Which microphone to record my acoustic?

[Von Beerhofen]

I don't have any condensers or tube mikes but plenty of dynamic ones. Still, I'm not getting the sound I want with these older mikes (limmited frequency response)
Here's what I found as optins:

Beyer Beyerdynamic MC930
Sure KSM 137 36..== KSM141 492.== KSM44 800.==
Sennheiser E 914 219.==
SE SE Electronics T2 582.==
AKG C451B 333.== (stereo. also 65th Anniv. in black) 869.== C535 245.== C414 888.== C414 TL2 ????? C414XLII 950.== C214 333.== TLM103 990.== AKG Perception 420 (multi-capsule) 250.== Perception 120 109.== (USB) 200.== C3000 259.==
Rode K2 579.== (stepless variable capsule) NT2A 269.== (multi-capsule) NT1A 189.== (matched pair) 380.== NT5 (matched pair 311.== Thomann) NT55 (Matched Pair/2 capsules) 559.== NT1000 259.== NTK1
Neumann TLM 102 555.== TLM 127 2300.== KMS104 500.== (bundle Thomann 507.==) KMS105 500.== KM184 639.== U87 2500.==
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.==
Audio Technica Genesis Studio AT4033CL SDC4021 SDC4051B SDC4041 SDC4022
MXL MXL 990/991 package ($79.==) MXL Genesis (250,== used) MXL V69 ME Tube ($300)
CAD M179 ????
DPA 4090
JZ BT 201/1 A 149.==
JZ BT 201-3 279.==
JZ BT 201-3s stereopair 549.==
Schoeps M222 + NT222AC-DC A 1499.==
Schoeps CMC 6 MK2 Stereo set Omni A 2099.==
Schoeps CMC 6 MK21 Stereo set Wide Cardioid
Schoeps CMC 6-4g stereoset 2099.==
Schoeps CMC 64
Lewitt Audio LCT 640 $800.==

There's probably more then this but I just want to record my tunes on a digital medium using a medium end sound card (or higher if necessary), i.e sample rate is 96Khz max.
Any DI experience is also welcome (Taylor, LR baggs etc.).
Mind you, 1000$ plus aren't really an option, it's not a studio here and they're cheaper to hire but anything under 1000 goes.

Ludwig

[geordie]

go here, they'll keep ya right -

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/

[KevWind]

Actually the "record" forum on this sight might be a better bet than GearSlutz

Just ask for suggestions for a mic or mic's for up to $1000 and state if it is for guitar only, or guitar and possibly voice.

[StevenL]

I've done some nice stuff with an AT4040. A Rhode NTK will get you a big beefy recording. I think a Heil PR35 would record very well with a good preamp although I've only used it live so far. The MXL 603s aren't too bad either. Sennheiser MD441, Shure SM57,58 will do with a nice, quiet, hot preamp. Shoot, if you do it right, you can get a pretty decent recording with just about any mic.

[whitecloud]

Originally Posted by KevWind

Actually the "record" forum on this sight might be a better bet than GearSlutz

Just ask for suggestions for a mic or mic's for up to $1000 and state if it is for guitar only, or guitar and possibly voice.

Gearslutz has been helpful but like forums has it's highs and lows. There is many more sub-forums than here. I am persistent and will devote a lot of time researching, comparing notes. I have a pretty good idea who the blowhards and trolls are. It takes a lot of sifting. Having a good relationship with a retailer helps to a certain point. I respect the ones that may pass up a sale or recommend something else not always more expensive to boot. Get a consensus from their competitors as well. Mics sometimes are items not available to return so if that is the case you really got to take the time to think it all out.

[Xtremca]

I picked up a matched pair of Rode m5's for about 165.00 and a spacer bar for another 20. I haven't done a great amount with them yet, but my first impressions I thought they sounded pretty darn good. May be worth checking out.

[Doug Young]

This topic has been discussed a lot here, you can find a lot of threads if you search. Everyone has their favorites.

I don't know what to make of your list, it's a pretty big list with all kinds of mics at all price points. Of the ones on your list, the ones I know are the Schoeps. Those are lifetime mics - in fact, you'll pass them on to your grandkids. But they're way over your budget.

I'm fond of the Audio Technica line myself, they're all solid workhorse mics, and you can pick your price point. The AT2020's are $100 each or less, and people will poo-poo them, but if you can't make a good recording with them, something else is wrong. The 4033's a classic mic for around $400 each. Phil Keaggy at least used to use them. I know of a nice studio that's recorded some names you'd probably know, and that's their go-to mic for guitar. I have one sitting in front of me :-) Nice mics. And if you want to spend more, just keep going up - if you believe money equals quality, they just keep getting better, and they have something at every price point. I'd love to try out a pair of their AT5040s on guitar.

But really, nearly any decent condenser will work. Most often, the limiting factor in home recordings is something else - often room acoustics, sometimes recording technique, lack of good monitors, etc. Mics play an important role, but they're not the only thing that matters. In any case, there are places that will let you try and return, so just try something and see how it works for you.

Also post some sample recordings here for feedback, and you may get suggestions that don't involve spending money.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by whitecloud

Gearslutz has been helpful but like forums has it's highs and lows. There is many more sub-forums than here. I am persistent and will devote a lot of time researching, comparing notes. I have a pretty good idea who the blowhards and trolls are. It takes a lot of sifting. Having a good relationship with a retailer helps to a certain point. I respect the ones that may pass up a sale or recommend something else not always more expensive to boot. Get a consensus from their competitors as well. Mics sometimes are items not available to return so if that is the case you really got to take the time to think it all out.

