Help me choose a mic

[jacksen]

Hey, I'm a new member, but have been reading posts on here for about a year. As far as recording goes, I am a noob. I have been playing music for ten years tho, and I have done some recording, and it's something that I forsee myself only getting more serious about. I am looking at recording my band. We are going for an Alison Krauss and Union Station/Nickel Creek sound. I am really getting into the whole recording thing, and would eventually like to set up a nice home studio, so while I can't afford the top name gear right now, I want to be able to get stuff that's going to sound good.


Now for the gear

I am looking at several different mics, but can't decide what would work the best for me.

For an LDC, I have read a lot of forums, and have heard a lot of good stuff about Miktek C7 and CV4, ADK, Blue Kiwi, and then the sweetwater sales rep that I talked to said that Lauten Audio was producing some really nice stuff, but particularly, the Horizon LT-321 in the price range that I was looking at.

I was looking at getting a ribbon as well, and my sweetwater rep said that he really liked Shures ribbons. I've heard a lot of great things about Royers and read a thread about some of sE electronics stuff, and that sounded like it would be good too.

For a preamp, I was looking at the Vintech 473 or something along those lines.

The gear that I currently have is:
1 KSM 44
2 KSM 141
2 KSM 137
1 UA 4-710 preamp
Lynx aurora converter

Any advice, especially regarding the mics, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for you time!

[ScottTunes]

Originally Posted by jacksen

Hey, I'm a new member, but have been reading posts on here for about a year. As far as recording goes, I am a noob. I have been playing music for ten years tho, and I have done some recording, and it's something that I forsee myself only getting more serious about. I am looking at recording my band. We are going for an Alison Krauss and Union Station/Nickel Creek sound. I am really getting into the whole recording thing, and would eventually like to set up a nice home studio, so while I can't afford the top name gear right now, I want to be able to get stuff that's going to sound good.


Now for the gear

I am looking at several different mics, but can't decide what would work the best for me.

For an LDC, I have read a lot of forums, and have heard a lot of good stuff about Miktek C7 and CV4, ADK, Blue Kiwi, and then the sweetwater sales rep that I talked to said that Lauten Audio was producing some really nice stuff, but particularly, the Horizon LT-321 in the price range that I was looking at.

I was looking at getting a ribbon as well, and my sweetwater rep said that he really liked Shures ribbons. I've heard a lot of great things about Royers and read a thread about some of sE electronics stuff, and that sounded like it would be good too.

For a preamp, I was looking at the Vintech 473 or something along those lines.

The gear that I currently have is:
1 KSM 44
2 KSM 141
2 KSM 137
1 UA 4-710 preamp
Lynx aurora converter

Any advice, especially regarding the mics, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for you time!

Your gear is already more than decent. With that many "better than average" mics, you can likely record everything you need.

I'd recommend a couple of good dynamics, and, if you need more inputs to record the band all at once, another pre. Otherwise, just go for it!

My mic recommendations:

Dynamic mics. They are work-horses for a reason...

Electro-Voice RE15/RE10 (which sound the same, and are more alike than any 2 Shure SM57s, and are my choice for "desert island" mics), RE20, and Sennheiser 441 and 421, and possibly the Shure SM7b. These would give you quality dynamics to match your large and small diaphragm condenser mics.

There are quite a few choices these days for ribbon mics. Though initial price is somewhat cost prohibitive. Most are a bit too "delicate" for my taste as well. And they don't add much to Bluegrass that you can't get elsewhere (i.e. a different "flavor" of LDC or SDC).

However, having said that, it is my opinion that you have a fine mic cupboard now, and should just record away! And don't forget to post your recordings here for the rest of us to enjoy!

[jacksen]

Thanks for the advice ScottTunes. We are going to be doing some recording here in a few weeks. I'll post some up when they are done. I think I will stick with what I have for now. I will go with what I have for a while. And I'll look into those dynamics.

[jcshirke]

I'm just getting into recording also, so I've been doing the same kind of research on mics you have, in all likelihood.

One more option for a great condenser: Charter Oak e700

I just got a Royer 121 and I love it--although I can't wait to hear how much better it should sound with a good mic pre. I have no idea what your budget is, but the Royer 101 is also a great option.

It might help if you were more specific about what instruments you'll be micing, as well as what vocalists (male/female? How many? etc.) The only reason I say that is because, after scanning this board, one thing I've learned is that there is no single mic for every application--although there are plenty of studio "work horses". One condenser might sound great on female vocals, but not as great for male. One particular mic might be *the* mic for drum overheads, but won't work as great in some other applications. You get the idea. You might get very specific recommendations for your particular needs that way.

Jeff

[Enginearing]

Sennheiser md441
whatever AEA ribbon fits your budget
Beyer m160, m201

[jacksen]

Thanks for the responses!

So i'll be recording both male and female vocals, upright bass, fiddle, guitar, dobro, mandolin, possibly some hand drums, box drum, cello.

I will also be doing some other projects that are more electric based, but this is my main band, so I'd like to get stuff that focuses on these for now.