Some suggestions for future mic purchase?

[Paul D]

Just out of curiosity, I'm looking for some opinions as to what may be a next possible mic(s) I might consider purchasing. I own a Neumann TLM 103 (with Avalon M5), which I use to record male and female vocals, acoustic guitar, saxophones, and clarinets. In the future, I may want to record a drum kit, as well. I also own a Shure SM57, which I've been using to record guitar amp and sometimes vocal sounds, although I generally prefer using the TLM for vocals. Any suggestions? Thanks. Paul

[michaelhoddy]

I'd go for a pair of small-diaphragm condensers, probably directional ones. From the sound of things, these will serve you well with many of the things you record, including acoustic guitars (which you can do in stereo with the pair or with the TLM-103), acoustic instruments like flute and strings, drum apps (overhead and hi-hat), and various percussion. You can also use 'em X-Y for stereo room miking.

Cheaper ($300 each and less) ideas that work well are Shure SM81s and some of the Audio-Technica SD mics in the 30 and 40-series. Upmarket possibilities include the Neumann KM180 series, some of the Earthworks mics, and maybe even B&K.

Following that purchase, I'd go for a larger diaphragm dynamic mic that will work well on low-frequency instruments like kick drums, bass guitar cabinets, horns, tympani, lower percussion, etc. My personal preference is the Sennheiser MD421, but others use the AKG D-112, Shure Beta 52, etc.

[Nika]

Just a note, B&K mics are now known as DPA.

I like the advice.

Nika

[michaelhoddy]

Thanks for the clarification, Nika. Jeff Hollman told me that a while ago on the phone, I just forgot.

[Paul D]

Thanks for the mics/applications suggestions...exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for! Paul

[TexasT]

Any different suggestions if I plan to record vocals and guitar electric/Amp + acoustic using a Avalon 5 on PC recording system?

thanks!

[michaelhoddy]

What kind of budget do you have? Given the applications you have listed, at least 2, possibly 3 different mic types are in order which would serve you well.

1. Large-diaphragm condenser. For what you are doing, it's not likely that you need a multi-pattern mic, as just a cardioid pattern will work just fine. For the money, I'm rather taken with the Audio-Technica AT4033. It works great on most vocals, sounds awesome on acoustic guitars, and especially when run through a good preamp will fool you into thinking it's a mic that costs 3 or 4 times as much. You can get a new 4033 for around $300 these days. The other single-pattern LDC mic that a lot of people use around here is the Neumann TLM-103. This mic obviously has that Neumann pedigree, and will also work great for both vocals and acoustic guitars if you want to spend more (around $800). The 103 is a smoother-sounding mic with less HF hype, in the Neumann tradition. For multi-pattern mics in this under-$1000 bracket, I use both the Audio-Technica AT4050 and AKG C414B-ULS quite a bit, and they also work very well for vocals and acoustic guitars.

2. Dynamic mic. If you're close-miking guitar cabinets, you'll want one. Almost everyone uses a Shure SM57 for this. Buy one for $90, and be done with it. :) Some people use things like the Sennheiser MD421U, but the Shure works great for a fraction of the cost. In addition to the close mic, many engineers will also place a LD condenser (like the ones above) as a "room" mic.

3. Directional small-diaphragm condenser. This one isn't necessary like the first two, but you may find you like the results of a smaller diaphragm (I do) on guitars. Using the large-diaphragm on the sound hole, and a small diaphragm on the neck will also yield you a good stereo guitar sound. Some of the ones I mentioned in my previous post above would work well.

I'd get the large diaphragm condenser first, and when you have some spare change, pick up the SM57. Then maybe look at the smaller diaphragm.