Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Recommendations for a microphone please!

N

nath

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 1, 2003
25
0
London
Hello,

I've played guitar for a number of years and now GB is here am ready to make my first recordings. :D I have a Yahama FG semi-acoustic guitar, so I would appreciate any advice some of you more experienced audiophiles could give me on the following points:

i) Is it 'better' to go into the Mac from the guitar's line out, (via a M-Audio USB converter), or to use a microphone to capture the 'open' acoustic sound (with the Mic also going to the Mac via the M-Audio)? Or does this just depend on the kind of sound you want?

ii) Can anybody recommend a single microphone that would do a good job of recording both guitar and vocals? (Using multi-tracking, not at the same time.) I am willing to spend up to about $200, but am hoping I can get a good quality sound without having to buy both a specific guitar and vocal microphones.

Many thanks.
 
Re: Recommendations for a microphone please!

Originally posted by nath
Hello,

I've played guitar for a number of years and now GB is here am ready to make my first recordings. :D I have a Yahama FG semi-acoustic guitar, so I would appreciate any advice some of you more experienced audiophiles could give me on the following points:

i) Is it 'better' to go into the Mac from the guitar's line out, (via a M-Audio USB converter), or to use a microphone to capture the 'open' acoustic sound (with the Mic also going to the Mac via the M-Audio)? Or does this just depend on the kind of sound you want?

ii) Can anybody recommend a single microphone that would do a good job of recording both guitar and vocals? (Using multi-tracking, not at the same time.) I am willing to spend up to about $200, but am hoping I can get a good quality sound without having to buy both a specific guitar and vocal microphones.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

Well, I guess you won't be getting a pre-amp, so condenser mics are out the question, though you can get very decent ones for $200.
So you need a dynamic mic. My recommendation would be either the SM57 or SM58 made by Shure.
These are in almost every single respected studio in the world (especially SM57), and you'll probably be happy with it. They're very robust as well.

EDIT: Oh, and I'm not sure about the price, but I think they cost around $100 each.
 
Hi there,

As with a lot of recording techniques, there's no hard and fast rules here. Recording via the line out on your guitar will give you a clean, electric sound, whereas recording with a mic will produce an acoustic feel, so depends on what you're looking for. You should have no problem recording direct as long as your usb device has a Hi Z input designed for guitar, otherwise you'll have a very quiet signal.
If you're recording via a mic, then there are loads of good mics available. For best quality, look for a large condenser mic like the Rode NT2 which is a brilliant all-rounder. These mics do require phantom power, so make sure your audio device delivers 48V. Saying this, I've used the venerable Shure SM 58 to record acoustics before with great sucess.
Check out AKG's, SE Electronics, Rode, Shure and Audio Technica mics, should be something for you. Have fun !
 
I think the M-Audio USB converter has an on-board pre-amp, rated to 48v as per the other poster's query. Wouldn't this mean I could use a condensor?

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore?productLearnMore=T9104

nath

Well, I guess you won't be getting a pre-amp, so condenser mics are out the question, though you can get very decent ones for $200.
So you need a dynamic mic. My recommendation would be either the SM57 or SM58 made by Shure.
These are in almost every single respected studio in the world (especially SM57), and you'll probably be happy with it. They're very robust as well.

EDIT: Oh, and I'm not sure about the price, but I think they cost around $100 each.
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by nath
I think the M-Audio USB converter has an on-board pre-amp, rated to 48v as per the other poster's query. Wouldn't this mean I could use a condensor?

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore?productLearnMore=T9104

nath
Click to expand...

Your correct it will power a condenser mic- that looks really good value for money.

I use a Blue Baby Bottle condenser mic, it's got a nice sound and a hot output.

Shure 57's and 58's are also great and are also suitable for live performances.

It all depends on your tastes and what sound you like, your voice etc so try and get a demo or even hire one to see if you like it - good luck!

Rich
 
Look at the Rode NT1 and 2, Oktava MK219 and 319, AKG C3000... there are a few other good cheap condensors, the SM 57/58s are great for live and high SPL uses, but really don't have the HF response (top end) to deal with the harmonics from an acoustic guitar.

If you have a bit more cash look at the Neumann TLM103, very nice.
 
thanks for all your help guys. i think the rode nt-1 is looking good, if i can find a cheap one on ebay. otherwise i might consider a (new) Shure PG81.

i've never known such a pre-release buzz around an app!!
 
my couple of pennies worth...

But as cheap as you can. One mic is all you'll need. 20$. Plug it in, play away, and record your tunes. Then, when you have them dialed, go to someone who has a little studio set up, buy 'em a case of beer, and re record your tunes.

Use GB as the tool it is; a cheap and easy way to get the ideas out of your head and into real (i)life.
 
my couple of pennies worth...

But as cheap as you can. One mic is all you'll need. 20$. Plug it in, play away, and record your tunes. Then, when you have them dialed, go to someone who has a little studio set up, buy 'em a case of beer, and re record your tunes.

Use GB as the tool it is; a cheap and easy way to get the ideas out of your head and into real (i)life.
Click to expand...

actually i am hoping to use it in another way. if GB works for me and i feel i am getting somewhere then i will probably move up to Logic Express quite quickly. If not, I will probably sell the nice mic and pre-amp on ebay - they will both hold 90% of their value in a resale, especially the mic.
 
a standard good all around workhorse mic is the Shure SM58. if you've got a little more to spend i suggest checking out the Blue Ball mic from Blue. AWESOME, versatile mic for an amazing price.
 
In that case, I fully agree with the Sure 58. Many people I know who have decent home studios started with a compliment of 58's and then got into more specialized units as they grew.

Worhty to note, were as these guys have dozens of mics, the original 58's they bought are still being used.

cheers.
 
The Shure SM-58 sounds like a winner. (I'm going to be looking for a mic, too.) One thing I read, however, is that one model (the SM-58) does not have an on/off switch while another (the SM-58S) does come with a switch.

Squire
 
Originally posted by Squire
...while another (the SM-58S) does come with a switch.
Click to expand...

That's because in live situations it's good not to have a switch -- singers are especially good at forgetting that they switched off their mikes ;-).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back