I need a new microphone for recording acoustic 6-string, 12-string and vocals. Am using a Tascam US 4x4HR DAW with Cubase Elements 13. A friend recommends the Shure SM7B although I’ve seen mixed reviews. Also see the Shure SM4-K is available. I’ve also looked into the AT2035. Which mic would you recommend for the above. I just want a nice clean reproduction. Also, which signal booster would you recommend. Appreciate your thoughts Mike
I have different recommendations for the different tasks.
I would recommend a small membrane condenser mic (2031) for the guitar and the 2035 or 2050 for vocals.
If you really need to do it with just one microphone, I would recommend a universal usable mic like the Audio Technica ATM710.
I had brilliant results with it in live sound applications.
Not necessary with the above mics. Just an ordinary preamp that can deliver phantom power. The interface has that already.
Thank you. Will check these out. I am using my old Samson C01s at the moment and the sound is pretty rough. I find am having to turn the input gain well up to get a decent level, then the sound is distorted. It’s not clipping but is distorted and I think it’s just the mics are shot. Mike
I love the sE Electronics Z5600a MKII Tube Mic
Anything I throw in front of it sounds amazing.
Extremely flexible and punches way above its weight.
Give Shure SM81 a try
What’s your budget?
When shopping for microphones for studio use, one is truly spoiled for choice these days. With the plethora of microphone manufacturers, even with a set budget in mind, it is impossible to single out one that is “best”. It tends to come down to the instrument (or vocalist), the context, the acoustic space and personal preference. This is why studios can have a choice of 10+ suitable microphones for vocals, all great sounding, but for slightly different purposes or sonic characteristics.
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I have this microphone and it gives interesting results for both vocals and instruments and it is very affordable.
Many thanks for all your replies, excellent info. Budget about £350, be divorce if spent a grand on a mic. So my mate is adamant I need a Shure SM7B and the Shure SM81 is about a similar price. Will keep looking at reviews and please keep suggestions coming or any other advice welcome. Mike
As @mlib pointed out - there is no such thing as the “best” mic.
It all depends on the situation, budget etc. Basically, you can do everything with anything these days - it´s all a matter of personal taste and preferences.
However, I think you should be aware of the difference between a condenser and a dymanic microphone (among other types). The SM7B falls into the category dynamic mic and although the old SM7s were used on all sorts of iconic recordings you might want to check out how a condenser sounds and feels like.
My advice: Go to a store and compare different sorts of mics or, if no store nearby, order at least two different categories of mics for comparison. The differences are huge…
At the end of the day - follow your gut feeling.
Good luck!
If he or she is so adamant, don’t ask for advice, buy this microphone…
As I said earlier, I have seen conflicting views on it. I’m asking for advice from others who might know better. It’s a Forum.
You are absolutely right, this is a forum and you can ask users for their opinions.
You should also know that there is no perfect microphone. Many factors can make a microphone work well for one situation and for other situations, it would be better to have an alternative. However, the quality of the preamp can make a big difference. It is up to you to judge the quality of the result based on the general context of the song or other factors.
However, I do not think it is a bad investment.
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Interesting, Shure SM7B for acoustic guitars?
That would be my last choice for acoustic guitar.
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Interesting, what would be your first choice? Mike
Neumann KM184, dpa 2012, Sennheiser MKH-8090/8040 or Schoeps MK4 and AKG C414 or AT4050 for special cases.
Yeah that would be nice but way outwith my budget. I’m just trying to record some of my material to a decent standard. So, if your budget was £350 what might you by? Mike
AT2050 and AT2031 to cover both, vocal and acoustic guitar. I would add a pop-screen for the vocals too.
Thanks again, they’re certainly affordable. Interested in what others think of these. Mike