Signal Path and Mic Questions

Hammy · 2nd January 2006

I sure would appreciate some feedback on these issues...

I have been out of the recording business for almost 20 years, but have kept up somewhat with gear, reviews,etc.

I want to spend my money on some high end preamps and mics, then go into my computer with an Apogee Rosetta AD/DA converter. I will be recording acoustic instruments almost exclusively, classical, bluegrass, folk.

question 1) Do I really need an eq and comp/limiter inline before the Rosetta? (assuming I am using an API 512c ,DW Fearn, or Vintech 1270) I understand the Rosetta will do some very nice limited compression on it's own.

question 2) I have a Neumann U87, and I will buy a stereo pair of AKG 414's. I am also considering a Brauner Phantom C and a Royer 121 or 122. Are there any other must-have mics in your opinion for recording acoustic instruments? I will use 2 mics on guitar, I thought about the Royer or phantom C for violin. What about micing an acoustic Bass or mandolin?

Thanks in advance for your input and opinions!

chuckj · 2nd January 2006

#1....If this is strictly a personal project studio and you have all the time you need to experiment with different mics and positionings then I would say an eq and comp would not be strictly necessary. If it's on the clock time for a commercial facility then I find having the availability of an eq and comp to be able to tweak so I can get going faster is a nice convenience. My preference would be to have as much time as I need to move and select different mics but this is never the case in my sessions.

#2...a U87 and a pair of 414's are a good start. Add a Brauner and a Royer and I'd personally be a happy camper. Maybe a 421 or RE20 of you are going to record alot of acoustic bass although I have had some nice success with a u87 on acoustic bass.
As always, YMMV!

Ah, the gear buying is starting early for '06!

Hammy · 2nd January 2006

I also have a c4000b, the addition of the Sennheiser and EV would be very economical. The eq and comp/limiters can be no slouch, But I may need to go
to a mid-priced multichannel box for everything except the API's. I actually love
my DBX 366 in certain applications. Thanks, Chuck for your thoughts.

2nd January 2006	#3
Hammy Gear interested Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3 Thread Starter	Reply to Chuck I also have a c4000b, the addition of the Sennheiser and EV would be very economical. The eq and comp/limiters can be no slouch, But I may need to go to a mid-priced multichannel box for everything except the API's. I actually love my DBX 366 in certain applications. Thanks, Chuck for your thoughts.

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2nd January 2006	#1
Hammy Gear interested Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3 Thread Starter	Signal Path and Mic Questions I sure would appreciate some feedback on these issues... I have been out of the recording business for almost 20 years, but have kept up somewhat with gear, reviews,etc. I want to spend my money on some high end preamps and mics, then go into my computer with an Apogee Rosetta AD/DA converter. I will be recording acoustic instruments almost exclusively, classical, bluegrass, folk. question 1) Do I really need an eq and comp/limiter inline before the Rosetta? (assuming I am using an API 512c ,DW Fearn, or Vintech 1270) I understand the Rosetta will do some very nice limited compression on it's own. question 2) I have a Neumann U87, and I will buy a stereo pair of AKG 414's. I am also considering a Brauner Phantom C and a Royer 121 or 122. Are there any other must-have mics in your opinion for recording acoustic instruments? I will use 2 mics on guitar, I thought about the Royer or phantom C for violin. What about micing an acoustic Bass or mandolin? Thanks in advance for your input and opinions!

2nd January 2006	#2
chuckj Gear nut Joined: Dec 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 132	#1....If this is strictly a personal project studio and you have all the time you need to experiment with different mics and positionings then I would say an eq and comp would not be strictly necessary. If it's on the clock time for a commercial facility then I find having the availability of an eq and comp to be able to tweak so I can get going faster is a nice convenience. My preference would be to have as much time as I need to move and select different mics but this is never the case in my sessions. #2...a U87 and a pair of 414's are a good start. Add a Brauner and a Royer and I'd personally be a happy camper. Maybe a 421 or RE20 of you are going to record alot of acoustic bass although I have had some nice success with a u87 on acoustic bass. As always, YMMV! Ah, the gear buying is starting early for '06!