MiniFlex Model 7 - Anyone Using It Live?

[rmeyer7]

I've been looking at different internal mic options and, 10 years after this one was released, still can't find a ton of reviews or information on it, and it seems when it came out was the last time there was a thread on it here. Right now I can find some selling for good prices, so I'm considering it.

For some context, I'm buying something for a relatively inexpensive/middle of the road guitar and would use it in a church setting, for acoustic sets. One of my nicer acoustics has a Baggs Anthem system which I can use at 100% microphone with no feedback in the same environment.

But my real questions are:

1. If you've used this in a similar setting, what has your experience been like? (Especially if you have experience with both the MiniFlex 7 and Baggs Anthem)
2. EDIT: Just realized this was a dumb question and removed it...

Thanks!

[douglasfan1]

I owed a review for Miniflex mic model 7. I’m still working on it but I better answer your question here first.

I installed it on my custom Leviora guitar which is a carbon fiber acoustic guitar with Highlander IP-2 (under-saddle pickup) and Sunrise pickup (Magnetic pickup). I'm also use it for church setting. Miniflex mic model 7 is the most natural pickup among all the pickup I have. I usually pair it with either Highlander IP-2 or Sunrise pickup mainly when I play not in a band setting. It captures the air sound and make the guitar sound more 3D. However, it requires considerable level of EQ. In my case, it usually need to have a great reduction around 100Hz – 250Hz depends on the site. If you want to use it in live setting, beware to have a preamp with powerful EQ setting. Originally I use L.R.Baggs Mixpro but it is insufficient. Eventually I go for Grace Felix and it carries out its work very well. In addition, this pickup requires 12V-48V phantom power. Remember to do the connection before you turn on the power supply. I did once get shocked accidently. It won’t kill you, but it is not a good feeling definitely.

If you trends to use it in band setting. You still need to beware about feedback. I got lots of great result pairing with Highlander IP-2 (Miniflex model 7 just for adding back some air to the tone for mroe 3D sound, so I just have similar gain level with the active highlander pickup. You will need to double it if you use it exclusively). I do have feedback once. However, it can afford more gain in similar setting comparing to other mic comes with pickup (eg: Seymour Duncan SA6)

[rmeyer7]

Originally Posted by douglasfan1

I owed a review for Miniflex mic model 7. I’m still working on it but I better answer your question here first.

I installed it on my custom Leviora guitar which is a carbon fiber acoustic guitar with Highlander IP-2 (under-saddle pickup) and Sunrise pickup (Magnetic pickup). I'm also use it for church setting. Miniflex mic model 7 is the most natural pickup among all the pickup I have. I usually pair it with either Highlander IP-2 or Sunrise pickup mainly when I play not in a band setting. It captures the air sound and make the guitar sound more 3D. However, it requires considerable level of EQ. In my case, it usually need to have a great reduction around 100Hz – 250Hz depends on the site. If you want to use it in live setting, beware to have a preamp with powerful EQ setting. Originally I use L.R.Baggs Mixpro but it is insufficient. Eventually I go for Grace Felix and it carries out its work very well. In addition, this pickup requires 12V-48V phantom power. Remember to do the connection before you turn on the power supply. I did once get shocked accidently. It won’t kill you, but it is not a good feeling definitely.

If you trends to use it in band setting. You still need to beware about feedback. I got lots of great result pairing with Highlander IP-2 (Miniflex model 7 just for adding back some air to the tone for mroe 3D sound, so I just have similar gain level with the active highlander pickup. You will need to double it if you use it exclusively). I do have feedback once. However, it can afford more gain in similar setting comparing to other mic comes with pickup (eg: Seymour Duncan SA6)

Thank you for the response, that is very helpful. Based on what you mentioned, it seems like blending a mic and pickup together will be the best option in most situations. In that case I may be better off with an LR Baggs Anthem system since it already has both a mic and pickup combined. The cost is about the same as buying the MiniFlex and a separate pickup, so it's probably worth it since it will have less complexity.

[douglasfan1]

Yes, that's much simpler. Besides, don't forget the weight of Miniflex 2 mic. They all are relatively heavy comparing with other bullet mic.

I think the biggest advantage for miniflex 2 mic system is that you can adjust the position of 2 mic to get the sound you want. This process take massive of time investment but it worth.

[rmeyer7]

Originally Posted by douglasfan1

Yes, that's much simpler. Besides, don't forget the weight of Miniflex 2 mic. They all are relatively heavy comparing with other bullet mic.

The funny thing is that it would be going into a Martin D Jr., which is a very light guitar, so it might just make it feel like my other guitars...