

[Doubleneck]

Love the internal mic with the K&K Trinity Pro system. Use it predominately in the mix. Very clean and airy the Mini can add base and fill it in a little.

[SimplyLuo]

Internal mics (DPA 4061, Audix ADX5, AKG C516, etc) are brilliant when used in combination with another pickup. I would never use an internal mic as the only source. It would sound too distant. Your DPA 4099 would sound much better compared to an internal mic alone.
The only viable internal mic would be the Lyric, but that's kind of a different matter.

[mercosound]

I have never used a DPA 4099 on guitar; I have run festival sound using a 4099 on fiddle, and I do own several other DPA mics. I have also used DPA 4006s to record classical/orchestral music. DPA mics are, in my opinion, the best sounding mics available; it's hard to imagine an internal mic that would sound as good as a 4099, but, like I said, I've never used/heard one on a guitar.

I also like KM184s for recording guitar; for sound reinforcement, I can get a lot more volume (and pretty darn good sound) out of a Shure Beta 57 than just about any other mic.

[Jay Cee]

The only experience I have w internal mics is the one in the dual sorce Baggs set up in my '98 D-35. If I blend in the full amount, it does sound rather cave-like. Blending in just the right amount with the UST works very well. Produces a nice, natural pleasing acoustic sound. The system has been in since '98, and I still get huge kudos from experienced sound guys.

A year ago I picked up a new 000-18GE and have been looking for the right set-up. I was at Sweetwater this past weekend and gave the DPA 4099G a try. It is OUTSTANDING!! For the solo work that I do with that guitar it will be perfect. Many others in the store were very impressed with the natural sound quality....as was I. I plan to pick one up in the next week or two.

[Luke W]

Originally Posted by Wengr

I wonder how the sound quality would compare to a good internal mic?

An internal mic will sound worse, guitars are not built to be heard from the inside.

[M19]

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Love the internal mic with the K&K Trinity Pro system. Use it predominately in the mix. Very clean and airy the Mini can add base and fill it in a little.

What he said.