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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: DCDireWolf on July 20, 2004, 08:06:13 PM

Title: mics faq?
Post by: DCDireWolf on July 20, 2004, 08:06:13 PM

Hey folks.

I did some searching over the past few days in the archive and generally for a newbie's guide to buying mics.

While there are plenty of threads on specific products, there isn't a general thread on the basics.  I don't know jack about mics, what do I need to know, what should I be considering, when I buy my first pair?  What's the criteria to weigh?  I assume there are choices to be made based on style, construction, price, technology, personal bias?

If anyone wants to share their knowledge, I'd (and I'm guessing a few lurkers) would be really grateful.

Thanks again for everyone who makes this forum possible.

Peace.

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: hzgone on July 21, 2004, 01:18:12 AM

First off what is your budget, what type of music would you like to record.  Open taping or stealth.  I little bit more info would be helpful.  Do you have any thing else like a pre, cables, stand, etc.  +T for joining

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: DCDireWolf on July 21, 2004, 08:51:44 AM

Thanks for replies, and the link.

I don't plan on doing much if any stealth taping, not at this point.  Authorized gigs only.

I'm starting from scratch here, I have a recording device (iRiver H140), and a couple of digital/optical cables, and that's it.  I have a friend's 13 foot stand I can use for now.

I can spend up $800-$1,000 total on mics, and about $400-500 on a preamp.  I'll be taping the ususal jam band subjects, so the rooms will range from small clubs and bars to festivals to outdoor sheds to basketball gyms. 

Thanks again!

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: Nick Graham on July 21, 2004, 01:51:09 PM

ADK TLs>UA5 is definitely a great option in that price range, here are a few others:

AKG 300/ck91 ($600 new)>UA5 ($350 new)
MBHO 603/KA200n ($900 new)>MP2 ($350 used)

Any of these options will give you a couple of hundred or more left over for shockmounts, t-bar, cables, etc.

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: Tim on July 21, 2004, 02:16:17 PM

DAT-Heads Mic FAQ

http://www.harmony-central.com/Other/mic-faq.txt

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: Brian on July 21, 2004, 02:19:25 PM

Quote from: Moke on July 21, 2004, 09:34:40 AM

ADK TL's > UA5 (oade mod)

dgi mod + transparent mod or warm mod. i ran TLs>wmod and loved it!

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: DCDireWolf on July 21, 2004, 05:48:14 PM

Thanks everybody for the suggestions and links.  Research and shopping is going to be fun. 

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: Tim on July 22, 2004, 02:01:11 PM

Quote from: DCDireWolf on July 21, 2004, 05:48:14 PM

Thanks everybody for the suggestions and links.  Research and shopping is going to be fun. 

have fun!

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: Brian on July 22, 2004, 02:03:21 PM

if you think research is fun wait til you actually start taping and listening to the shows you've taped. it gets even cooler :)

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: DCDireWolf on July 22, 2004, 02:25:15 PM

Yeah!  I'm pretty excited about it!  Shit, even when i just patched in to someone and did no work other than stopping and starting my recorder I got excited about it.  When I'm running my own rig?  Watch out.  ;)

Peace.

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: jpschust on July 22, 2004, 02:54:28 PM

if you are actually in DC there are tons of people who own mics that you can patch off of for a while to see what you like

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: DCDireWolf on July 22, 2004, 03:13:32 PM

I am in DC, work, live and play there.  I've met a couple guys here that tape and who are helping me quite a bit.  I definitely look forward to seeing and hearing what some of you use. 

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: jpschust on July 22, 2004, 03:17:22 PM

ive got a ton of gear that can be listened to/borrowed/taped with.  im king slut in this region i think

Title: Re: mics faq?
Post by: DCDireWolf on July 22, 2004, 03:27:25 PM

Right on.  As soon as I put together some sort of rig (minus mics for the time being) together you'll definitely see me around.  I'll be the guy asking a lot of questions and not understanding the answers  ;) ???