Quote:
Originally Posted by emdub123  I like the "vintage" tone of my MXL V69ME but might recommend something different if it's the only mic you'll use. If your budget is under $300, both Audio-Technica and Rode make mics that sound good. I've personally used the Rode NT-1A and the AT4033 or AT4040 (wasn't mine, can't remember) but they both sounded noticeably better than my first mic, an MXL990. For recording acoustic guitar, all of my condensers sound better than my SM57. If you get a mid-level LDC, it will most likely be able to record acoustic guitars very well, so you may be able to "save" a couple bucks by just getting a good LDC instead of two lesser mics. |
I second all of this above.
I started with the MXL990, which was nice for learning the ropes. Then I eventually upgraded to the Rode NT1-A (after trying a number of the other mics suggested here) and found it to be a fantastic choice for acoustic (high-end Taylor, strummed, fingerpicked, and lead) as well as my vocals (male, big range, melodic rock). Really a great, versatile mic, and totally road-worthy.
Other things to consider for total portability (of which I am also a big fan), all of them bus-powered:
Glyph PortaGig // FireWire 400. USB 2.0. Bus-powered. (7200rpm external drive that is really pocket-sized)
Alesis :: iO|14 or
MOTU.com - UltraLite Overview
And if you play electric (of for that matter, want their REMARKABLE suite of "GearBox" plugins that are great for everything), any of the Line 6 TonePort models (all bus-powered, and you can upgrade them all in different flavors to the full Plug-In suite): UX1, UX2, KB37 --
Line 6 - TonePort
If you were at least somewhat a synth guy as well, I'd suggest Logic Express as your DAW, because of the remarkable MIDI capability in addition to its first-rate pro audio specs. But if you have Reason, and it can be ReWired through Reaper, then you'll be fine on that front anyway (though the score editor might be sorely missed).
It's good to see that you're researching everything so closely. Good luck with whatever you choose!
