mics or a pre/ for bluegrass

[rollingrecords]

hi, i mainly record bluegrass type stuff in my spare bedroom i have a aea r84 a at 4050
rode nt-5s and a gml 2032 mic pre, i like the pre cause it lets the mics color the sounds if i want dark i use the aea, cleaner i use the 4050. and it keeps the results sounding as live as possible, like a bluegrass band around a couple of mics. i dont know if i should get another pre, or another mic the rodes are the weakest link as a small diaphram condenser. i have some extra cash and was just wanting some opinions on what to buy ive looked at the great river, and the chandler germanium pres as a more colored pre option, to go with the clean of the gml. thanks all help appreciated

[Petimar]

You may want to look at any of the John Hardy pres. KM84 and Hardy M1 is a VERY nice combination.

For mandolin and banjo, I really like the Royer SF series (I use the SF12). On most fiddlers, I like the Royer R121, usually the backside. For Martin D guitars, I use the Blue Woodpecker. For other acoustic guitars, mostly vintage gibsons, I often use the Royer R122V.

Can you tell I'm a ribbon fan?

[Swingfingers]

I was asking myself the same question about 8 months ago and it sounds like my recording interests fall in line with yours. At the time my pre section consisted of Grace, True & Chameleon Labs and I still have no problem with any of them. My better mics at the time were Neumann 103 and km184 and AKG 414. Though one day a friend came over with an old Neumann M582 and I was blown away by it and ever since then I've been on the vintage Neumann hunt. I decided to pursue the mic collection first and I think it's made a very noticeable improvement in the tones my modest project studio produces. I'd recommend the mic pursuit. Try checking out the older Neumann KM84 or KM85 for a good sounding guitar and mandolin mic that could cost around $1K.

[kissingonstilts]

My experience has been that the mic will make a more dramatic difference than the pre. The KM84 or a Schoeps CMC6/MK4 or MK21 (I think I prefer the latter) would be good choices for naturaness and personality. I also like the Wunder CM7 (though not with the M7 capsule) and the Horch RM2J (with the red light on), but these are rather expensive - lovely though, even moreso than the 84 or Schoeps. If you're deeply moved by beautiful tone, get the mic that stirs you regardless of cost. It makes for a more meaningful life.

[66d35]

Another vote for finding a good KM84 here. They just work really well in this context. I run mine though a Focusrite Red 1 or ISA220.

Andy

[BluegrassDan]

Here's my opinion:

Obviously every instrument is going be different - but here are some of my "go to firsts".

Mandolin: Ribbon mic like a Beyerdynamic M160, RCA DX44, or even a Coles - paired with a transparent pre like a Grace 801. It will put that mandolin RIGHT where it needs to be in the mix! If it's a cheap "thin" sounding mandolin, you might mic it at the lower F-hole. If it's a good mandolin, listen to someplace out in front.

Banjo: THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL BLUEGRASS INSTRUMENTS!!! Start out with a Sennheiser MD441 (not a 421). Or try a ribbon like the ones above. Listen for "punch" with the banjo. Might be someplace around the outide edge of the head about a foot away or more. DON'T COMPRESS THE BANJO AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ya hear me??? NO COMPRESSION ON A BANJO FROM NOW UNTIL FOREVER!!!!

Guitar: Lots of info in the forums. Whatever sounds best for the guitar.

Fiddle: Lots of info also. Something that sounds good.

Upright Bass: read my post here - How to record a Double Bass?

Lots of luck!!!

[jmanjet]

There are some bluegrass pros that use Forssell Tech preamps. There are tube and non tube versions. They look very nice!