Best But Affordable Recording Mic for Guitars and Other Instruments for D.A.W.?

NSJ · #1 10-18-2009, 11:33 AM

Right now, I have a SM-57, via Logic Studio 9. OK, and cheap. What else is out there that's good and affordable?

Anybody use one of those new Sputnik Tube Mics? Good for guitars and other instruments? Or just voice?

Bill C · #2 10-18-2009, 12:56 PM

I've had good results with Oktava 012's especially in a pair for recording guitars acoustically

fep · #3 10-18-2009, 02:06 PM

If you want to record acoustic instruments you should really try a condenser mic (note that condensor mics need phantom power). I use condensor mics for all my recording... vocals, amps, acoustic instruments. Much, much better than my shure sm-57.

The condensors are delicate and sensitive which makes them good for studie recording but bad for live performance applications. The sm-57 is rugged and not sensitive, which makes it good for live performance.

Here's a good one that is really cheap...

$40 MIC That Kicks A$$

NSJ · #4 10-19-2009, 12:50 PM

Cool, thanks, all. I'll track down the recommendations.

peterk1 · #5 10-21-2009, 01:33 PM

I'd stay away from a Behringer B-2, B-3. They're cheap and tempting, but they don't have enough pull for acoustic guitars and don't work too well for micing an amp. They're good for sax and vocals though.

Lately I really like this stereo condensor mic. Gives a really nice sound for micing acoustics and it's not bad for amps either. If you need to get a big sound out of just a single guitar when playing solo, it's a nice alternative to using a pair of condensors.

http://www.edirol.com/index.php/en/products-mainmenu-421/field-recording-mainmenu-390/57-cs-50-stereo-shotgun-condenser-microphone

heycheckit · #6 11-23-2009, 05:02 AM

I don't have much experience with various microphones (student on a budget), but the Sennheiser e609 has suited me well for my recording needs.
I bought two for 60$ (hard balled those suckers to the limit at Guitar Center). I initially used them to mic my Mesa amp - and I was really quite pleased with the audio fidelity, considering the low price.
They're also incredibly easy to position with their flat-profile.
Nowadays I've been using the e609 to record my vocal takes also, and I've been pretty happy with the results.

whiskywheels · #7 11-23-2009, 05:17 AM

As fep says, you should seriously consider using a condenser. With my DAW (Sonar Producer) I've been using the SE 2200a which has been highly rated in reviews. It sounds very good for vocals and acoustic guitar. The once popular but considered by some a little outdated AKG C1000s (not a 'true' condenser but still classed as one), is also still very good in my view, and also does a great job of miking up your guitar amp for recording. Also check out the Sound on Sound forum; Forum - FORUM INDEX

Space Pickle · #8 11-25-2009, 10:15 PM

For miking a guitar amp you should stick to a dynamic mic, like you 57. You shouldn't just use a condenser mic everywhere - you should use the right tool for the right job.

Quote:

The condensors are delicate and sensitive which makes them good for studie recording but bad for live performance applications. The sm-57 is rugged and not sensitive, which makes it good for live performance.

This isn't quite true. Different type of microphones (ribbon, dynamic/moving coil and condenser) will more truly capture different frequencies. You'll often see condenser mics used on the drum kit cymbals at a live situation.

bigbyte · #9 12-20-2009, 02:22 PM

Can anyone tell me if they have found this exact mic in the UK for a good price. The further I read and the more googling i do the more cautious I feel about finding the actual mic that is getting the good reviews. It seems there are mics that are similar with virtually the same ID different colours etc but not as good., Can any one help with a uk or europe supplier because by the time shipping from the states is added the price starts to compare with alternative models, and it would be great to get in on such a great value deal.