Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

[Gr8Scott]

Any tips from those that know these mics to getting superior guitar recordings? I'd like to be able to run these through my effects pedal (I know I can run the shure directly into the GNX-2 that I have), but the MXL 2003 requires phantom power. My Edirol UA-25 has phantom that should cover that base. I'll have to add the reverb etc through Sonar instead of my GNX-2. I purchased a set of Vic Firth headphones that silence outside sounds to aid me in good mic placement. It will let me experiment on what I want soundwise without having to guess quite as much. I think a small additional mic stand is going to be needed to compliment the full-size stand I already have...

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

Try it out like this:

Tweak to taste, should come out fairly nicely .

 

[iekobrid]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

Is that the 'Nordstrom method', but using a large diaphragm condenser in place of the on-cone on-axis 57? Or is that LDC a bit off-axis?

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

Nordsstrom method with a condensor .

 

[iekobrid]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

I had been wondering about using mis-matched pairs of mics in that config. Would it be better to choose individual mics that compensate for the natural sound of the positions you're using them in, or better to choose ones that accentuate the natural sound?

On one hand, I imagine that since the 'charm' of the Nordstrom config is due to the contrast of two positions that might otherwise sound not altogether desirable on their own, it might be best attempted with an on-axis mic that accentuates (instead of subdues) the high end and an off-axis mic that accentuates (ditto) the low end. But on the other hand, I can imagine that sounding really really awful.

So I guess the real question is, does one aim for maximum contrast between the two mics in that config, or take more of a middle of the road approach (trebly mic off-axis and bassy mic on-axis)?

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

More of a middle road is what I've heard, I've also heard an i5 and a 57 in that setup sounds amazing.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

Thanks for the guidance DSS. Which condenser mic is that in the pic? Looks very familiar...

What types of sounds is this arrangement good for? Is it better for more aggressive stuff or better for more smooth and laid back mildly overdriven tones? I'll be looking for both, but the mild stuff is my major concern at the moment. I'm seeking warm and detailed.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

RODE NT-1, IIRC.

This was for more aggressive stuff with a smoother top end than a single 57... might want to try the condenser back further, 57 more on axis.

 

[Kev]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

hehe, everyone should join the andy sneap forum eh jeff!

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Just picked up MXL 2003 and Shure SM57

Thanks for the info DSS. I'll certainly impliment your suggestions and see how it sounds. Bluesy rock is what I'm shooting for. This Sunday is the day I get to play for the first time in a long time. Got the Sovtek ready and will have the mics up and ready to go. Both are now in and are gorgeous. I haven't had time to do more than fondle them, but they are both very nice looking. Should be a treat IMHO.