Best affordable microphone for capture and record acoustic instruments - DV247 Forums

Country Joe · #1 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008 , 08:30 AM

Hello to all,

I need a microphone for capture and record acoustic instruments, like acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, accordian and others.
I plan on use it both at home for recording as well live for capturing such instruments, so I think I'll go for a dynamic one.

In your opinion which microphone do you think would be the best for this purpose, costing up to £100

Thank you very much in advance for your help

Cheers

lilmark · #2 (**permalink**) 2nd July 2008 , 09:16 PM

on that kind of budget probably a sure sm57

JAYDMF · #3 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 06:25 AM

People are probably going to slay me for this but hey. When i first started buying mics i bought a pair of behringer B1s and tbh they do the job really well, theyre not a microphone that particularly makes anything suddenly begin to sparkle but on acoustic guitar etc theyre pretty go with the right mic technique. The other option is the C3 which is a cheaper version but does give you the option of switchable polar patterns, when using 2 mics you then have quite a range of mic techniques. Or if you can splash the cash then maybe the B2 which is the multi pattern version of the B1. The only other option i can think of, but this would only be a single mic is the Rode NT1AAt the end of the day you need a good chain throughout so if you only need the one mic then maybe a C3 and a preamp like an Art, or again the Behringer version of it may give you some nice results.

Mics:

Behringer C3

Behringer B1

NT1A

Mic Pre:

Behringer preamp

Samson preamp

steveski · #4 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 10:52 AM

Hi Country Joe,

I know you've said you'd go for a dynamic mic, but really for all these things, I would use a small diaphragm condenser microphone (or two). Recording an acoustic guitar with two mics gives you a lot more control in the mix. My suggestions would be the SE1A, AKG Perception 150 (hey why not get 2 of those - see dv247.com front page for offers!), or the Behringer C-3 as suggested earlier.

Robcore! · #5 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 11:00 AM

The AKG Perceptions are indeed good for general recording, but not really top end. Still, you get good quality for the price and the ability to record stereo for that cheap helps loads!
Other than that, the Rode NT1-A is just awesome

Pete Carter · #6 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 11:04 AM

i was impressed by my rode m3. i got 2 and it does give you a very good low noise acoustic sound. plus the option of battery for phantom is handy for mobile record that id now and then.

BSMo · #7 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 11:54 AM

Also, the Joemeek JM27 is a worthwhile consideration, I've done some very good recordings of acoustic guitars with that mic in the past, I've also used it to record a harmonium with good results, so I imagine it will work just as well with the accordion. I find it also works quite well on percussion too (djembe, bongos and glockenspiel), it's definately a nice all round mic, I'd not describe it a 'character mic', more 'honest' than anything else, and its green paint job is rather fetching too.

Personally, it wouldn't be my first choice on a double bass, but I can't say I've tried, so you never know...

Robcore! · #8 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 12:21 PM

Double Bass? wouldn't you be better off with a decent kick mic like a Shure beta 52A or something as well as a pencil type thing on the string for the pluck? You'd probably get a much better sound

BSMo · #9 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 01:15 PM

Hmm, well, he said 'acoustic bass', I automatically assumed he meant a double bass, but he could have easily meant an acoustic bass guitar. For that, and with with mics I have, I'd use a Rode NT-1a and and SM57.

Double basses are notoriously hard to mic though from what I understand, and it's not something I've done before. If I were faced with it, I probably would start with a bass drum mic, yeah...

Robcore! · #10 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSMo

Hmm, well, he said 'acoustic bass', I automatically assumed he meant a double bass, but he could have easily meant an acoustic bass guitar. For that, and with with mics I have, I'd use a Rode NT-1a and and SM57.

Double basses are notoriously hard to mic though from what I understand, and it's not something I've done before. If I were faced with it, I probably would start with a bass drum mic, yeah...

Ah right, hahah. You may be right, but I thought he was talking about an acoustic bass guitar. *shrugs*

JAYDMF · #11 (**permalink**) 3rd July 2008 , 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSMo

Hmm, well, he said 'acoustic bass', I automatically assumed he meant a double bass, but he could have easily meant an acoustic bass guitar. For that, and with with mics I have, I'd use a Rode NT-1a and and SM57.

Double basses are notoriously hard to mic though from what I understand, and it's not something I've done before. If I were faced with it, I probably would start with a bass drum mic, yeah...

Your not wrong. Did a recording of a 5 piece bluegrass outfit at uni and the bass was not easy to get right, it was really honky when a lowish D was played and it was the sort of thing you just couldnt get rid of no matter what. The low end of its range is really prominent whilst the higher end just seems to have no power. This one had a DI and that compensated for some of the less powerful range but it didnt sound that nice either. Tried all sorts to calm down the resonant area but nothing worked.

donotfearjazz · #12 (**permalink**) 5th July 2008 , 01:43 AM

I would endorse Pete Carters recommendation of the Rode M3. I have used these live on acoustic guitar, low whistles and flute with good results. They have good feedback rejection with a nice neutral character - steer clear of 'character' mics for a good all rounder. For bass I would try a good kick mic like the Audix D4 or D6.

SteveDVActon · #13 (**permalink**) 11th July 2008 , 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAYDMF

People are probably going to slay me for this but hey. When i first started buying mics i bought a pair of behringer B1s and tbh they do the job really well

post reported !!!

Kevin · #14 (**permalink**) 23rd July 2008 , 08:17 PM

The Shure Sm58 is affordable and is good its also good for live performances,or the SE1000A Condenser Microphone also a good Mic ive got it and its so nice. PRICE. 100 or Samson G-track its a good condenser microphone.

