2 Mics (suggestions)

[LittleJeff]

need 2 mics for some home recording.

got £150 max budget

miking up vocals and an acoustic guitar.

any suggestions?

[Roflcopter]

I'm a bit surprised noone chimes in here, and even though we discussed it at length in the shoutbox last night, I'll repeat - use your ears, primarily, but also check out an acceptable pre-amp.

[thelevellers]

I hear good things about Shure mics... But I have no personal experience with anything other than my 'skype' headset...

[dc2daylight]

need 2 mics for some home recording.

got £150 max budget

miking up vocals and an acoustic guitar.

any suggestions?

Hi Jeff

Given your needs, the only mic that comes to mind for both applications is the AKG 414. A bit pricey, though.

At a mid price point would be the Audio Technica.

It will be difficult to find only 2 mics ideal for acoustic guitar and vocals. I suggest a total of 3:

I prefer a large diaphragm condensor for vocals and small diaphragm condensors for guitar. The small diaphragms will be prone to Popping P's on vocals. The larger diaphragm will have less (not none) of a problem with that, but won't be quite as crisp on the guitar.

There are several choices for guitar. I personally most often choose the AKG 460 with the CK 61 capsule (some have the CK1 which I find a bit bright), but they are likely out of your budget.

The mics that would be in your price range would include:

MXL 990 for vocals

MXL 604 and Oktava MK012

Would be good choices for guitar.

All of the mics I suggest will be less consistent in manufacture than the more expensive mics, e.g. AKG, Neumman, etc., so make sure you will be able to exchange it if you get a bad one.

Happy recording.

Check out the picture links in my signature and add comments if you like.

Edited August 5, 2008 by dc2daylight

[Nightwolf]

I prefer a large diaphragm condensor for vocals and small diaphragm condensors for guitar. The small diaphragms will be prone to Popping P's on vocals. The larger diaphragm will have less (not none) of a problem with that, but won't be quite as crisp on the guitar.

Good info there!

I can speak to the Octavas, I have a stereo pair I just started using for acoustic guitar and they sound great!! Some guitar mics come in factory mated pairs which makes them excellent for stereo recordings of single instruments.

[Prometheus]

I hear good things about Shure mics... But I have no personal experience with anything other than my 'skype' headset...

Sure SM58's are excellent all purpose mics, and retail at a reasonable price...