Gear / Technical Help > Microphones & Setup

Mic for close micing amp/acoustic instruments

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johnw:
I'm looking for a cheap mic to mix an amp and acoustic instruments. The Shure SM57 seems like the simple answer but was wondering what other stuff is out there in that price range. I know the 57 is used on amps a lot, but am not sure how well that would do from a distance to mic an acoustic guitar and mandolin.

anodyne33:
I don't know that there's a good catch all. When I worked in a studio we'd typically start with a 57 )and experiment with axis, distance and cone placement) and maybe a TLM103 a 414 distance. For acoustic instruments the starting point was something like a KM84i or two and a U89 or the 103 and maybe a ribbon as well. That was true of anything from an upright or a guitar (usually one focused on each bout) to a grand. Now, if we had something else in at the time in at the time we give anything a shot. Basically for a whole group (rock bands to string quartets) we'd set a day aside to mic the session.

/long winded rant

What I'm trying to say is, there's not one catch all that I know of, but normally a dynamic and a condenser made a good pair. Now, you don't have to drop a few grand on a TLM103 and a KM84i. MXL, Blue and AT make respectable mics in the sub $100 range that can get you up and moving.

I guess I should have asked if you're recording or doing sound reinforcement first. for live applications you'll see the AT451 everywhere on every thing from mando to guitar to fiddle. Makes a great hi hat mic too.

johnw:
Thanks for the suggestions - this is for backyard concerts.

By AT451 did you mean an AKG 451? or AT 4051? Both are significantly more than the 57 and I'm trying to keep this around $100/mic

Ronmac:
The Audio Technica 2020 is a great mic for cheap, but if you are using it live you need to be aware of its pickup characteristic and sensitivity to avoid feedback. It sounds great on acoustic instruments and I can't think of a better all rounder (with caveats) in the same price range.

anodyne33:

--- Quote from: johnw on September 11, 2017, 05:43:55 PM ---Thanks for the suggestions - this is for backyard concerts.

By AT451 did you mean an AKG 451? or AT 4051? Both are significantly more than the 57 and I'm trying to keep this around $100/mic

--- End quote ---

I'm nuts. I was talking AKG 451, but I didn't realize what the price point was. Try a Sure SM94. Still a good SD for acoustic instruments.

Used will be on par $ with a new 57

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