Fingerstyle-friendly mic suggestions

[Dustinfurlow]

Hey all,

So I’m looking to upgrade my current studio microphone(s). I typically recorded previous videos on my YouTube with either a Rode NT4 (stereo condenser) or a large diaphragm audio technica 4033. I’d mix/add reverb with an Allen and Heath Zed 10 and run two XLRs out into my Zoom Q8. I’ve never used an interface or any additional audio editing like Protools or Logic. (Probably would benefit but just lazy I suppose)

I’ve been looking at maybe a Neumann TLM 102 or a pair or Rode condensers. Really my mind is pretty open to suggestions. Would like to hear some first hand experiences with different intermediate-to-high end mics and why you liked them (for solo fingerstyle)

Thanks

[runamuck]

Moving from a AT 4033 to a Neumann 102 is not a step up, in my opinion.

[gfirob]

You might want to look at the Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina (I just bought one). These are great performance mikes, medium sized diaphragm, and very good looking on stage. They are hand made with point to point wiring in the US and cost $550. They are more feedback resistant than most condenser mikes but of course not as much as a dynamic. They sound great.

[Brent Hahn]

The thing with finger style mics and up-close detail is how clean your playing is. Anything bright enough to give you really good detail will expose all the junk, too. That's one reason why Neumann KM84's are so sought after. You can stick them in there pretty close and they'll hear the stuff you want them to hear without being all skritchy like many current small condensers.

Of course, if you have a great-sounding room you can use a nice, tube LDC (or two) further back. Lots of good, mid-price U47 clones being made now that will fill that bill. They'll still hear everything, but the bad stuff won't seem as bad. But most people don't have a room like that.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by runamuck

Moving from a AT 4033 to a Neumann 102 is not a step up, in my opinion.

I'll agree with that. The 102 might be a slight upgrade in general, but specifically as a mic for fingerstyle, probably not.

To upgrade from the 4033 in that price range, you probably need to tap the used market. Some suggestions:
Miktek C7e
Miktek C7
Soundelux U195
AKG C414XLII
AT 4060

[anton]

I think the 4033 is pretty well regarded as an acoustic guitar mic. Apparently Phil Keaggy used them for years, or so I heard. I know some studios use them as the go to acoustic guitar mic. Forum member Joseph Hanna sure sounds good with it here. https://soundcloud.com/joseph-hanna/4033-1

You could look at what some of the pros have and use that to inform your decision. I know the KM 184 is a popular choice. Al Petteway uses the AKG 414. I love my pair of Gefell M300's.

Off the top of my head I would think the mics you have are fine for making a very good sounding recording. What is your current mic placement like?

Anton

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by runamuck

Moving from a AT 4033 to a Neumann 102 is not a step up, in my opinion.

Originally Posted by jim1960

I'll agree with that. The 102 might be a slight upgrade in general, but specifically as a mic for fingerstyle, probably not.

I'll be the voice of descent here. I for one never liked the 4033 (and yes I've owned one) as it was IMNSHO way too crunchy in the highs for me, and the TLM 102 is nice balanced sounding mic as this video shows...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aivxxQLK9Qw

That said, a really great sounding mic in the under $1000 range is the Violet Amethyst Vintage. It has the smooth top-end of a well made European mic while still having great articulation...

These mics used to sell for around $1400 and even at that price they got great reviews, but Violet has cut out the middle man and have been selling them for $599 on sale without shockmount (they are internally shockmounted), and if you want an external shockmount they are $65 on sale. I bought a pair of them when they first dropped the price.

the mic...

https://violetmicsus.myshopify.com/c...s/the-amethyst

the shockmount...
https://violetmicsus.myshopify.com/c...hock-mount-asm

There is a number listed on their website to check their current stock status and delivery estimate.

[rick-slo]

Also read the hundred prior threads on this very question.

[rockabilly69]

yeah there's a few

[mvguitar]

Nothing beats my charter oak e700 pair. I run them through my Manley SLAM and run my kk mini through my Millennia HV-37. My interface is an Avid Omni w pro tools hd. Using minimal plugins for eq but all the slate stuff is killer. That’s all the stuff I used on this record which may or may not be a sound you like. It’s so subjective. Paths by Matt Van Yhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paths/1197091404

[Cocobolo Kid]

Dustin,

I had not upgraded my mics in many years. After a lot of research and listening to recordings, I just bought a matched pair of Audio Technica AT5045's. To my ear, they have that "it" factor for solo guitar recording. They are dead quit, ultra sensitive, detailed, and have a flat frequency response except for a slight boost that flatters solo acoustic guitar.

