Mics

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Member Since: Apr 10, 2006

I'm still not sure if I'm posting these questions in the right forum, but I know someone'll set me straight if I'm not. I figure an SM 57 would do the trick for guitar and vocals. I was gonna record the bass directly into the computer. Does anyone have better ideas? Where I'm stuck is condensers. Which are good to use for doubling guitar miking or maybe for vocals (some say not to use dynamics for recording vocals, that they're for live performance)?

And lastly, the question that inspired this post: what kind of microphone should be used to record TALKBOXES? I recently got one, and I know I'll be a-usin it. The directions say to use a uni-directional one, but don't suggest what kind. I have NO idea what a uni-directional mic is, let alone how to find one. Any ideas? Prices?

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JR Productions
Member
Since: Mar 03, 2005


May 18, 2006 03:35 pm

The sm 57 is perfect for recording guitar. Most studios who have access to 5000$ mics still choose the 80$ dynamic. As far as vocals, it can be done. Someone once told me that a producer for michael jackson once used a 57 on his vocals just to show it could be done with good results.

As for the talkbox...isnt that just a guitar pedal? Where you stick the tube into your mouth and open and close it and stuff like that? If were talking about the same thing, then the sm 57 will work fine for recording your guitar amp.

Also, the sm 57 is a unidirectional mic. heres a good page containing some good info on mics.

www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=398

josh

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


May 18, 2006 04:21 pm

yeyep, unidirectional is another word for cardioid, meaning it picks up where you point it (not all mics behave like this)...there are dynamic and condersor cardioid mics out there...

a good Large Diaphragm Condensor (LDC) is super for vocals, it yealds more clarity and a more "pro" sound...there are some really nice ones out there for under $200....i use 'em on guitars aswell as vocals

as for the talkbox, i'd try it with the 57, i'm gonna guess it'll sound pretty good, an LDC might be a bit to brite of a mic for the squackieness of a TB...get your hands on a 58 if ya can...

and yes dynamics are favored for live gigs cuz they can take much more of a beating then the more sensitive condensor.

cheers bud

wyd

Member
Since: Apr 10, 2006


May 18, 2006 10:29 pm

That's what the talkbox does but not how it works. It feeds the guitar sound through the tube, you shape it in the mouth, and then a mic has to pick it up from your mouths. It's really weird in a cool way. You can actually blow your eardrums if you put your ear near the tube, so don't headbang if you have one I guess haha idk

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


May 19, 2006 09:59 am

i was under the impression, that the talk box has a 'small speaker' at it's end of the tube which produces the sound, then you shape it with your mouth, which is picked up by a mic and either recorded, or sent through a P.A. that mic you use is the variable...hell i'd be tempted to send the mic through a preamp, then through a guitar amp....i'm not sure though, as i've never used one before...

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 19, 2006 10:02 am

I have seen and used many home made talk boxes that are simply a funnel over a speaker with a piece of flexible tubing going from the end of the funnel to your mouth, it runs the sound into your mouth which is caughter by the mic next to it.

Peter Frampton has had hellish dental work from his frequent use of them, having filling after filling blown out of his teeth...

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 19, 2006 01:38 pm

Yes, the talkbox has its own speaker and little amp in the box itself. The speaker feeds it out the tube and then you simply have the tube in your chops as stated above and the vocal mic picks it up. Frampton and most others just used their vocal mike as teh talkbox was turned on and off as needed. I know a few who actually used a dedicated mic for it, though that is not a necessity.

And ya, youcan make your own as well. I have and they work great.

Member
Since: Apr 26, 2002


May 19, 2006 02:16 pm

So THAT'S how they work... I've always wondered...

Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004


May 19, 2006 04:04 pm

A Shure SM57 is about as "necessary" in a studio as any other piece of kit. It's a workhorse, and very versatile. I'm using one for a vocal track right now, as it has just the right qualities for the song. Don't let anyone tell you that you can/can't use whatever mic to do whatever you want (within reason).

Condensers are great, but they are super sensitive, so they require a little more adjustment to get right (gain, gates etc.). Depending on the other stuff you use with them, they can be tricky little boogers. They do sound nice though.

Member
Since: Apr 10, 2006


May 21, 2006 12:06 am

lol yeah those are all accurate descriptions, is there a reason you didn't believe the guy who owned one? i'm def getting an sm 57, i just gotta get the money first

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