Microphone for recording guitar

[Guitar Guy]

I need a mic to record guitar sounds ranging from clean to early Van Halen levels of distortion. The three mics that I am considering are the shure sm57, the audix i5 and the sennheiser e609. I am open to other suggestions and would like to keep it under $150.

 

[thunderlung]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

GLS Audio ES-57.

$30 on ebay and a Shure clone

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

If you have nothing, I vote SM-57 because everybody should have an SM-57. The e609 is probably an equally good choice, though. I want to get one of those in addition to my '57.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

I voted 57 as it is the best general purpose guitar mic for a broad range of tones, but I also have and really like the i5....it really comes to life with higher gain tones.

 

[FAC]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

If you have nothing, I vote SM-57 because everybody should have an SM-57. The e609 is probably an equally good choice, though. I want to get one of those in addition to my '57.

I voted 57 as it is the best general purpose guitar mic for a broad range of tones, but I also have and really like the i5....it really comes to life with higher gain tones.

Yep.

 

[lex666]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

I did the same research and everyone agrees the Shure 57 is a great mic, not just for guitar, but for vocals, drums, just about anything. I don;t think you can go wrong with the Shure.

MF has a deal with a free t-shirt, if you're interested...

 

[andrizzle]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

yep... another vote for 57... good luck!

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

A 57 is a good first choice for your budget. Everyone has one for a reason.

The E609 will bring more top end detail to the party, but personally I find them a bit toppy and sterile to use as a sole mic given the choice.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, I HIGHLY recommend the Heil PR30:

http://www.heilsound.com/pro/products/pr30/index.htm

-It's an excellent mic. I did basic tracks for an album with one last weekend, and it sounded really impressive. If I were looking to record guitar and had a budget, it'd be my first choice. I'm definitely picking one up for myself.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

i keep a 57 in my gig bag at all times...

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

57 since he said he always uses one and so do most others (I know not all but most have used them some)

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

for recording you may want to try 2 different types of mic's at the same time...

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

Royer R-121!!!





....ummmm, ehrrr.... yeah..... ok..... under $150... I'd go Shure SM57... it isn't a cornerstone classic for nothing. It's also great on snares and various other things... you really can't go wrong.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

Shure 57.

Or a Shure KSM 27 condensor or Royer ribbon if you have big bucks.

Bill

 

[wahwah]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

A 57 is a good first choice for your budget. Everyone has one for a reason.

The E609 will bring more top end detail to the party, but personally I find them a bit toppy and sterile to use as a sole mic given the choice.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, I HIGHLY recommend the Heil PR30:

http://www.heilsound.com/pro/products/pr30/index.htm

-It's an excellent mic. I did basic tracks for an album with one last weekend, and it sounded really impressive. If I were looking to record guitar and had a budget, it'd be my first choice. I'm definitely picking one up for myself.

I don't say this very often, but I agree with the Kiwi.

Thanks for the heads up on the Heil PR30 H_G, I've never seen those before...I think that goes on the wish list for home and stage.


Cheers.............................wahwah

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

Since I had to go look it up, I figured I'd share with everybody...

Just for a frame of reference, the Heil PR30 is $250 at Full Compass. I may hold off on the e609 and wait until I can afford a PR30 as my "other" guitar mike.

 

[wahwah]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

Since I had to go look it up, I figured I'd share with everybody...

Just for a frame of reference, the Heil PR30 is $250 at Full Compass. I may hold off on the e609 and wait until I can afford a PR30 as my "other" guitar mike.

Yeah, that seems to be the going price everywhere I've looked. I can happily live without an e609, I really don't like the hyped top end in them. They sound fresh from the freezer. I'm reading nothing but praise for the PR30.




Cheers...............................wahwah

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

The e609's main claim to fame seems to be that you can hang it on a guitar amp without cluttering up your stage with a mike stand.

Of course, people do that with 57's all the time, but they're pointing at the floor.:jester:

 

[Jay 77]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

The 57's are alright for more gain-type stuff but I find they're more suited for live applications. For all home recording, I really love the Audio Technica 3035 condenser for the price. Adds warmth and sparkle to guitars, and is good for drum overheads or as an ambient room mic.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

I think too many people are quick to jump on the 57 bandwagon and ignore the benefits of using a good condenser for recording. The AT3035 is a great choice, but even the lowly AT2020 is a good mic for recording amps.

I think a lot of it stems from the fact that in ye olden tymes condensers couldn't handle the SPLs a guitar amp put out. That is not the case with modern condensers, however people are still wary of using them due to the old ones getting shredded to pieces by a guitar amp. A medium or large diaphragm condenser will give you more detailed highs and a more filled-out tone overall.

I would still use a 57 or similar for live use though, mainly for the takes-a-beating factor, and also because they are more directional.

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Microphone for recording guitar

I don't say this very often, but I agree with the Kiwi.

Thanks for the heads up on the Heil PR30 H_G, I've never seen those before...I think that goes on the wish list for home and stage.


Cheers.............................wahwah

Yeah, she's a good one. Prior to tracking I did a night of pre-production where the band played live in the room. I had my Vic DD running into a G12H30 Matamp Quad and the Heil in front (nothing scientific, just thrown in front), and the recording was amazing sounding.

The best thing I can say about the Heil is that it sounds like what you hear out of an amp, not that 'well, it sort of sounds like my amp' thing you get with most inexpensive mics. For the price it's a killer.

I'm back in today for reamping and further tracking. We'll be doing a lot more picky micing, including distant micing (using coles ribbon, yay!). I'll let you all know how it goes.