2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

RustleFuzz · August 23rd, 2008, 08:35 PM

Any suggestions on a descent budget minded Small Diaphram Condenser Mic for recording Acoustic guitars?

Just wondering if there was something widely known (as a standard) for great results for home studio use? I am looking to spend between 100-300 dollars.

I am familiar with the Shure SM81 but it pushes to the upper limit of my budget...maybe slightly beyond.

Thanks for any recommendations!

woodman · August 24th, 2008, 12:26 PM

yeah, the SM81 ain't cheap, though it's considered top-of-class. i've had pretty good results with the AKG C1000S at about $70 less ... of course, my experience is limited and i'm sure other folks will chime in with equally good suggestions.

RustleFuzz · August 24th, 2008, 01:43 PM

I have heard the same about the AKG C1000s from researching over the weekend, sounds like a workhorse and would probably fit the bill...

What we are doing now for acoustic guitars is taking a Sterling ST51 large diaphram condenser for the body near the bridge on one track, then using a SM57 pointed between 12-14th fret at 45 degree angle towards body for other track. Works well but level is so low on the SM57 it gets weak signal to the Lamda pre and track. (hey in the meantime, maybe that ART Tube MP would be good on the SM57 to bump up the level?...just hit me).

So, I am considering getting a small diaphram condenser for that purpose...to replace the SM57 when recording acoustics.

Good Iron · August 24th, 2008, 02:24 PM

Avantone CK-1, Cascade Fathead.

Just my .02

Michael

tonewoods · August 24th, 2008, 02:59 PM

"I have heard the same about the AKG C1000s from researching over the weekend, sounds like a workhorse and would probably fit the bill..."

Harsh to my ears.....
But YMMV....

An Audio Technica Pro 37R is a good call when on a budget...

A Gefell M300 is my fav, but they are through the roof right now 'cause of the tanked dollar...

But that 37R is a great little mic....

FirstBassman · August 25th, 2008, 11:34 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Matc.../dp/B000SF381U

Tim Armstrong · August 25th, 2008, 11:44 AM

I've gotten really good results with the relatively inexpensive (okay, it's cheap!) MXL 603s. I've used it on acoustic guitar, mandolin and as a pair on drum overheads and have been VERY happy. In fact, I bought two more when MF had them on the "Stupid Deal of the Day"...

The MXL 604 looks to be an update on that mic, with a few more features like a 10 dB switchable attenuation, and interchangeable cardoid and omni capsules...

Cheers, Tim

Good Iron · August 26th, 2008, 05:20 AM

Hey all:

The 603/604 is a no brainer for the price. here is the CK-1 (x2) that I own - better for the money IMO. three caps plus shockmount. Sound great. Really.

I am itching for the Fatheads too, and a 1482, and a Nash S-63, and a SuperChamp XD, and a VibroChamp XD (like that one a little more, but I want both!!!

) And a... and a...
Well I think you get the point, Does it ever end???

Michael

tonewoods · August 26th, 2008, 01:40 PM

"Does it ever end???"

No....

Ben Harmless · August 26th, 2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonewoods

Harsh to my ears.....
But YMMV....

An Audio Technica Pro 37R is a good call when on a budget...

A Gefell M300 is my fav, but they are through the roof right now 'cause of the tanked dollar...

But that 37R is a great little mic....

I second the harsh. I've had bands insist on using them on strings, and they just don't sound that natural to me. A steel stringed guitar might fair better, but I think there are better choices.

Therefore, I also second the Pro37. I've heard very nice things out of those.

I also like, and own, a the MXR 603s. Amazing quality for the money.

The other mic I like quite a bit is the KEL HM-1. Cheap, tough, and flat sounding, which I prefer over colored mics - at least in this price range.

...And believe it or not, I've gotten some great acoustic sounds out of a Shure Beta 57A. It was just for a scratch track, and if it weren't for the playing, it woulda been a keeper!

StuH · August 26th, 2008, 04:22 PM

Good to hear you posting again Ben.

mudbean · August 26th, 2008, 08:39 PM

+1 on the MXL 603s.

mud

Ben Harmless · August 26th, 2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuH

Good to hear you posting again Ben.

Thanks, Stu! I've been remembering what I love about this place. Just look at all the useful, well reasoned advice on this thread!

mudbean · September 15th, 2008, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonewoods

"I have heard the same about the AKG C1000s from researching over the weekend, sounds like a workhorse and would probably fit the bill..."

Harsh to my ears.....
But YMMV....

An Audio Technica Pro 37R is a good call when on a budget...

A Gefell M300 is my fav, but they are through the roof right now 'cause of the tanked dollar...

But that 37R is a great little mic....

I used to own the C1000S, a pair, actually (the original model, got mine back in the mid '90s - I believe it has been updated?) - anyhow, it was a POS, so I sold them.

