[Jenn]

In article ,
"soundhaspriority" wrote:

"Jenn" wrote in message
...
When I want to record myself (various guitars), I usually borrow some
very good mics from the college. I record acoustic guitars in a common
way: large diaphragm condenser near the soundhole, and a small
diaphragm at the 12th fret. I'm thinking of making a small investment
in mics for the sake of convenience. I only want to spend around $300.
The recordings are just for myself and friends. I sometimes have a
vocalist joining me. Is this package about as good as I can do (quality
wise) on this tiny budget?
http://www.zzounds.com/item--CADGXL3000PKST

Thanks for any input.

Jenn,
The pencil mikes look identical to the MXL603s, which has a magical
reputation with guitar. Others have used it for all kinds of acoustic
instrument miking. It has a high frequency peak that makes a poor choice for
high hats. See Harmony Central reviews for more.

I can't contradict Harry Lavo's advice, but I would point out that on
paper, at least, the cheaper AT mikes are noisier than mics in the same
price range from MXL, Studio Projects, and a few others. Also, with the AT
choice, you miss out on the luscious choice of omnis, which provide better
frequency response and no proximity effect. Here's my choice:

From http://www.mxlmics.com/Artists/artists_index.html, an MXL 604, and an
MXL 2003.

From B&H, the 604 at $100
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...cLRCF!-1198276
125!1152579685462?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialS earch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=s
earch&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=MXL604&image.x=7&image.y=10
giving you a choice of omni/cardioid by switching the capsules,
and The 2003 at $150
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...sq=desc&Initia
lSearch=yes&O=productlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&s hs=MXL2003&image.x=6&image.y
=7

Thanks to you as well!