Need a cheap, versatile mic.

[ibackstabfor4d6dmg]

I'm getting a 4 track recorder, mainly to record solo stuff and use it for songwriting, but I also want to record one of my side projects on it. We'll be recording mainly acoustic guitars, vocals, and an upright bass. I want a mic that can do a decent job at all of that.

I looked at the shure sm57, and it looks good, but I read that bass sounds pretty thin on it. I'm primarily a bassist, so it's pretty important that the bass sounds good. Has anyone who uses sm57's found any problems with it?

Any help or advice would be appreciated

[airborne50caliber]

For the uses you mentioned, a condenser, although the 57 will be the best choice you can make if you want a dynamic.

[ibackstabfor4d6dmg]

What is the difference between condenser and dynamic?

And what would be a good condenser, then?

Thanks.

[airborne50caliber]

Don't bother with the principles of operation, but a condenser usually looks bigger and fatter and you seldom see them live. They are more sensitive than your normal dynamic mics (Nearly all the ice-cream like ones are dynamic, including the 57) and capture a much wider frequency spectrum and due to the flatness of their response are more true-to-life to the original sound. These features make it ideal for acoustic guitars, vocals and upright bass. A condenser will almost surely be better for you, but you may choose to go for a dynamic for several reasons (You want to scream into it from close, you want heavier, harsher vocals, you want to use it live and need something sturdy) In which case choose the 57 or something similar because only then will it do justice to your acoustic guitar.

[gaz12369]

http://www.thomann.de/thoiw2_the_tbone_mb75_prodinfo.html

I've just ordered myself one of these (along with a t.bone condensor, the Retro jr if ur interested), when i get it, hopefully tomorrow or friday, but i cant be sure, but whenever it is, il post a lil review of it for you, but it seems to be an unbranded sm57, for £25 :D


Gaz

[airborne50caliber]

Yeah I remember you talking about the retro. I doubt its an actual 57, more like a replica - but should be good. Let us know how it is. I just did my first proper recording with NT1A and its stunning!

[gaz12369]

yeah, i couldnt get any full spec on the 57 style one, maybe il get some in the manual or something, but il try to get hold of a real one and do some A/B tests with it at some point.

Heh, any chance of us hearing how it sounds :naughty:

[ibackstabfor4d6dmg]

I'm looking at the Behringer B-1 condenser mic, but it says it requires 48V phantom power. I've read what that is, but what will I need to power it?

Also, is this a good mic to buy?

[ThePinkPanther]

for phantom power, certain mixers come with a special switch to turn on the phantom power

my band uses these 100 dollar Sennheisers, not sure what they are cause my drummer owns all the stuff, i think they are the E835's and they are very good for vocals and mic-ing amps nd such

[airborne50caliber]

my band uses these 100 dollar Sennheisers, not sure what they are cause my drummer owns all the stuff, i think they are the E835's and they are very good for vocals and mic-ing amps nd such

Those are dynamic mics - I believe similar in specs to the 58.

I'm looking at the Behringer B-1 condenser mic, but it says it requires 48V phantom power. I've read what that is, but what will I need to power it?

Also, is this a good mic to buy?

Yes, it is, but only if you've already got something that provides phantom power, such as a mixer, preamp, or interface. It's a decent condenser for starting out and has satisfied people in many cases. I have not tried it myself.

Heh, any chance of us hearing how it sounds

I'm making a new thread about it called "Hobo Blues with NT1A and 57"