To me, my choice in mics is as personal as my choice in guitars. What is right for me may not be the best for you or anyone else.

I plan to use the AT5045's as a spaced pair (especially after hearing the stereo image of Anton's new Gefell M300 mics: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=500016). I talked with Doug Young, who is active on this forum and has a lot of fingerstyle recording experience and expertise, and he was very helpful. Doug suggested that I use one of my current mics, a Royer R122, to help fill out the middle of the stereo image and add a bit of that ribbon naturalness.

I agree with sdelsolray. With your talent, I would also consider investing in a proper audio interface, a DAW, software/plugins (especially a good reverb), good studio monitors, room treatment, and perhaps a two channel mic preamp. This can be done in stages of course. Plugin Alliance is always running sales. Some of these items will make a bigger improvement than new mics.

I am in the process of upgrading my studio computer. As part of that, I am adding a switch to turn off all my case fans during recording. When I have a chance to do a sample recording, I will certainly post it. I will make sure to record my Beneteau too. I can't wait to see how yours comes out!

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by Dustinfurlow

Hey all,

So I’m looking to upgrade my current studio microphone(s). I typically recorded previous videos on my YouTube with either a Rode NT4 (stereo condenser) or a large diaphragm audio technica 4033. I’d mix/add reverb with an Allen and Heath Zed 10 and run two XLRs out into my Zoom Q8. I’ve never used an interface or any additional audio editing like Protools or Logic. (Probably would benefit but just lazy I suppose)

I’ve been looking at maybe a Neumann TLM 102 or a pair or Rode condensers. Really my mind is pretty open to suggestions. Would like to hear some first hand experiences with different intermediate-to-high end mics and why you liked them (for solo fingerstyle)

Thanks

You play quite well. You are an talented composer. You have some world class guitars.

The mics you currently have are acceptable. The remainder of your recording front end sucks.

I would suggest putting together a front end commensurate with the high qualities of your playing, composing and instruments. This would involve mics, preamps, converters, a computer, DAW software, monitors and a good room to work in.

[runamuck]

Originally Posted by Cocobolo Kid

. After a lot of research and listening to recordings, I just bought a matched pair of Audio Technica AT5045's. To my ear, they have that "it" factor for solo guitar recording. They are dead quit, ultra sensitive, detailed, and have a flat frequency response except for a slight boost that flatters solo acoustic guitar.

It would be hard to beat those mics at any price.

[anton]

Originally Posted by runamuck

It would be hard to beat those mics at any price.

I agree, those 5045's are pretty cool. On a recent recording with my scottish music band (bagpipes, fiddle, guitar), the engineer used them almost exclusively on my guitar, except for a few tracks where we used my Gefells.



It might be worth it trying to look for a used pair, Dustin, if you really want some new mics. And who doesn't want more mics?

I would probably agree with Sedelsolray though, you will get more bang for your buck upgrading your front end. I have a RME Babyface Pro, its a great interface. Two channels with preamps and two additional line ins. Recording software can be had for a range of prices or free. All the good ones basically do the same thing. That would get you started.

[DupleMeter]

One of my favorite mics for fingerstyle is the Neumann TLM 103. I just like it. It's articulate yet balanced. It gets a lot of hate...but I think it's a great mic at a great price point.

I've had very good success with KM184s...and just got a chance to use a Sennheiser MKH 8040 on a session. It was very nice on fingerstyle guitar.

I've tried the Rode NT5s & found them strident & sterile. They were pretty good on snare...but I didn't like them on guitar.

I've used AKG c451s. They were similar to the KM184...maybe a little brighter. But they were very usable.

I've used AT4051s. They were definitely more "hyped" than the KM184 or the c451. but not as strident as the NT5 & far more detailed or "3d".

I also find a big difference between the AT4033 and the AT4050. The 4050 is a workhorse mic. It sounds good on just about anything. I never warmed up to the 4033.

All that said: I own & use KM184s and TLM103s on my acoustic recordings.

And now for the wrench in the works

I'd get a good preamp before I invested in a nicer mic. The preamp is going to either bring out the best a mic has to offer to take a nice mic and make it sound "less nice", shall we say.

HTH