Single mic for recording vocals and acoustic guitar(cheap condensor vs. cheap ribbon)

sodiumcycle · 13th February 2006

I am recording an album with several instruments and need to get a mic that will work well with both vocals and acoustic guitar. Currently I have a few 57s and 58s but no condensors or ribbons. I'd like to know what the consensus is on cheap ribbons such as the Nadys and Pacific Pro Audio, and if they would potentially work better for a general use mic than a cheap consensor (Audio Technica 4033 or 4040, or possibly a Cad E100 or Kel.)

Any suggestions on doing this in the cheapest fasion? I'd like to track at home where it is most comfortable for me to work.

Bodoc · 13th February 2006

In my experience the Kelaudio HM-1 and the Marshall small diaphragm mic (e.g., MXL603) would be your best bet...especially if cost is a factor.

I own an Oktava ML52--it doesn't knock my socks of for your intended uses.. Interesting dark flavor for some guitar amps, but it likes a high gain preamp--and, for best results, probably, a preamp that has an adjustable impedance feature.

I also have the privilege of owning an AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic--wonderful but expensive!

So, IMHO, if cost is a factor, go with the condensers mentioned. They will be invaluable members of your growing mic collection, regardless of price!

garyk · 15th November 2006

I have a few "well know" mics, like AKG, Neuman, Shure..but I mostly get a lot of joy out of cheaper "unknowns."

For instance, the Sennheiser MD408, which is allegedly a small brother to the highly collectable MD409. It is a great sounding dynamic .... as are a few of the old europeans (telefunken, beyer, etc) which can be bought quite well if you avoid the better known models (like the MD421).

I have 3 of the MD408's and the cheapest cost me $20.
I have an MD421 and MD 409 .. and nice as they are, quite often the cheaper ones are great. I find vocals can be good with dynamics (as much as I like condensers)

Also unknown ribbons can be good. The Reslo is cheap, and with a new ribbon and nice transformer sounds good. I did a tube Mic Mod to an ADK and it sounds almost as good as my AKG C12B.

I encourage experimentation with lesser, uncollectable dynamics...

cdog · 15th November 2006

Go for the 4040, ribbons suck for general use

Will · 15th November 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdog

Go for the 4040, ribbons suck for general use

I agree, as far a vocals are concerned get the 4040, or another condensor. A ribbon with be loads of trouble on vocals, might be ok on acoustic, but as mentioned they are really low gain.

Condensor all the way, maybe two if you can afford it and do it stereo

paulneedles · 19th November 2006

depends on your style and your voice

strummed acoustic - go for the ribbon or an ev635a
fingerpicked acoustic - go for the condenser
sibilant voice - go for the ribbon
soft voice - go for the condenser or an ev635a

if you don't have good preamps i would go for the condenser, maybe get an ev635a
as well for strummed acoustic stuff and a harder sound on vocals for variety. the cheap ribbons are great but they're not all-rounders by any stretch of the imagination.

13th February 2006	#1
sodiumcycle Gear nut Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 84 Thread Starter	Single mic for recording vocals and acoustic guitar(cheap condensor vs. cheap ribbon) I am recording an album with several instruments and need to get a mic that will work well with both vocals and acoustic guitar. Currently I have a few 57s and 58s but no condensors or ribbons. I'd like to know what the consensus is on cheap ribbons such as the Nadys and Pacific Pro Audio, and if they would potentially work better for a general use mic than a cheap consensor (Audio Technica 4033 or 4040, or possibly a Cad E100 or Kel.) Any suggestions on doing this in the cheapest fasion? I'd like to track at home where it is most comfortable for me to work.

13th February 2006	#2
Bodoc Gear addict Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Montauk, NY Posts: 350	Bang for Buck opinion In my experience the Kelaudio HM-1 and the Marshall small diaphragm mic (e.g., MXL603) would be your best bet...especially if cost is a factor. I own an Oktava ML52--it doesn't knock my socks of for your intended uses.. Interesting dark flavor for some guitar amps, but it likes a high gain preamp--and, for best results, probably, a preamp that has an adjustable impedance feature. I also have the privilege of owning an AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic--wonderful but expensive! So, IMHO, if cost is a factor, go with the condensers mentioned. They will be invaluable members of your growing mic collection, regardless of price!

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15th November 2006	#3
garyk Gear interested Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 27	I have a few "well know" mics, like AKG, Neuman, Shure..but I mostly get a lot of joy out of cheaper "unknowns." For instance, the Sennheiser MD408, which is allegedly a small brother to the highly collectable MD409. It is a great sounding dynamic .... as are a few of the old europeans (telefunken, beyer, etc) which can be bought quite well if you avoid the better known models (like the MD421). I have 3 of the MD408's and the cheapest cost me $20. I have an MD421 and MD 409 .. and nice as they are, quite often the cheaper ones are great. I find vocals can be good with dynamics (as much as I like condensers) Also unknown ribbons can be good. The Reslo is cheap, and with a new ribbon and nice transformer sounds good. I did a tube Mic Mod to an ADK and it sounds almost as good as my AKG C12B. I encourage experimentation with lesser, uncollectable dynamics...

15th November 2006	#4
cdog Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 3,559 3 Reviews written	Go for the 4040, ribbons suck for general use

19th November 2006	#6
paulneedles Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 175	depends on your style and your voice strummed acoustic - go for the ribbon or an ev635a fingerpicked acoustic - go for the condenser sibilant voice - go for the ribbon soft voice - go for the condenser or an ev635a if you don't have good preamps i would go for the condenser, maybe get an ev635a as well for strummed acoustic stuff and a harder sound on vocals for variety. the cheap ribbons are great but they're not all-rounders by any stretch of the imagination.