Acoustic Guitars
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Posted on Jan 12, 2005 07:58 pm
dcs973
Member Since: Jun 11, 2004
Hi All,
I'm looking for recommendations regarding a preamp that will be used primarily for recording an acoustic guitar. I plan to use a Shure SM57 mic for this. I've read nothing but great things about the SM57 mic for guitar work.
I've been recording electric guitar by going through my effects board directly into the soundcard and I'm pretty satisfied with the results after I add compression/EQ through the DAW software. From what I understand, the preamp wouldn't do me much good in that respect since my signal is already being colored and boosted by my effects board. Is this a fair assumption, or am I missing out by not using a preamp? Are there any good preamps out there that would be good for both situations (direct electric and mic'd acoustic)?
Thanks very much,
-Dave
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 12, 2005 11:30 pm Check out a few of these. It sounds like you really dont need a stereo or 2 channel pre. So look into the single channel pre's on this page.
www.homerecordingconnecti...t&cat_id=18
All of them are very good.
It is also a matter of your budget.
drakeMember
Since: Apr 13, 2004
Jan 13, 2005 12:17 am no doubt about it the best way to record acoustic guitar is condenser mic to preamp to DAW. try using a stereo pair into a 2 chan preamp. and a little tube sound goes a long way.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jan 13, 2005 12:30 am Yeah if you're going to record acoustic guitar, then a condensor mic is the way to go. A dynamic just doesn't capture the details of an acoustic guitar nearly as well.
For a condensor mic, you'll need a preamp with phantom power.
The SM57 is awesome for micing an electric guitar cabinet, but it's strong suit isn't acoustic guitar. On the contrary, I've used a 57 for acoustic guitars. Since the acoustics in my recording space are pretty terrible, close micing with a 57 gives me pretty good results compared to a condensor, which picks up all of the terrible acoustics of the room along with the sound of the guitar.
As far as going from a digital effects unit into another preamp, it's not necessary. If you really want to add another gain stage to your setup then go ahead, but all it really does is introduce the possibility for more noise and more coloration of your sound.
dcs973Member
Since: Jun 11, 2004
Jan 13, 2005 12:20 pm Thanks a lot, all!
I'm looking at the Behringer Tube Ultragain MIC200 (service.bfast.com/bfast/c...p;bfmtype=gear) pre and also the Behringer B5 condenser mic after reading your suggestions. Honestly, I have no idea how the acoustic is going to sound in my studio space. I don't have an ISO booth or anything like that, but the room does absorb a lot of sound since it's full of furniture, angled walls, and carpeted. Both the SM57 and the B-5 mics are the same price, so I'm just not sure if I should take a chance with the condenser after reading your post, Tadpui. I guess I could always return it.
Anyway, I also looked at the PreSonus TubePRE (service.bfast.com/bfast/c...p;bfmtype=gear) - The reviews are pretty good, but Behringer has a great track record. Anyone use PreSonus, or would you take the chance with it over Behringer if you were in my position?
Thanks again for all the help...
-Dave
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jan 13, 2005 01:24 pm If it's going to be your only microphone, then I think that the SM57 will be more versatile. You can use it on just about anything in a pinch. A condensor is really geared towards acoustic instruments and vocals. Buy whichever you think you'll get the most use out of.
