What mics are good for Flamenco Guitar that are not too bright

[lestat26]

Does anyone know what mics will be good for recording Flamenco guitar?

I posted a thread recently looking for advise on recording flamenco guitar with the equipment I already have. I have the km184, and the mxl v69. I believe these mics are too bright, and they seem not to have the sound tone in lots of recordings in the genre of nouveau flamenco, flamenco guitar.

Mic pres:

Grace M101
Universal Audio Solo 610

[NathanEldred]

What's the target budget? Based on your other gear's price range (up to around $800 each?), more mellow/not especially bright sounding mics that I know of are:

ADK Hamburg Mk8 (LD condenser)
Beyerdynamic M160 (ribbon)
Beyerdynamic MC930 (SD condenser, just a little air in the top, but less bright than the 184)
Cascade FatHead II (Ribbon)
AEA R92 (ribbon)
Peluso R14 (ribbon)

[5down1up]

the km 184 is a nice mic and the pres you have are very good as well. you really dont like the result ? hard to tell without hearing it, but too bright on a guitar ?

[TonyBelmont]

Too bright or too harsh in the top end?

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by 5down1up

the km 184 is a nice mic and the pres you have are very good as well. you really dont like the result ? hard to tell without hearing it, but too bright on a guitar ?

I'll post a few strums on here soon so you can hear it.

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Too bright or too harsh in the top end?

I'm thinking to bright. Also, I have heard other genres of music where the steal string acoustic guitars sound pretty good with the km184. More rock , folk etc. But for nylon string , it doesn't match the sonic tone that I hear on recordings, anywhere from Ottmar Liebert , Alex Fox, Jeese Cook, and a whole slew of other artist playing flamenco guitar .

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by lestat26

I'm thinking to bright. Also, I have heard other genres of music where the steal string acoustic guitars sound pretty good with the km184. More rock , folk etc. But for nylon string , it doesn't match the sonic tone that I hear on recordings, anywhere from Ottmar Liebert , Alex Fox, Jeese Cook, and a whole slew of other artist playing flamenco guitar .

Hmmm... maybe a U47 style mic like a Peluso 47 LE... or possibly a ribbon, then.

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

What's the target budget? Based on your other gear's price range (up to around $800 each?), more mellow/not especially bright sounding mics that I know of are:

ADK Hamburg Mk8 (LD condenser)
Beyerdynamic M160 (ribbon)
Beyerdynamic MC930 (SD condenser, just a little air in the top, but less bright than the 184)
Cascade FatHead II (Ribbon)
AEA R92 (ribbon)
Peluso R14 (ribbon)

I do also have one ribbon, it is the budgeted Nady RSM-2. I think I will give this one a try again with a fresh outlook. Yes my price range can be as you said compared to my other gear. Also, I'm pretty sure the pros flamenco artist are not using the Nady RSM-2 for there recording, that's why I posted here as well. To see what other options are out there.

I will look inot these mics that you have posted. thanks

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Hmmm... maybe a U47 style mic like a Peluso 47 LE... or possibly a ribbon, then.

I'll look into the ribbons. The Peluso is out of my range a little. Any consensors, 600.00 or less?

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by lestat26

I do also have one ribbon, it is the budgeted Nady RSM-2. I think I will give this one a try again with a fresh outlook. Yes my price range can be as you said compared to my other gear. Also, I'm pretty sure the pros flamenco artist are not using the Nady RSM-2 for there recording, that's why I posted here as well. To see what other options are out there.

I will look inot these mics that you have posted. thanks

I've never heard the Nady. Worst case scenario it will give you an idea of the texture that a ribbon can bring to the table, which you may or may not like. FWIW, the two condensers I listed are both under $600 (as you asked).

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by lestat26

Any consensors, 600.00 or less?

None that I can recommend.

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Too bright or too harsh in the top end?

I think both.

[nas]

Originally Posted by lestat26

I'll look into the ribbons. The Peluso is out of my range a little. Any consensors, 600.00 or less?

a single BeyerDynamic MC930 costs 600 U.S. dollars and it is a superb SDC for this application - very smooth top end. You can also buy them in matched pairs for less than a grand. Sounds great on percussion as well.

[drBill]

You need to find yourself an original KM84. Or two if you're doing solo guitar. Once you use those on flamenco-ish type nylon strings you'll never let go of them. Very different than the 184's.

Another option would be a pair of KM54's if you can locate them and have the budget. Add an older 87 or 67 and you'll be in love.

bp

[JordanA]

I have a a good friend who plays flamenco. We get lots of time to try new mics and preamps. I think the best for flamenco are ribbon mics. I found the R122 to be my favorite out of many others. You also want a preamp with lots of headroom. The music should be dynamic!! I would use your Grace for close detail and use the UA for the room if needed.

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by nas

a single BeyerDynamic MC930 costs 600 U.S. dollars and it is a superb SDC for this application - very smooth top end. You can also buy them in matched pairs for less than a grand. Sounds great on percussion as well.

thanks for the info.

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by iordan

I have a a good friend who plays flamenco. We get lots of time to try new mics and preamps. I think the best for flamenco are ribbon mics. I found the R122 to be my favorite out of many others. You also want a preamp with lots of headroom. The music should be dynamic!! I would use your Grace for close detail and use the UA for the room if needed.

I heard about this one. A little out of my budget. I thought about looking for one used. I might be able to save for this on the long run.

[Mr.HOLMES]

I thought you have two KM 184 if it is not working with them there should be something wrong with other things....my 2 cents.

[ssaudio]

Originally Posted by lestat26

Does anyone know what mics will be good for recording Flamenco guitar?

My mics of choice when working with these styles are Sennheiser MKH40 and 20s and DPA 4066 and 4011s. Pres by DAV, Millenia and Focusrite i.e. very clean and quiet
Ribbons can do a good job and I like them, but the majority of players/labels prefer a more modern sound in my experience

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by Mr.HOLMES

I thought you have two KM 184 if it is not working with them there should be something wrong with other things....my 2 cents.

Hi Mr. Holmes,

I have only one. The over brightness could be my guitar. My guitar is the Cordoba Flamenco Pro: Cordoba Pro-F Flamenco Guitar Spruce Top, Cypress back and sides. I just played a Cedar top with Rosewood back and sides tonight, major difference in tone. Basically what I think matches the tone I want. I liked it alot better for what I want to record. I might make a purchase tommorrow, the Manuel Rodriques C3 for $250.00 in my town, if the guy calls me back. I'll go cheap with this one first before spending alot just yet. Talk to you soon.

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by nas

a single BeyerDynamic MC930 costs 600 U.S. dollars and it is a superb SDC for this application - very smooth top end. You can also buy them in matched pairs for less than a grand. Sounds great on percussion as well.

Out of all the mic recommendations I received, I decided to go with the Beyerdynamic MC930. I had it now for a week or so, and I really love this mic. Very smooth top end? Yes. Thanks Nathan, Nos, and everyone for there input.

[elkpantscamino]

ksm32

perfect mics for tthis

[lestat26]

Originally Posted by elkpantscamino

ksm32

perfect mics for tthis

Never tried the Km32, but heard great things about it.