Tone Dexter Microphones

[AeroUSA]

Can the Tone Dexter owners share which microphones they have tested and which they like.

I have been using a Neumann KM184. There does seem to be a small bump in the high end but otherwise it’s been good. I’d like to try some others based on recommendations.

[SpruceTop]

Shure SM81

[Doug Young]

I'm preferring my results with a Schoeps CMC6/MK41 at the moment, but the KM184 works well, too. I tried an SM57 once, that seemed fine, too. I'm not sure the mic matters very much.

[BluesKing777]

I have mainly used my Neumann KM184, very happy with it, but have tried a Shure SM57 a couple of times. Years ago, playing resophonics live and solo, I always like the sound of a 57 to mic my metal Dobro. It cuts a bit of the fat out of the sound, which works great on resos but not much on flat tops.

So I thought the same loose theory may apply to Tonedexter and I set up the SM57 for the Dobro and moved it around, but didn’t get a result.

Then today, I used the SM57 to make a file for TD with my Martin 000-17. It sounds really good fingerpicking. But when I ran it to my Boss VE8 to do a few songs, the sound of the 000-17 really interferred with my vocal, leaving no space. (Vocal with a Shure SM58 through Boss VE8 as well.

So the use of different mics could make difference in that regard.


BluesKing777.

[varmonter]

i've tried only a few thru the TD. best results
I have gotten is wth a shure sm81 condenser.

[Gordon Currie]

Shure SM81
Line Audio CM5
iSK Starlight

so far I like the iSK best. I have not used ToneDexter live yet.

[Petty1818]

I need to pick up a Shure SM81 to try. I have some nice condenser microphones but only one that's a pencil style for instruments. It's an MXL so not very high end. It seems as though the SM81 is a nice choice.

[buzzardwhiskey]

Miktek PM5

It works very well. I've also tried an AKG 535 which was OK, but not great.

Now for the fuller story. I've written on this forum that my search for great amplified sound has been interesting and that I've been struggling, even with the extraordinary accuracy of the Tonedexter, when playing in loud venues. Basically, when the volume goes up, the need to EQ out some of the treble and bass becomes an absolute necessity. And the Tonedexter's EQ abilities are extremely limited.

I'm now considering creating a couple maps with an SM57 for those times when I need to really bump up the volume.

[Groberts]

I have a peluso CEM6 that might work. But I don't have a tonedexter 'yet.' I anticipate getting one soon.

[BluesKing777]

Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey

Miktek PM5

It works very well. I've also tried an AKG 535 which was OK, but not great.

Now for the fuller story. I've written on this forum that my search for great amplified sound has been interesting and that I've been struggling, even with the extraordinary accuracy of the Tonedexter, when playing in loud venues. Basically, when the volume goes up, the need to EQ out some of the treble and bass becomes an absolute necessity. And the Tonedexter's EQ abilities are extremely limited.

I'm now considering creating a couple maps with an SM57 for those times when I need to really bump up the volume.

Yes, a decent EQ box is needed as well! I am going to need a pedal board at this rate!

What is the best 'portable' eq box for acoustic guitar processing?

I have an old Fishman ProEQ, very simple but has the very, very important to me, sweepable mids to get the 'honk' out of the guitar sound. I haven't tried it after the TD - it is more for a guitar 'input' end, not a post processing type of EQ....

Or just take the Maton 808 - the pickup has the sweepable mid control right on the side of the preamp! Easy.


But Buzzard Whiskey's problem above could be solved by carving out a spot with a decent EQ processor. Anyone?





BluesKing777.

[jennconducts]

I've used a KM184 and an SM81, both with great results.

[The Arborist]

Oktava mk 012 cardiod..have my tonedexter for a week
Have not played out just recording at home using mostly slot 22. Very pleased overall but have the character control below 11 o clock always..perhaps im used to the dry k & k sound. I have put my boss ge7 eq before tbe tonedexter and like the control over mids that this gives.
Tomedexters bass and treble are well chosen. I must try putting the eq in the send return loop.
I like the shape and layout of tonedexter but I think that the display is too big and way too bright..so much so that i will cut out a rectangle of dark filter (as in sunglasses!) to put over the display.
The important thing is that I used to use some early reflection delay with reverb to give some bloom and life to the k & k (its a furch guitar) and now find that I need just a touch of reverb.
Early days yet but its an impressive piece of kit

[philjs]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I have a peluso CEM6 that might work. But I don't have a tonedexter 'yet.' I anticipate getting one soon.

I have a pair of Peluso CEMC6 SDCs and used one for training on ToneDexter. Works very well, IMO.

Phil

[gfirob]

SM57 useable, least effective
MXL 603s, useable, too thin
AKG 535, good
Sennheiser Mk 8 (large diaphragm) very good
Ear Trumpet Edwina (large diaphragm) best

Seems like the time to experiment with placement is fairly important. I think I will do more of that in the future.

All of the mikes, even the worst, were a huge improvement over the untreated K&K mini.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I have a peluso CEM6 that might work. But I don't have a tonedexter 'yet.' I anticipate getting one soon.

i saw one used on reverb just this morning.