best all around mircrophone help.

[10304cpg]

Hello. I have never purchased a microphone. I was wondering what people would recmmed? I would like a microphone to capture the actual acoustic guitar, and the differences in the wood of each guitar. Just basically a microphone that will turn the natural acoustic and provide more volume. I do not need any "coloring" in sound. Also my amp is a line 6 l3t. I do not think it has phantom power. I was also thinking about buying the tc helicon play acoustic pedal along with a suggested Mic. Any experience with the tc helicon? I would love to eventually be able to play while my g/f sings. Let me know your thoughts.

[MikeBmusic]

Is this for playing gigs, or just home use? I believe you are correct that the L6 does not have phantom power, so that limits your choices.
The TC Play-Acoustic only has 1 mic preamp so you would need to use a separate mic preamp for the guitar mic if you went that route - it's really made for someone using a pickup system in thier guitar.

[Ty Ford]

Wow. All that circuitry and no phantom power. What were they thinking?

You could always get an small external phantom supply.

What's this rig for?

Asking for a mic to add more volume is usually asking for feedback trouble. Direct pickups win the day there.

To that end, I like K&K mini pickups, especially for finger style.

Regards,

Ty Ford

[Ed-in-Ohio]

When asking for mic recommendations one should always list a price range. Otherwise you'll get several recommendations for outstanding microphones that you would need to secure a bank loan to purchase [$$$$]

[Trevor B.]

Originally Posted by Ed-in-Ohio

When asking for mic recommendations one should always list a price range. Otherwise you'll get several recommendations for outstanding microphones that you would need to secure a bank loan to purchase [$$$$]

Bank loan????…………mmm………………..didn't think of that! Thanks, Ed!

[Trevor B.]

Originally Posted by 10304cpg

Hello. I have never purchased a microphone. I was wondering what people would recmmed? I would like a microphone to capture the actual acoustic guitar, and the differences in the wood of each guitar. Just basically a microphone that will turn the natural acoustic and provide more volume. I do not need any "coloring" in sound. Also my amp is a line 6 l3t. I do not think it has phantom power. I was also thinking about buying the tc helicon play acoustic pedal along with a suggested Mic. Any experience with the tc helicon? I would love to eventually be able to play while my g/f sings. Let me know your thoughts.

So 10304, I'm guessing you like Taylor guitars? (lol). For capturing just the "real tone" of an acoustic guitar I'd recommend a small diaphragm condenser mic. I have a matched pair of old AKG 451s that are very "true" and even now this model is reasonably priced. With a pair I can do X/Y, ORTF, and spaced pair configurations.
Good luck with your search.

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by 10304cpg

Hello. I have never purchased a microphone. I was wondering what people would recmmed? I would like a microphone to capture the actual acoustic guitar, and the differences in the wood of each guitar. Just basically a microphone that will turn the natural acoustic and provide more volume. I do not need any "coloring" in sound. Also my amp is a line 6 l3t. I do not think it has phantom power. I was also thinking about buying the tc helicon play acoustic pedal along with a suggested Mic. Any experience with the tc helicon? I would love to eventually be able to play while my g/f sings. Let me know your thoughts.

I think you may be disappointed with any mic you purchase if you expect it to deliver the same sound you hear when you play your guitar. There are many reasons for this but is simply the nature of recording and transduction (conversion of one form of energy to another, like a mic or speaker must do).

With that in mind, and assuming a moderate budget, there are a few mics available that are condenser technology (greater sensitivity and wider frequency response) and self-powered (work without phantom). The Rode NT3 is one, AKG C1000S is another. If budget is not an issue, the Schoeps CMBI mic amp can be used with any of the Colette series capsules.

Dynamic mics do not require powering of any kind but the reduced sensitivity demands more from your preamp, and the least colored dynamics have even lower sensitivity, they trade output for linearity. However they are less costly and may in fact deliver the performance you seek. In that case the Shure Beta 57 might meet your needs.

Fran

[10304cpg]

Thanks for all the input. I know I was bummed about the l3t. It is a great system,sounds great and was marketed as the solo acoustic artist package. Assumed a microphone would be no problem, then people told me about phantom power. I will listen to the suggestions. My budget would prob be no more then 400.

[Fleece]

Have you considered the K&K Meridian Pro? I just picked one up for under $300, and I'm rather impressed so far. Nicely captures the tone of my guitar, although it exaggerates string noise (something to consider if you slide a lot).

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by 10304cpg

Thanks for all the input. I know I was bummed about the l3t. It is a great system,sounds great and was marketed as the solo acoustic artist package. Assumed a microphone would be no problem, then people told me about phantom power. I will listen to the suggestions. My budget would prob be no more then 400.

In that price range and with out having to facilitate phantom power you might look at the Heil line of dynamics. Said to be some of the best dynamics out there.

http://www.heilsound.com/pro/products/all-products

[Wengr]

[QUOTE=KevWind;4439621]I have some Heil mics. I am pretty pleased with the PR35 for a dynamic.
But have you considered a clip on? I also have a DPA 4099G, and it has a pretty decent sound. You can always expand your choice beyond dynamics by providing phantom with an inexpensive add on box.