Mics for Strings

[nickamat]

I'm currently looking for some mics to use for a strings group during performances and possibly recording. We are on a budget, less than $100 is preferrable per mic. These mics will be fed to a Peavy Unity 1002, and then output through reinforcement spkrs. Please help, thanks!

Matthew Nickasch

[Nika]

Matthew,

Great question! I do a lot of string micing, but am unfamiliar with the microphones available under $100. It would be great if you could afford some condensers, but those will probably cost twice as much. Hopefully someone else, here, has some experience they can share with you.


Cheers!
Nika.

[michaelhoddy]

The ubiquitous SM57 is the only mic of any quality that is available for under $100 that I know of that would work in that capacity, and even it would be far from ideal, between its frequency response characteristics and dynamic capsule.

If you can afford a condenser, it would be far better, as has been stated. The cheapest condensers that I have heard that would sound good are the Audio-Technica 3527/28 small-diaphragms (available as an omni or cardioid). Those are available for around $160 from some sources. Another possibility would be the Shure SM94 cardioid.

From my experience, it is far preferable to own a smaller number (say, a pair) of better-quality mics than to own a quantity of mediocre mics. The better mics will serve you better in the long run.

[nickamat]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I've definitely been looking at the SM57, but would really like to go with condensers. I might try either the Audio Technica 35 series mics, or possibly the Studio Projects C1. Any ideas on the Studio Project's mics for strings? Thanks a bunch

Matthew

[macros4]

I've tried the Behringer ECM8000 measurement Omnis on Cello (in both sound reinforcement and studio setups) and they're quite nice (especially for there price - $35 each!) but they might be a problem in really quiet passages - their noise level is ~17dB
They're great as a stereo pair for pianos and ensembles if you don't have a lot of cash to spend
Hope this helps!

[wrave]

I have an Audio Technica 822 that is a nice condenser sterio mic. It uses a AA bettery for power so you don't need phantom power. Good frequency response and a roll-off switch. I use it to mic acoustic instruments and in the field. Reasonably priced (but over $100).

[Music4everybody]

About two years ago I was in exactly your situation. I picked up about Four diferrent condensors over a one year period that I scored, each time for around 100. My first choice would be a AKG C1000s, if you look on Ebay you may be able to score one for around 100 bucks I got mine for 120. Next Would be the MXL 603s I have seen these around that price on ebay as well. Lastly is a mic that I love on Upright bass. If you go on ebay and search for an Apex 430 There's a place in florida that sells them brand new, with a 25' cable for $109, this one is a large condensor with a great off-axis sound which is great when you're doing ensemble stuff where the mic is needed for more than a couple instruments. Oh wait one more is the Shure B.G 9.1 it is a small diaphragm condensor that has the Same capsule as the SM81(around 350 bucks) the only diffenrce is it dosn't have the -10, -20db pad, as well as it doesn't have the three postion bass roll off. But it sounds really good and I saw a bunch on Ebay for 100 dollars. Look on ebay with the smart search put in Condesor mic and set your price range I'm sure you can find something. Goood Luck!

[blacko3788]

Mathew you can buy an ok condensor from Russian made Oktava Microphones for around the 150 dollar mark and an even better one for 2 hundred. I hate to steer people away from sweetwater but I'd hate for you to buy a sure 57 or even a cardiod mic when you should be using a condensor mic even though it's russian...he he