Tonedexter question

[JackB1]

I understand that to create your own image with the Tonedexter, you need to train it by playing it with a mic. Do you need an expensive condenser mic to get a good sound? I only have a dynamic mic similar to a SM58 currently. Should I just borrow an expensive condenser mic for my initial training and image creation since I won’t need it anymore after that?

[dcopper]

I used an sm57 and got good results. I would say if you can get a nice condenser mic it would help with you. Some people think it is crucial. It take time and patience but certainly a good mic will help.

[Doug Young]

This has been discussed here quite a bit, with difference experiences reported, so check the existing ToneDexter threads. My experience is that an SM57/58 will work just fine, and will produce a noticeable improvement over the raw pickup. You will get slightly different results with different mic placements. You will also get different results with different mics, as you'd expect. Which sound "better" depends on your taste. But I think you'll find that almost any mic produces an improvement and you don't need to spend a lot of money on a mic. The ToneDexter site lists some reasonably-priced mics they recommend, but I'd start with what you have.

[GuitarLuva]

I've been using an Audix i5 with the Tonedexter with good results. That mic is similar to the Shure sm57. I also have an sm58 which I normally use for live vocals but I've of course tried it with tonedexter. You can get decent enough results with that.

[The Kid!]

Borrowing or renting mics is also an option. You could also book an hour at a local studio and raid their mic locker when you're there. Lots of options out there. I got great results with an SM81.

[Gordon Currie]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Do you need an expensive condenser mic to get a good sound?

Not to get a good sound, however very possibly to get a great sound. So far my favorite is SM-81, which is not expensive as condensors go.

Also depends on what you like to hear - an SM57/8 might capture exactly what you like to hear, or it may leave behind the good stuff.

Originally Posted by JackB1

Should I just borrow an expensive condenser mic for my initial training and image creation since I won’t need it anymore after that?

That would work, but... 1. the company improves the training code regularly, 2. you can easily discover a better sound by experimenting over time.

If you do borrow a condensor, I'll recommend an SDC. Most of my SDCs work well, a couple LDCs work well, and none of my dynamics work (for me).

[JackB1]

I am thinking why spend a ton of money on a mic jsut to use once for setting up the Tonedexter? In theory, I could buy an expensive mic from GC or somewhere....use it once for my model/training session and then return it.

Originally Posted by Doug Young

This has been discussed here quite a bit, with difference experiences reported, so check the existing ToneDexter threads. My experience is that an SM57/58 will work just fine, and will produce a noticeable improvement over the raw pickup. You will get slightly different results with different mic placements. You will also get different results with different mics, as you'd expect. Which sound "better" depends on your taste. But I think you'll find that almost any mic produces an improvement and you don't need to spend a lot of money on a mic. The ToneDexter site lists some reasonably-priced mics they recommend, but I'd start with what you have.

[JackB1]

OK thanks..................................

Originally Posted by Gordon Currie

If you do borrow a condensor, I'll recommend an SDC. Most of my SDCs work well, a couple LDCs work well, and none of my dynamics work (for me).

[AeroUSA]

Originally Posted by JackB1

I am thinking why spend a ton of money on a mic jsut to use once for setting up the Tonedexter? In theory, I could buy an expensive mic from GC or somewhere....use it once for my model/training session and then return it.

The only reason I can think of is that it’s morally not right to do that.

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by JackB1

I am thinking why spend a ton of money on a mic jsut to use once for setting up the Tonedexter? In theory, I could buy an expensive mic from GC or somewhere....use it once for my model/training session and then return it.

You'll likely train ToneDexter, then use it on gig and think it sounds great, but then on the next gig think, "hmm, maybe it would sound better if I'd have moved that mic by an inch", and you'll be back to borrowing a mic again and again. I'd use what you have to learn with at least, and then I know budgets are budgets, but for a guitarist to own at least one decent condenser mic seems like a very reasonable expectation. It's hard to imagine you'd never have another use for a mic. They're kind of part of the game. Just get something that doesn't break the bank, but that you can also keep for a lifetime. The SM81 that some people are recommending for ToneDexter is a classic mic that you can hang onto forever and use for live or recording.

[gfirob]

If you ask around among the people you know (or can find) who perform or record, you are going to find somebody with condenser mikes, maybe a local studio, maybe somebody who plays out a lot, maybe a church with a worship band or whatever. I found that the Tonedexter sparks a lot of curiosity and with it a willingness to lend a mike and watch the process. I eventually bought the model of mike I borrowed that worked the best (out of about 3 I came up with this way). But they are out there and the guitar community is generally pretty open and generous.