Cheers.....

negativeneutron · #15 (**permalink**) 28th July 2008 , 01:03 PM

Two things.

I see lots of people mentioning SM57's but no one sparing a thought for the Beta57a, which i personally find to be one of the most versatile mics around. I've used it on all kinds of percussion, brass, wind, guitars (electric and acoustic), male vocals. Well worth checking it out.

Also, I have an AKG P200 wich, while it ain't gonna beat a Neuman, performs very nicely for me considering it was less than a ton.

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#1 (permalink) 18th June 2008 , 08:30 AM
Country Joe Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1	Best affordable microphone for capture and record acoustic instruments Hello to all, I need a microphone for capture and record acoustic instruments, like acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, accordian and others. I plan on use it both at home for recording as well live for capturing such instruments, so I think I'll go for a dynamic one. In your opinion which microphone do you think would be the best for this purpose, costing up to £100 Thank you very much in advance for your help Cheers
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#5 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 11:00 AM
Robcore! Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Longbridge, Birmingham Posts: 33	The AKG Perceptions are indeed good for general recording, but not really top end. Still, you get good quality for the price and the ability to record stereo for that cheap helps loads! Other than that, the Rode NT1-A is just awesome ______________________________ "Those who danced were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."
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#8 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 12:21 PM
Robcore! Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Longbridge, Birmingham Posts: 33	Double Bass? wouldn't you be better off with a decent kick mic like a Shure beta 52A or something as well as a pencil type thing on the string for the pluck? You'd probably get a much better sound ______________________________ "Those who danced were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."
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#2 (permalink) 2nd July 2008 , 09:16 PM
lilmark Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 5	on that kind of budget probably a sure sm57
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#3 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 06:25 AM
JAYDMF Hell-Rider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gloucester Posts: 940	People are probably going to slay me for this but hey. When i first started buying mics i bought a pair of behringer B1s and tbh they do the job really well, theyre not a microphone that particularly makes anything suddenly begin to sparkle but on acoustic guitar etc theyre pretty go with the right mic technique. The other option is the C3 which is a cheaper version but does give you the option of switchable polar patterns, when using 2 mics you then have quite a range of mic techniques. Or if you can splash the cash then maybe the B2 which is the multi pattern version of the B1. The only other option i can think of, but this would only be a single mic is the Rode NT1AAt the end of the day you need a good chain throughout so if you only need the one mic then maybe a C3 and a preamp like an Art, or again the Behringer version of it may give you some nice results. Mics: Behringer C3 Behringer B1 NT1A Mic Pre: Behringer preamp Samson preamp
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#4 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 10:52 AM
steveski DV Staff Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3	Hi Country Joe, I know you've said you'd go for a dynamic mic, but really for all these things, I would use a small diaphragm condenser microphone (or two). Recording an acoustic guitar with two mics gives you a lot more control in the mix. My suggestions would be the SE1A, AKG Perception 150 (hey why not get 2 of those - see dv247.com front page for offers!), or the Behringer C-3 as suggested earlier.
Offline

#6 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 11:04 AM
Pete Carter Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 52	i was impressed by my rode m3. i got 2 and it does give you a very good low noise acoustic sound. plus the option of battery for phantom is handy for mobile record that id now and then.
Offline

#7 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 11:54 AM
BSMo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14	Also, the Joemeek JM27 is a worthwhile consideration, I've done some very good recordings of acoustic guitars with that mic in the past, I've also used it to record a harmonium with good results, so I imagine it will work just as well with the accordion. I find it also works quite well on percussion too (djembe, bongos and glockenspiel), it's definately a nice all round mic, I'd not describe it a 'character mic', more 'honest' than anything else, and its green paint job is rather fetching too. Personally, it wouldn't be my first choice on a double bass, but I can't say I've tried, so you never know...
Offline

#9 (permalink) 3rd July 2008 , 01:15 PM
BSMo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14	Hmm, well, he said 'acoustic bass', I automatically assumed he meant a double bass, but he could have easily meant an acoustic bass guitar. For that, and with with mics I have, I'd use a Rode NT-1a and and SM57. Double basses are notoriously hard to mic though from what I understand, and it's not something I've done before. If I were faced with it, I probably would start with a bass drum mic, yeah...
Offline

#12 (permalink) 5th July 2008 , 01:43 AM
donotfearjazz Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 6	I would endorse Pete Carters recommendation of the Rode M3. I have used these live on acoustic guitar, low whistles and flute with good results. They have good feedback rejection with a nice neutral character - steer clear of 'character' mics for a good all rounder. For bass I would try a good kick mic like the Audix D4 or D6.
Offline

#14 (permalink) 23rd July 2008 , 08:17 PM
Kevin Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 13	The Shure Sm58 is affordable and is good its also good for live performances,or the SE1000A Condenser Microphone also a good Mic ive got it and its so nice. PRICE. 100 or Samson G-track its a good condenser microphone. Cheers.....
Offline

#15 (permalink) 28th July 2008 , 01:03 PM
negativeneutron Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1	Two things. I see lots of people mentioning SM57's but no one sparing a thought for the Beta57a, which i personally find to be one of the most versatile mics around. I've used it on all kinds of percussion, brass, wind, guitars (electric and acoustic), male vocals. Well worth checking it out. Also, I have an AKG P200 wich, while it ain't gonna beat a Neuman, performs very nicely for me considering it was less than a ton.
Offline