Advice for a microphone for both studio recordings and live gigs?

[Villamarzia]

Well, the title says it all. I've acquired a new Martin and I'd like to try something different than the usual k&k plus mic combo. I'd like to try the finest and most difficult (on stage): the mic. I play mostly fingerstyle on a small acoustic hog which has plenty of bass. I'd like to grab that sound.. I know that stereo sets work the best for recording but probably not as well as onstage. I am looking for something with high quality but also without a huge pricetag. Let's say in the 200$ area...
Any ideas? Thanks!

[Tomm Williams]

Depending on your monitor situation, background noise and other factors. If you're leaning towrds a condenser, take a look at a used Oktava MC-012. Or in dynamics a Beyerdynamic M201. The 201 has a bit less gain than most dynamics but is a fine sounding mic.

[Villamarzia]

Originally Posted by Tomm Williams

Depending on your monitor situation, background noise and other factors. If you're leaning towrds a condenser, take a look at a used Oktava MC-012. Or in dynamics a Beyerdynamic M201. The 201 has a bit less gain than most dynamics but is a fine sounding mic.

Thanks Tomm,
at home I will record on Auria via a focusrite interface. For live gigs, I will plug into a Schertler amp which is standing high 4-5 feet behind me working as a monitor and from its DI to the PA. I can change the logistic as this setup is the one I've been using for transducers and internal mic amplification and monitoring purposes.. However, I would avoid buying extra gear besides the mic itself...
What mic is more able to capture the low frequencies without too boominess, among cardiod or dynamics?

thank you

[Tomm Williams]

Originally Posted by Villamarzia

Thanks Tomm,
at home I will record on Auria via a focusrite interface. For live gigs, I will plug into a Schertler amp which is standing high 4-5 feet behind me working as a monitor and from its DI to the PA. I can change the logistic as this setup is the one I've been using for transducers and internal mic amplification and monitoring purposes.. However, I would avoid buying extra gear besides the mic itself...
What mic is more able to capture the low frequencies without too boominess, among cardiod or dynamics?

thank you

Oh I just noticed you're in Italy !! I lived in Vicenza for about 2 years. Your question concerning "boominess" is difficult to answer as there are variables (eq, room, speakers, guitar, personal preference). However if I were forced to pick one of the two I mentioned, I would use the Beyer. To me the 201 is everything the SM57 wishes it was. Being in Europe, I would assume Beyer mics are easily found.

[Bobby1note]

Originally Posted by Villamarzia

What mic is more able to capture the low frequencies without too boominess, among cardiod or dynamics?

thank you

Villamarzia,

Regardless of which mic you buy, the most important factor will be "mic placement". You'll be amazed at the difference a few centimeters or a few degrees can make.

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by Villamarzia

Well, the title says it all. I've acquired a new Martin and I'd like to try something different than the usual k&k plus mic combo. I'd like to try the finest and most difficult (on stage): the mic. I play mostly fingerstyle on a small acoustic hog which has plenty of bass. I'd like to grab that sound.. I know that stereo sets work the best for recording but probably not as well as onstage. I am looking for something with high quality but also without a huge pricetag. Let's say in the 200$ area...
Any ideas? Thanks!

AKG C535 would be my recommendation if phantom power is available. Rode NT3 if not.

Fran

[dberkowitz]

Try and find a used Shure SM81 on Ebay. There's not much you're going to find in that price range, not even used. Currently they go for around 330 euros.

SM81

[texasdave]

I set up on a stage to play mandolin once in front of a Shure KSM-137 (i was using IEMs) I was stunned. It exactly as it should be. Ordered one the next day.

I have (modded) Oktava MC-012s but like this better. Also if you chase oktava read up on spotting the counterfeits.

My 2 cents.

[dberkowitz]

+1. 137's a great choice.