software

ok, someone please recomend me a vocal mic and also an acoustic mic. also, please tell me what type of mic would work best for each application, if not the same mic....thanks so much

1 Mic I'll suggest that I like to use on Acoustic Guitar and vocals would be a Rode NT2.

It's not as flat fa requency Response as my other fave Mic, the Blue Baby Bottle. But it does have a nice warmth to it and isn't as expensive as the Blue either

Ok, for vocals you want a large diaghraphm condensor and there are lots of choices depending on how flat or how much presence you want- On average I found the AKG414 the best vocal on average (and useful for a million other things) and you can get similar sounds from their lower cost c3000 and AT has a similar model (Maybe 4030? Just compare specs)-

On accoutic guitar small digram consdenors are most often used for close up as they are extremely detailed- Sure SM87 is a relatively inexprensice that I've had a lot of luck with, especialy on the bridge-

But my favroite accoutic trick in a common one- I use a large condensor as the room mic and a small for the detailed and the combintaion is superb- Usually teh large is 6-8 feet away about 5' off the floor and this is even better if you have a reflective floor-

So you might consider some of the packages that are out there that would give you both- There is an AKG C3000 C1000 package out there that is very affordable, but C1000 isn't my favorite small diaprhagm and you might see what others offer-

Brow- I like the blue baby bottles a lot!


Originally Posted by zionstratSo you might consider some of the packages that are out there that would give you both- There is an AKG C3000 C1000 package out there that is very affordable, but C1000 isn't my favorite small diaprhagm and you might see what others offer-

Brow- I like the blue baby bottles a lot!I have the AKG C3000S/C1000S project pack and I promise, for the price you're not going to find a better set of do it all condenser microphones anywhere! I've been MORE than happy with them!
(and on a side note, this is my 600th post! Finally got the big star!!)

I use a Rode NT1 and an NT1A as a stereo mic setup for acoustic guitars and vocals and that setup sounds wonderful!


Originally Posted by zionstratOk, for vocals you want a large diaghraphm condensor and there are lots of choices depending on how flat or how much presence you want- On average I found the AKG414 the best vocal on average (and useful for a million other things) and you can get similar sounds from their lower cost c3000 and AT has a similar model (Maybe 4030? Just compare specs)-

On accoutic guitar small digram consdenors are most often used for close up as they are extremely detailed- Sure SM87 is a relatively inexprensice that I've had a lot of luck with, especialy on the bridge-

But my favroite accoutic trick in a common one- I use a large condensor as the room mic and a small for the detailed and the combintaion is superb- Usually teh large is 6-8 feet away about 5' off the floor and this is even better if you have a reflective floor-

So you might consider some of the packages that are out there that would give you both- There is an AKG C3000 C1000 package out there that is very affordable, but C1000 isn't my favorite small diaprhagm and you might see what others offer-

Brow- I like the blue baby bottles a lot!

thanks man...i appreciate it....and i appreciate you dealing with my repetitus questions...

1 to the rhodes mic suggestions. Also the studio projects C-1 and B-1 are great as well as the Audio Technica 2020 in terms of budget mics. While zionstrat brings up good points about small diaphram condensers I actually don't really like them on acoustics that well at all for the exact reasons he posted. They are almost too shiny and brightly detailed. I definately prefer large diaphrams for a little smoother sound per-se. To each his own just something to think about though.

as dumb as its gonna sound, the rhode mics are out of my price range....to anyone who knows...whats the difference (if any) between the akg c3000 and the akg c3000s

Finding the right vocal mic can be tricky. Vocal mics are very personal. Try some out before u buy. Work w/ stores that might let u borrow a loaner or used mic. Borrow mics from local friends.

Be careful w/ some of those low priced small diaphragm AKG mics. I've heard a lot of bad reviews on them.

Don't forget, preamps are just as crucial to the sound as mics are.

1 mic we have at the studio that I hate the sound of is an AKG C3000B.

If the Rode is too expensive, then maybe an Audio Technica 3035 is more in your price range?

This is the mic that was recommended to me before TO offered me the great deal on the Baby Bottle

live or studio?

if these are your first real mics buy shure

does shure make a large diaphragm? brow, what was wrong with the c3000?

brandon, yeah, i have heard bad things about the small ones as well, the c3000 is a large one.....

wattage....studio (really simple home studio)

the only problem, as well, is my price range is very minimun......


Originally Posted by xerxesdoes shure make a large diaphragm? brow, what was wrong with the c3000?

brandon, yeah, i have heard bad things about the small ones as well, the c3000 is a large one.....

wattage....studio (really simple home studio)

the only problem, as well, is my price range is very minimun......

Xerxes seriously, check out the studio projects B-1 and or the audio technica 2020 and be done with it. I promise you will not be dissapointed.

I tried some Electro-Voice mics a few days ago. The RE510 is a damn good sounding condenser vocal mic, and EV recommends it for acoustic guitar, too.


Originally Posted by vinterlandXerxes seriously, check out the studio projects B-1 and or the audio technica 2020 and be done with it. I promise you will not be dissapointed.aight, there is a audio technica 2020 on ebay now with a free stand and cable...so ill give it a try....it works well with vocals? acoustic? anything else?


Originally Posted by xerxesaight, there is a audio technica 2020 on ebay now with a free stand and cable...so ill give it a try....it works well with vocals? acoustic? anything else?

I've only personally heard it on acoustics, though I have heard of people using it for vocals and getting great results. I'm sure you could also try throwing it up on a cabinet sometime along with an sm57 or something and it might work well in that respect as well.

I have a AKG C3000B here at the house. They are actually a deceint mic for the money but like all things it's about application. I find the C3000B a little quot;spittyquot; or bright at the top end for male vocals but it's a useable mic if you have a deceint preamp and compression. It's better suited for chick vocals, woodwinds, acoustic guitar and it makes a great overhead drum mic. It's really not a bad mic to have in the drawer.

For male vocals I'm saving up for a Rodes K2. They list at $699 so they really aren't top dollar mics considering what many large diaphram tube condenser mics generally go for and they sound huge and warm through a deceint preamp.

The Rodes NT series mics as well as the Blue series mics are also well received by folks into recording.

I know it's all about budget but start putting away for a deceint mic preamp and compression. I run an Aphex 207 dual channel tube preamp and a DBX 166XL compressor, as well as a DBX 1231 EQ in my vocal chain. They aren't Fairchilds by any stretch but they work well enough to pull solid, quot;in your facequot; vocals out of just about any mic.

Even a vintage RCA ribbon mic can sound like ass with poor preamping and compression.


Originally Posted by xerxesbrow, what was wrong with the c3000?

I just don't like the sound of it to be honest.

It seems to have an abundance of top end, and doesn't seem to sound very full. On some drums etc it may be ok, but I personally wouldn't want to use it on Vocals or guitars

It's just my opinion, I know people that love these mics