Shure Condensor Microphones

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Member Since: Feb 27, 2005

Hello people, I am new here. Found this as I was searching for an answer for my question about Shure microphones.

I am looking for a condensor microphone for studio use with my acoustic guitar. I noticed how Shure have two catagories of microphones; 'Performance' and 'Recording'. In the recording catagory there are two good condensor microphones but are very expensive, unfortunantly I cannot afford these. Then I notice the Shure PG81 in the 'performance' section which is condensor and suitable for acoustic guitars and in my price range.

So I basically want to know if this catagory set up will mean that the PG81 cannot be used for studio use, or will not be as good in studio use as the shown 'recording' catagory mics.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Terry.

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I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Feb 27, 2005 04:41 pm

I've never used one, but from reading the specs on Shure's website, I don't see any reason up front why it wouldn't work in the studio.

there are a whole slew of small-diaphragm condensor microphones suited for recording acoustic guitar. Hopefully people will be along soon with some specific suggestions. You can probably find something well-priced that suits your needs.

Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004


Feb 27, 2005 04:45 pm

As far as I know, the PG81 is a very good mic. Commonly used for drum mic'in overheads as well as acoustic geetars...

I think it would serve ye well for what ye need. The PG range is a cheaper version of the SM range I thinks...just cheaper parts, less range etc. BUT, they are still made by SHURE - a very good MIC manufacturer...for SHURE! hehe.

So, I would suggest it can be used for what ye need. I have a collection of MIC's (3 Shure's SM58's) PLUS a Shure Prolouge (an older dynamic shure) which cost me £10 from ebay!! Funny as it may be - its only MARGINALLY poorer than my SM58!!! Now, its frequency is more limited and its a little nosier but it is still VERY good.

In short - try the PG81 out. I think it will be very good. If ye like it..its all good. The ears never lie for sure.

Anyways, good luck and welcome to HRC!

Cheers

Coco.

Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004


Feb 27, 2005 04:46 pm

Also, you can consider something like a Behringer B1 which is also budget, decent and a good MIC.... OR ... ye can get a trusty SM57 or SM58 (I say a 58 as I just recorded my acoustic with a 58 with the grille removed...not bad for a vocal mic!!!!).

In fact, I have another thread with the result in if ye want to hear it...check it out.

Cheers and good luck

Coco.

Member
Since: Feb 27, 2005


Mar 02, 2005 05:50 am

Hey everyone, thanks for your help

I have both an SM58 and SM57 but neither of them seem to capture the sort of sound I want of my acoustic. I thought a condensor would make it louder and clearer when I'm finger picking. Would the PG81 make much difference compared to the others? what does the difference in frequency responses mean?

Another annoying thing is that when my fostex recorder is recording it makes this clicking noise when it runs and sometimes appears on my recordings which can be annoying. Anyone know anything about that too?

Would be extremely grateful for anyones help

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Mar 03, 2005 04:13 pm

Is it a digital fostex? If so, might be time to format the hard drive, i have an old fostex eight track that does that when it needs reformating, the manual suggests you do it every three months i think or somewhere thereabouts.

Condensers tend to have a more 'open' sound than dynamics, i always use them acoustic guitars, you don't have to try so hard to get the sound into the mic.


Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Mar 03, 2005 04:33 pm

I'd suggest taking a look at the studio projects B1. I had a B3 that was very nice, i think the B1 is just a B3 without the switches. Around 100$US i beleive.

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Mar 03, 2005 04:43 pm

Also a condensor will pick up the room acoustics much more than a dynamic will. If your room has bad acoustics, it'll be much more noticeable than close micing with dynamic mics.

Member
Since: Feb 27, 2005


Mar 04, 2005 02:41 pm

Ahh thanks Rigsby, that is probably my problem, I have had the Fostex for a few years now and never once re-formatted and the drive is almost full. Thanks alot for that point!!!!

I have decided to save up the cash for the Shure SM81, I've read some good reviews of it and think it will be better in the longrun so when I update my studio atleast I'll have a decent microphone too.

I see what you are saying Tadpui but when I use SM57 or 58 when I'm finger picking the results are not too clear or loud enough, so I'm just going to have to bare the acoustics of my room for now.

Thanks alot for everyones help.

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