#1
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Condensor mic pickup for quiet gigs and recording
I mostly play quiet nursing home gigs and similar with my mom. If I need feedback control, I have other pickups so that isn't a concern. Also, the room I record in isn't treated well and due to life, it can't be treated too well. So, I was thinking of getting a clip on condensor mic to play the quieter shows & record with. I am thinking of the following three options:
1.) Audio Technica AT-831b 2.) K&K Meridian Pro 3.) DPA 4099g I would love to get away with the cheapest option possible, but if the sound is actually natural pending on price, then I am willing to save longer and pay more. Do you all have any strong opinions on which one to get? For a basic recording and quiet gig, is the at831b natural sounding? I am looking to find a sound good enough for good recordings and honest replication at quieter gigs. Lol, I know I am seeking a holy grail, but I greatly appreciate any opinions and help that you all can provide. |
#2
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Ear trumpet labs “Edwina”
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#3
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#4
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You'd be welcome to my MiniFlex 2Mic for a low price. (I don't need it anymore with ToneDexter.) The down sides are that its somewhat heavy (with two AA batteries attached to the goosenecks) and you might want an EQ device (something like a Boss GE7) to EQ it to your taste.
http://www.miniflexmic.com/products/model_1.htm Another low cost option would be the iRig Acoustic Stage mic. The gigs need to be pretty low volume, however, or you'll get into feedback issues. I've also noticed that the system compresses with hard strumming if the volume knob is up past halfway. Its better to get the extra volume boost from your mixer or amp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1NgeCrpnMc |
#5
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First off, thank you all! I greatly appreciate your answers.
Johnny guitar, do you find the Edwina is at the mercy of the the room? I play and record in less than ideally constructed rooms. It has been my experience with lower quality condensor mics sounding poor in those environments. I was thinking a clip on style mic would be less susceptible. Do you find the Edwina is finicky about these things? Shredmaster007, I suppose I have the same questions about the ksm137. How susceptible is it to the conditions of an untreated room that isn't well set up for acoustics or recording? Guitaniac, I am considering the Miniflex as well. How do you feel it holds up to open strumming? Is the sound natural in that way? At quick research I am having trouble finding many recordings of it where people actually explain their signal chain. Last edited by AlfredFelix; 02-21-2019 at 09:05 AM. |
#6
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Here's an old demo video from Doug Young, one of our AGF regulars. He identifies the amp which he's playing through, and also notes when he switches to running directly into a Zoom recorder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K878aq7vFWg |
#7
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The second runner up for me is the e935 - which might be an even better option since it's a great vocal mic as well. The e935 requires more gain than the condensers but has really good feedback rejection and of course doesn't need phantom power. I can turn the e935 up 2/3rds volume on my S1 Pro - I'd say it triples the volume of my somber J45. The e935 is more directional than the ksm137, so the tone (maybe phasing) seems to change more/faster to my ear when the mic moves around the sound hole - but it's totally workable. I like the sm58 and at2021 the least. |
#8
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Shredmaster007, that mic does sound fantastic in the videos I could find. Thank you for the info! It is greatly appreciated. Currently, the ksm137 seems like maybe the best option.
Guitaniac, I sent you a private message. The Miniflex stuff seems cool in reviews. |
#9
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They also make the ksm141 which is the same as the 137 but with an omni mode option, if you are more serious about recording that might be worth the extra money for the added flexibility, but I don't think you're missing anything with the cardioid pattern. |
#10
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Here is a track that I did with the ksm137, rode nt1. Just some reverb and compression, no EQ into an old focusrite 2i2. Room is untreated, 12x12x12 (pretty terrible for recording.)
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#11
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Shredmaster007, that sounds great. And now I am fairly sold on that mic. Is that just the ksm137 for guitar and the nt1 for vocals? Or both mics on guitar?
Also, I like your song. It's got a nice melancholy darkness underlying a pretty Melody and rhythm. It's a very nice sound. |
#12
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#13
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Original post mentions “clip on” and it’s hard to beat the DPA.
Using the same placement guidelines as a “real” mic, pointing at the neck/body joint, you can make very good recordings with it. It isn’t any more feedback-prone than any other mic.
__________________
http://acousticcountryblues.com/ |
#14
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Yep, dpa is nice - it's just pretty expensive. I think an sdc is more useful in general and probably more durable overall though. Can't think of a performance where I've seen a clip on, but plenty that had an sdc outfront (usually in addition to a pickup.) But that's just like my opinion.
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#15
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JohnDWilliams, Thank you. . I was hoping someone would comment with first hand opinion on those. They look super interesting to me.
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