[Jenn]

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.

[Harry Lavo]

"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



Many folks on rec.audio.pro (professional engineers form the core) believe
the following to be the best-sounding value under about $500....many of whom
are familiar with the CAD's and other inexpensive mics. The 2020 in
particular is an outstanding budget mic, and the 2021 an average budget
small-diaphragm. Total cost (hold your hat) - $150 plus shipping (or
perhaps not if you can get a deal).

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=AT2041SP

[Jenn]

In article ,
"Harry Lavo" 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



Many folks on rec.audio.pro (professional engineers form the core) believe
the following to be the best-sounding value under about $500....many of whom
are familiar with the CAD's and other inexpensive mics. The 2020 in
particular is an outstanding budget mic, and the 2021 an average budget
small-diaphragm. Total cost (hold your hat) - $150 plus shipping (or
perhaps not if you can get a deal).

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=AT2041SP

Thanks!

[soundhaspriority]

"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...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....x=6&image.y=7

[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!

[Harry Lavo]

"soundhaspriority" wrote in message
...

"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...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....x=6&image.y=7

I certainly agree with you that 3-pattern mics are much more versatile. But
I think in Jenn's case that may be superfluous, as she has a set ("classic")
way of recording her guitar, and that entails two cardioid mics. I also
agree with you about the reputation of A-T microphones, but apparently the
2020 is an exeption. And again, the proposed use needs to be taken into
account. Noise level is almost moot when close micing....it becomes a major
issue when choosing room mics or mics for purist recording of ensembles from
a distance.

[Harry Lavo]

"Jenn" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Harry Lavo" 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



Many folks on rec.audio.pro (professional engineers form the core)
believe
the following to be the best-sounding value under about $500....many of
whom
are familiar with the CAD's and other inexpensive mics. The 2020 in
particular is an outstanding budget mic, and the 2021 an average budget
small-diaphragm. Total cost (hold your hat) - $150 plus shipping (or
perhaps not if you can get a deal).

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=AT2041SP

Thanks!

Another possibility if you want to take a chance on giving up the large
diaphragm mic in favor of a second small mic....a pair of Rode NT-5's.
These would set you back $400, but they have an excellent reputation as
guitar mics, and also as room mics. So you could use them close, and you
could also use the matched pair for recording at a distance if you so chose.

http://www.swee****er.com/store/detail/NT5

In any case, you should try to get the dealer to agree to a return within 15
days if you can't audition them at a store. Ultimately, mic choice is to
some degree a matter of preference, and after the basic parameters are set,
it comes down to auditioning and listening.

[Jenn]

In article ,
"Harry Lavo" wrote:

"Jenn" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Harry Lavo" 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



Many folks on rec.audio.pro (professional engineers form the core)
believe
the following to be the best-sounding value under about $500....many of
whom
are familiar with the CAD's and other inexpensive mics. The 2020 in
particular is an outstanding budget mic, and the 2021 an average budget
small-diaphragm. Total cost (hold your hat) - $150 plus shipping (or
perhaps not if you can get a deal).

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=AT2041SP

Thanks!

Another possibility if you want to take a chance on giving up the large
diaphragm mic in favor of a second small mic....a pair of Rode NT-5's.
These would set you back $400, but they have an excellent reputation as
guitar mics, and also as room mics. So you could use them close, and you
could also use the matched pair for recording at a distance if you so chose.

http://www.swee****er.com/store/detail/NT5

In any case, you should try to get the dealer to agree to a return within 15
days if you can't audition them at a store. Ultimately, mic choice is to
some degree a matter of preference, and after the basic parameters are set,
it comes down to auditioning and listening.

Great, thanks. I've heard of these.

[Walt]

Jenn wrote:

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

You can do better. CAD buys commodity (read: cheap) condenser mic
elements from China and puts them in a fancy expensive-looking housing.
So it *looks* like a quality studio mic (e.g. U87, KM84) , but it
sounds like a $49 Radio Shack Mr Microphone.

//Walt

[Eeyore]

Jenn wrote:

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.

You might also want to look at some nice dynamic mics.

I'd say ignore Shure but for the fact that many ppl consider the SM57 to be ok
on instruments ( although I utterly loathe the Shure SMs for my part ).

Graham

[Clyde Slick]

"Eeyore" wrote in
message ...


Jenn wrote:

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.

You might also want to look at some nice dynamic mics.

I'd say ignore Shure but for the fact that many ppl consider the SM57 to
be ok
on instruments ( although I utterly loathe the Shure SMs for my part ).

Graham


Eyesore is right here, they make me earsore.



--
Posted via NewsDemon.com - Premium Uncensored Newsgroup Service
-------http://www.NewsDemon.com------
Unlimited Access, Anonymous Accounts, Uncensored Broadband Access

[John Atkinson]

Jenn wrote:
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

I don't have any experience of the CAD mikes, Jenn. I do like
and recommend the Shure SM81 1/2" cardioid, though a pair
will cost more than the CD package.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

[soundhaspriority]

"Walt" wrote in message
...
Jenn wrote:

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

You can do better. CAD buys commodity (read: cheap) condenser mic
elements from China and puts them in a fancy expensive-looking housing. So
it *looks* like a quality studio mic (e.g. U87, KM84) , but it sounds like
a $49 Radio Shack Mr Microphone.

//Walt

Chinese mikes are confusing. MXL and Studio Projects have two grades of
mikes. I recommended the higher grade.

[Jenn]

In article . com,
"John Atkinson" wrote:

Jenn wrote:
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

I don't have any experience of the CAD mikes, Jenn. I do like
and recommend the Shure SM81 1/2" cardioid, though a pair
will cost more than the CD package.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

Thanks, John. I'll look into it.

[Jenn]

In article ,
Eeyore wrote:

Jenn wrote:

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.

You might also want to look at some nice dynamic mics.

I'd say ignore Shure but for the fact that many ppl consider the SM57 to be ok
on instruments ( although I utterly loathe the Shure SMs for my part ).

Graham

Yeah, I have a SM57 for general live purposes. Thanks for the info.

[Jenn]

In article ,
Walt wrote:

Jenn wrote:

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

You can do better. CAD buys commodity (read: cheap) condenser mic
elements from China and puts them in a fancy expensive-looking housing.
So it *looks* like a quality studio mic (e.g. U87, KM84) , but it
sounds like a $49 Radio Shack Mr Microphone.

//Walt

Ah! Thanks.