Microphone for recording J-45

NotValid · #1 12-05-2016, 05:33 AM

Looking at setting up my first home recording studio/workspace and need some recomendations on a mic that can capture the tone of a J-45 the best. Budget for now is $2-300. I want something that really captures that warm, woody, percussive growl of the J-45. Would a Rode NT2a work? From reviews it seems quite versatile and might even work with my deep, mellow voice. Any help or recomendations are greatly appreciated.

KevWind · #2 12-05-2016, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotValid

Looking at setting up my first home recording studio/workspace and need some recomendations on a mic that can capture the tone of a J-45 the best. Budget for now is $2-300. I want something that really captures that warm, woody, percussive growl of the J-45. Would a Rode NT2a work? From reviews it seems quite versatile and might even work with my deep, mellow voice. Any help or recomendations are greatly appreciated.

More info needed:
What recording gear do you already own ?

NotValid · #3 12-05-2016, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevWind

More info needed:
What recording gear do you already own ?

At this moment nothing. I do have a new laptop (windows) with an upgraded audio/graphics card. Nothing pro level. I will run the basic version Pro Tools for now. A friend of mine is gifting me a personus USB AI when he gets a new one soon. Santa is bringing me a Zoom H6 for Xmas. Which of those two have the best preamps? I need the Personus for midi. That leaves me with the mic. As you can see my set up is far from pro level so it doesn't make sense to get a pro level mic. But I also don't want any cheap junk.

buzzardwhiskey · #4 12-05-2016, 09:29 AM

My 2 cents:

1) Practice recording with whatever you have. At some point you may decide you'd like better. When that times comes, you'll know better how to use it.

2) The sonic difference between a $200 condenser mic and a $600 condenser mic is probably not as great as the difference between a good and bad room.

NotValid · #5 12-05-2016, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey

My 2 cents:

1) Practice recording with whatever you have. At some point you may decide you'd like better. When that times comes, you'll know better how to use it.

2) The sonic difference between a $200 condenser mic and a $600 condenser mic is probably not as great as the difference between a good and bad room.

I agree with both. However on point 1) I don't have anything to practice recording, yet.
2) is why I'm getting the H6 so I can record in different spaces. My living room is quite spacious in a long hall configuration with stuffed bookshelves. Sounds great when I play my guitar or throw a vinyl record on.
I also agree with the mic. There are lots of things (guitars, cars, etc) in that mid price range that punch above their price range and would require you to spend multiple amounts to get something significantly better. Which is why I am asking about the Rodes NT2a. It seems to be one of those versatile mics that punches well above its price tag but does it kill the J-45 sound or does it capture it well enough or are there better alternatives within the $300 (upper level) price range?

buzzardwhiskey · #6 12-05-2016, 09:57 AM

I’m betting the Rode NT2A would be great. Here are others that’d be in that ball park…

AKG C214
Neat Microphones King Bee
Rode NT1000

ChuckS · #7 12-05-2016, 09:58 AM

It seems like you are trying to cover both portable needs (Zoom H6) and desktop equipment based recording (presonus audio interface and DAW on your computer). Do you need, or want, to cover both right now? If so, how well/easily will all the equipment interconnect or will these be two separate systems? I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, but do you know how you want to use this equipment and what your goals are?

I like the Zoom equipment; I started out with a Zoom H4 before I got any desktop based gear (i.e. audio interface). From there I got external mics to connect to the Zoom when I wanted microphone configurations that the Zoom didn't directly support. From there I got an audio interface and upgraded mics. Then upgraded audio interface and external preamps. So, if you know your needs (including budget and how much time you want to invest) you might pick your best path.

rick-slo · #8 12-05-2016, 10:03 AM

Mikes are not that specific so as you would need to pick a certain mike for a certain guitar. Find a mike that has good reviews for recording acoustic
guitars (plenty of those right here on the forum in most all price ranges) and get two of them. I would be checking out cardioid condenser mikes .

islandguitar · #9 12-05-2016, 10:14 AM

Given Rick's comments above, I'll throw out Sure KSM 137's. I have a pair and they work well. Obviously many choices, but these should work with your budget and seem to get solid reviews. Several AGF folks have these mics for their recording efforts.

NotValid · #10 12-05-2016, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckS

It seems like you are trying to cover both portable needs (Zoom H6) and desktop equipment based recording (presonus audio interface and DAW on your computer). Do you need, or want, to cover both right now? If so, how well/easily will all the equipment interconnect or will these be two separate systems? I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, but do you know how you want to use this equipment and what your goals are?

I like the Zoom equipment; I started out with a Zoom H4 before I got any desktop based gear (i.e. audio interface). From there I got external mics to connect to the Zoom when I wanted microphone configurations that the Zoom didn't directly support. From there I got an audio interface and upgraded mics. Then upgraded audio interface and external preamps. So, if you know your needs (including budget and how much time you want to invest) you might pick your best path.

Thanks for all the replies.
TBH I'm recording to make hypnotic meditation tracks(as well as music) as everyone seems to love my voice in that application. Plus I'm doing it for my Yoga classes. So I will be recording various nature sounds hence the need for a H6. Plus traditional instruments like Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, bongos etc.
I need a midi interface for my sons Yamaha DD-65 drum machine for percussions and as a midi controller.
I also plan to record my country blues guitar/ harmonica and make backing tracks so I can gig solo since I don't have the time for a full band.
But really it's all for fun. If I do get serious about it I will either chase the upgradeitis rabbit hole or just rent a pro studio. Like a fool I can see myself chasing the rabbit hole. First a quality AI, then a preamp....better mic.....better cables.....it never ends does it?

NotValid · #11 12-05-2016, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandguitar

Given Rick's comments above, I'll throw out Sure KSM 137's. I have a pair and they work well. Obviously many choices, but these should work with your budget and seem to get solid reviews. Several AGF folks have these mics for their recording efforts.

I was looking at the KSM 141 which has a switchable pattern. It's a bit out of my budget for now but I will keep an eye open for one second hand or in the future as an upgrade.

Fran Guidry · #12 12-05-2016, 12:22 PM

Just use the H6 and its XY attached mics.

Fran

JohnDenverGirl · #13 12-05-2016, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

Just use the H6 and its XY attached mics.

Fran

where's the best place to put the zoom h6 with xy mics for 1) acoustic only, and 2) vocals and acoustic for a 1 mic approach to capture both scenarios?

buzzardwhiskey · #14 12-05-2016, 01:24 PM

Experiment around a bit, but the area between the 12th fret and the neck/body junction is pretty golden. Start at perhaps 4" away all the way out to maybe 10"? And play around a bit with canting the mics toward the sound hole and/or the lower or upper bout.

Vocals are a bit easier - 4" to 10" directly in front of your mouth. You might consider using a pop filter.

Fran Guidry · #15 12-05-2016, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDenverGirl

where's the best place to put the zoom h6 with xy mics for 1) acoustic only, and 2) vocals and acoustic for a 1 mic approach to capture both scenarios?

I like to put the H6 about 18" out from the guitar, slightly above the level of the soundhole, and shifted slightly to the tail of the guitar until I have a left right balance I like.

To capture vocal and guitar at the same time I would move the mic up, still 18-ish inches from the guitar but following an arc, so it arrives closer to my mouth. I would try the XY horizontally and vertically to determine if either orientation is preferable.

All this is just a starting point, after that you might experiment extensively. But with all the emphasis we see on mics, interfaces, EQ, positioning and so on, by far the most important factor is the performance.

Fran