Just scored an AT PRO-37R in perfect condition off the CL this past Friday (for $70!) ... I read an interview with some famous AE a while back (name eludes me at the moment) wherein he mentioned alotta love for this mic on acoustic guitar, so I've had one on my "browse list" since. Looking forward to trying it out.

mud

mudbean · September 15th, 2008, 03:18 AM

BTW, I believe someone mentioned recording acoustic guitar with an SM57 above - something I have personally never found joy with, but in this month's Recording Magazine there's an interesting article, "Recording Britt Neal’s Over That Bridge." In it, Producer André Fratto makes some (to me) amazing statements concerning recording acoustic guitar with an SM57, and vocal overdubs.

I'd be quite interested to hear the opinions of our studio guys here on this article.

mud

E.D. Patton · September 15th, 2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Good Iron

Avantone CK-1, Cascade Fathead.

Just my .02

Michael

Not a SDC, but a great choice for acoustic guitar.

maestrovert · September 16th, 2008, 07:52 AM

i've been using the MXL 991 (& the 990 too) for acoustic instruments with great results...

GC has a package deal, 1 of each...iirc approx $100

August 23rd, 2008, 08:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
RustleFuzz TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 62	Small Diaphram Condeser for Acoustic? Any suggestions on a descent budget minded Small Diaphram Condenser Mic for recording Acoustic guitars? Just wondering if there was something widely known (as a standard) for great results for home studio use? I am looking to spend between 100-300 dollars. I am familiar with the Shure SM81 but it pushes to the upper limit of my budget...maybe slightly beyond. Thanks for any recommendations!

August 24th, 2008, 12:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 63 Posts: 8,128	yeah, the SM81 ain't cheap, though it's considered top-of-class. i've had pretty good results with the AKG C1000S at about $70 less ... of course, my experience is limited and i'm sure other folks will chime in with equally good suggestions. __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Woody & the Stragglers - Western Swing/Roots-rock)

August 24th, 2008, 02:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Good Iron TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles Age: 50 Posts: 92	Avantone CK-1, Cascade Fathead. Just my .02 Michael __________________ Fear is not an option.

August 25th, 2008, 11:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 50 Posts: 13,151	I've gotten really good results with the relatively inexpensive (okay, it's cheap!) MXL 603s. I've used it on acoustic guitar, mandolin and as a pair on drum overheads and have been VERY happy. In fact, I bought two more when MF had them on the "Stupid Deal of the Day"... The MXL 604 looks to be an update on that mic, with a few more features like a 10 dB switchable attenuation, and interchangeable cardoid and omni capsules... Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

August 26th, 2008, 04:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
StuH Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yukon, Canada Age: 39 Posts: 2,191 19 Photos	Good to hear you posting again Ben. __________________ My music page http://www.soundclick.com/thrucoloredglass

August 24th, 2008, 01:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
RustleFuzz TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 62	I have heard the same about the AKG C1000s from researching over the weekend, sounds like a workhorse and would probably fit the bill... What we are doing now for acoustic guitars is taking a Sterling ST51 large diaphram condenser for the body near the bridge on one track, then using a SM57 pointed between 12-14th fret at 45 degree angle towards body for other track. Works well but level is so low on the SM57 it gets weak signal to the Lamda pre and track. (hey in the meantime, maybe that ART Tube MP would be good on the SM57 to bump up the level?...just hit me). So, I am considering getting a small diaphram condenser for that purpose...to replace the SM57 when recording acoustics.

August 24th, 2008, 02:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
tonewoods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orcas Island, Washington Age: 58 Posts: 1,022 17 Photos	"I have heard the same about the AKG C1000s from researching over the weekend, sounds like a workhorse and would probably fit the bill..." Harsh to my ears..... But YMMV.... An Audio Technica Pro 37R is a good call when on a budget... A Gefell M300 is my fav, but they are through the roof right now 'cause of the tanked dollar... But that 37R is a great little mic....

August 25th, 2008, 11:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
FirstBassman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,513	http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Matc.../dp/B000SF381U

August 26th, 2008, 01:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
tonewoods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orcas Island, Washington Age: 58 Posts: 1,022 17 Photos	"Does it ever end???" No....

August 26th, 2008, 08:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
mudbean Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Semi-Desert Semi-Paradise Age: 50 Posts: 3,189 10 Photos	+1 on the MXL 603s. mud __________________ MudBean Music Nekkid Bart: "This is the worst day of my life." Laffing Homer: "Worst day SO FAR!!"

September 15th, 2008, 03:18 AM	#15 (permalink)
mudbean Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Semi-Desert Semi-Paradise Age: 50 Posts: 3,189 10 Photos	BTW, I believe someone mentioned recording acoustic guitar with an SM57 above - something I have personally never found joy with, but in this month's Recording Magazine there's an interesting article, "Recording Britt Neal’s Over That Bridge." In it, Producer André Fratto makes some (to me) amazing statements concerning recording acoustic guitar with an SM57, and vocal overdubs. I'd be quite interested to hear the opinions of our studio guys here on this article. mud __________________ MudBean Music Nekkid Bart: "This is the worst day of my life." Laffing Homer: "Worst day SO FAR!!"

September 16th, 2008, 07:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 8,024	i've been using the MXL 991 (& the 990 too) for acoustic instruments with great results... GC has a package deal, 1 of each...iirc approx $100

2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

IMPORTANT:Treat everyone here with respect, no matter how difficult! No sex, drug, political, religion or hate discussion permitted here.