The best condenser mic to record electric guitar?

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Sir SM57
Member Since: Jan 29, 2008

Howdy. I have a SM57 BETA to record electric guitar but looking to build my mic collection. What would be the best all purpose condensor mic at a reasonable price ($300 AUS) to record mainly electric/amplified guitar. Cheers, Boe

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 09, 2008 06:48 am

What's wrong with the 57 that makes you want a condenser? The SM57 is kind of an electric guitar convention...

Sir SM57
Member
Since: Jan 29, 2008


Apr 09, 2008 07:39 am

Oh the 57 is good. Ive just heard that it doesnt have as much clarity or transparency as a Condenser mic. Im just looking for an alround good condenser thats great in a variety of applications. The 57 can be a little muddy for me sometimes too. Not enough 'zing'.

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002


Apr 09, 2008 10:40 am


I use the Behringer B1, sounds cheap eh? well its cheap enough that i dont feel like i cant close mic a guitar amp with a condensor, so theres that bonus.

The B1 is a workable condensor, so yes the sound quality will be way clearer than an SM 57, plus it has the ability to be treated badly so i dig it, even if its suppose to be a budget throw away type thing.

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


Apr 09, 2008 12:02 pm

A lot of the muddiness can be attributed to your preamps as well. Countless pro recordings have been made with only an SM57 on a guitar cabinet, but they're usually fed through some pretty nice preamps on their way to tape.

That being said, I found my guitar tone with just an SM57 to be pretty lifeless as well. At first I fed it through an ART TubeMP Studio preamp, and that sucked the life out of the guitar so much that I can't stand to listen to those recordings anymore. I use the preamps in my Yamaha mixer now, which are a step up but not pristine by any means.

So I use an MXL990 (about the same ballpark as the Behri B1 in both price and quality) a few feet away to capture some mids, high end, and room acoustics. I combine that with the SM57 on the grille and get a tone that I'm happy with as a hobbyist.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Apr 09, 2008 12:21 pm

If anything, I would do a dual mic setup. 57 up close condensor back a few feet, sounds good.

I use a Rode K2, not cheap but sounds great.

Member
Since: Mar 03, 2008


Apr 09, 2008 01:38 pm

I'm partial to Sennheiser MD421. Not a condenser but a great dynamic mic. It gives a lot more edge than the 57. It's another good all around mic.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Apr 10, 2008 08:24 am

i usually use a 57 as well it pretty good, ive got a rode nt-1, do ya think that would be cool to use as a second mic?
im recording heavy guitars but i dont wanna kill it.
i record in a walk in robe padded with not much room.
im scared if i put it in there it will kill the mic. mind you its not cranked too loud and it a 60 watt amp...on about 4.

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


Apr 10, 2008 09:23 am

I think the main hazzard to the larger diaphragms in condensor mics is "bottoming out" the diaphragm.

I think that all it will do under too high of SPL will be to simply distort. The trouble comes when the diaphragm is forced to move further than it was intended to, like when the actual displaced air from a speaker cone pushes on it. So I wouldn't go shoving it right on the grille of a cranked amp or anything but I think those NT1s can handle a pretty loud sound source without negative effect.

I think that lots of people use a Rode as a 2nd cabinet mic and get good results.

That MD421 is a terrific suggestion as well. I've heard more good things about that mic than any other dynamic mic. Where the SM57 has a reputation as an armored tank, the MD421 seems to be more of a corvette.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Apr 10, 2008 10:16 am

cool, well, tommorrow i will give her a whirly shirly.
will let ya know how it goes.

www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


Apr 10, 2008 12:22 pm

I've been using a 57 for quite some time now. In the beginning it was because it was the most popular mic for this application. I have since experimented quite a bit. I find that the 57 by itself is ok but a second mic makes all the difference. I still use the 57 every time but I'll use either my ribbon mic or a Studio Projects B1 and blend with the 57. Actually I mess with quite a few different setups but the 57 is always crammed up agains the grill.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 10, 2008 07:48 pm

While the 421 is a really good choice and works killer it is a bit expensive as well but worth it. Another choice from them is the E906. www.sennheiserusa.com/new...?transid=500202

I have used this one for a long time with killer results. There is another similar mic but I don't remember the name at the moment.And the price on the 906 is around half that of the 421.

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