Advice for external mic for live performances

[Villamarzia]

Hi, I am abandoning pickups and stuff in favor of external mics, for a better sound. I'll keep my K&K installed, but mainly as a backup. I'll use either an AER Compact or a PA thru an Art Pro Channel tube preamp (compressor, paraEQ). I'd like a feedback resistant mic without compromising too much on sound. My guitar is quite low-mid heavy and very resonant with a light top, not the best against feedback, I know. I have my eyes on a Rode NT3, which goes for 84€ (~90$) shipped. I'd like to stay below 150 bucks. Any advices?

[midwinter]

For that budget just get an SM57.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[akafloyd]

In my experience condensers (especially inexpensive models) are not very feedback resistant. An Shure SM57 or Beta 57A would be my choice for use with an amp.

[Villamarzia]

Originally Posted by akafloyd

In my experience condensers (especially inexpensive models) are not very feedback resistant. An Shure SM57 or Beta 57A would be my choice for use with an amp.

I know about dynamic mics being more popular in live settings, but is this always the case? The Rode M3 is used also live, as overhead for cymbals, as example. I tend to prefer the warmth of condensers. About the SM57, I find it a bit boxy.. when I play live, I play acoustic sets, usually not at very loud volume. any thought? Thanks.

[canerod]

The Blue Encore 100i has forced my 57s into retirement. Although I prefer ribbons and condensers on acoustic guitar, the ease of use of a good dynamic is hard to argue with.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Villamarzia

I know about dynamic mics being more popular in live settings, but is this always the case? When I play live, I play acoustic sets, usually not at very loud volume. any thought? Thanks.

If you are playing smaller and more quiet rooms you can easily get away with most condenser mics. Some of my favorites over the years for acoustic guitar in a live setting in your range are (in no particular order) Audix ADX51, Blue Encore 300, AKG C430 - and you may have seen my recent post for the MXL 840's - suprisingly good.

If you check used listings, you can do VERY well with some that I've mentioned, and many others as well. I would tell you to gravitate toward the small diaphragm mics, obviously.

[Villamarzia]

Looking at my go-to online shop in Europe, I found these mics. Any opinion helps:

Behringer B5
Rode M3
Beyerdynamic MCE 530
AKG P170

All small diafram condensers, great reviews, around 80$ each.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Villamarzia

Looking at my go-to online shop in Europe, I found these mics. Any opinion helps:

Behringer B5
Rode M3
Beyerdynamic MCE 530
AKG P170

All small diafram condensers, great reviews, around 80$ each.

I was very happy with a pair of Behringer C2's I had - gigged with them several times. I would probably try the B5 if it were me (looks like the least expensive too) The AKG is probably a pretty nice piece to. The Beyer and Rode are a bit more expensive.

[Villamarzia]

Originally Posted by fitness1

I was very happy with a pair of Behringer C2's I had - gigged with them several times. I would probably try the B5 if it were me (looks like the least expensive too) The AKG is probably a pretty nice piece to. The Beyer and Rode are a bit more expensive.

These are the prices in euros:

Behringer B5 - 69
Rode M3 - 84
Beyerdynamic MCE 530 -79
AKG P170 - 79

Pretty much an invariant..

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Villamarzia

These are the prices in euros:

Behringer B5 - 69
Rode M3 - 84
Beyerdynamic MCE 530 -79
AKG P170 - 79

Pretty much an invariant..

Interesting - a good bit more expensive here in the States...