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Mics for acoustic guitar.

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3/23/1999 7:20 AM

Mics for acoustic guitar.

In the near future I will be needing a good all-purpose large diaphragm condenser mic for use with a roland vs-880. Can anyone reccomend one that is especially good with acoustic guitar. I also will probably get the standard sm-57, and although I realize it's not a condenser mic, how is it with an acoustic? I know the vs-880 has mic modeling capabilities, but I am curious if anyone has gotten a chance to utilize them. Thank in advance. joe

3/25/1999 1:56 AM

It really depends on alot of factors, but most people traditionaly use a smaller diaphagm condenser for acoustics. The AKG 451 and Nueman KM-83 or 84 are used alot. It depends alot on the guitar you have. Bigger bodied guitars like Gibsons seem to prefer a smaller mic. The smaller and brighter guitars like Taylors and Ovations can sound good when paired with a larger mic.

If you have the tracks, use both: A large diaphagm to pick up the warmth and body, and a smaller one to get the attack and articulation. Pan them stereo for a large, lush sound.

As far as bang for the buck goes, I like the Audio Technica 4050 or 4033. I remember seeing an article on acoustic session guys in Nashville and all of them had a 4050 on them. Of course, the venerable 57 can come up with some nice sounds too. Other cheaper mics that I've had success with are the AKG C1000 and the SM-81.

I think that between the 57 and the 4050, you could record just about any sound you wanted. If you can, rent a few a different mics and try them out before you buy. Living in LA I'm able to rent just about any piece of gear ever made, so I take advantage of that whenever I can. It really helps to hear a piece of gear in your own setup to get an accurate picture of what it can do. It's not all that expensive either, especially if you can charge it to the band!

Good luck,

Warren

4/7/1999 9:11 AM
Trace	Hey all! Ummm..err....what Warren said!! (ha, ha) I can't add anything that hasn't already been said by the man himself! Nice going; Trace

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