There can be some excellent info on GS, I surf there often. I was simply pointing out that for recording acoustic guitar specific, this forum is a bit more targeted.

[MikeBmusic]

I've used my (single) AKG Perception 220 to good effect, positioned about 9" away the 12th fret, pointing slightly towards the sound hole. Consider a couple of pencil condensors in X-Y pattern, or one pointed at 12th fret and one at lower bout (my preference).

Is your tracking room acoustically treated? If not, invest half your money in some bass traps before exploring new mics.

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by Von Beerhofen

I don't have any condensers or tube mikes but plenty of dynamic ones. Still, I'm not getting the sound I want with these older mikes (limmited frequency response)
Here's what I found as optins:

...[snip]...
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.==
...[snip]...

I have an Oktava MC-012 (Russian made) with cardioid capsule that I am ready to offer for sale. PM me or send an email if you might be interested.

Chuck

[Fran Guidry]

To expand a bit on Doug Young's post in this thread I'd like to refer to one he posted some years ago in another "which mic" thread: http://69.41.173.82/forums/showpost....0&postcount=32

In that post Doug put up two clips of the same performance:

http://www.dougyoungguitar.com/mp3/AB_MicCompare/A.mp3
http://www.dougyoungguitar.com/mp3/AB_MicCompare/B.mp3

One clip was captured with a pair of Brauner VM1 large diaphragm mics - http://vintageking.com/brauner-microphones-vm1-2

The other used AT2020s: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020

Now I'm not saying that the results are identical, but I can say that more people expressed a preference for the AT2020 clip than the Brauner version when making a blind choice.

Fran

[louparte]

My next mic is a CAD M179.

[Mtn Man]

We use an AT4033 for a vocal mic but have found it to be excellent for guitar. Especially if you dial it in specifically for guitar. A lot of Bluegrass bands use it for the single-mic thing because it's so versatile and can handle a lot of different instruments hitting it all at once. AT Pro 37's are good too. We have several for live use and I know some people who use them for instrument mics in the studio with good results. You could get two Pro 37's for less than what you'd spend on a 4033 and then you'd have the ability to record in stereo.

We've used the AKG C1000S live and found it to be a good instrument mic. No studio experience with it.

I would seriously think about purchasing two small diaphragm condensers instead of one large diaphragm condenser if you're recording a guitar. You'll have more options that way and the cost is pretty much a wash. For vocals I'd recommend a large condenser.

[whitecloud]

OK I'll jump in. If cash limit is just under $1000.00 you have a lot to work with. First heed MikeBmusic's advise about room treatment factor that in to the equation as far as your budget. If your room is un-treated estimate an easy 3-500 dollars, there are plenty of internet resources just ask here and you will be pointed in the right direction. If your Room/Studio has effective treatment cool
Then we have to look at what pre-amp(s) you are using. That factors in as well.
What kind of music? I would advise against going DI for recording purposes. I don't believe there is a pickup system that can beat a decent condenser mic.
Answer the questions above and you may receive the best recommendations or at least some choices to sift through.

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by Von Beerhofen

I don't have any condensers or tube mikes but plenty of dynamic ones. Still, I'm not getting the sound I want with these older mikes (limmited frequency response)
Here's what I found as optins:

Beyer Beyerdynamic MC930
Sure KSM 137 36..== KSM141 492.== KSM44 800.==
Sennheiser E 914 219.==
SE SE Electronics T2 582.==
AKG C451B 333.== (stereo. also 65th Anniv. in black) 869.== C535 245.== C414 888.== C414 TL2 ????? C414XLII 950.== C214 333.== TLM103 990.== AKG Perception 420 (multi-capsule) 250.== Perception 120 109.== (USB) 200.== C3000 259.==
Rode K2 579.== (stepless variable capsule) NT2A 269.== (multi-capsule) NT1A 189.== (matched pair) 380.== NT5 (matched pair 311.== Thomann) NT55 (Matched Pair/2 capsules) 559.== NT1000 259.== NTK1
Neumann TLM 102 555.== TLM 127 2300.== KMS104 500.== (bundle Thomann 507.==) KMS105 500.== KM184 639.== U87 2500.==
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.==
Audio Technica Genesis Studio AT4033CL SDC4021 SDC4051B SDC4041 SDC4022
MXL MXL 990/991 package ($79.==) MXL Genesis (250,== used) MXL V69 ME Tube ($300)
CAD M179 ????
DPA 4090
JZ BT 201/1 A 149.==
JZ BT 201-3 279.==
JZ BT 201-3s stereopair 549.==
Schoeps M222 + NT222AC-DC A 1499.==
Schoeps CMC 6 MK2 Stereo set Omni A 2099.==
Schoeps CMC 6 MK21 Stereo set Wide Cardioid
Schoeps CMC 6-4g stereoset 2099.==
Schoeps CMC 64
Lewitt Audio LCT 640 $800.==

There's probably more then this but I just want to record my tunes on a digital medium using a medium end sound card (or higher if necessary), i.e sample rate is 96Khz max.
Any DI experience is also welcome (Taylor, LR baggs etc.).
Mind you, 1000$ plus aren't really an option, it's not a studio here and they're cheaper to hire but anything under 1000 goes.

Ludwig

A couple of questions:

1) What will you be recording exactly? Solo fingerstyle guitar? Strummed guitar with added vocals> FIngerpicked guitar with vocals? Something else?

2) Please describe the room you will be recording in. Does it have much ambient noise? What are the dimensions? Is the room treated at all with bass traps, etc.?

If you would answer these questions, I suspect you will get more informed thoughts, recommendations and ideas from the rest of us.