JeffJo - Posted - 05/24/2019: 05:07:58
Hey All,
Looking to do some upgrades to my studio. I am certain I will be getting some new mics as part of it. What microphone suggestions do you have for recording both Scruggs & clawhammer? I don't have a ton of money to throw at it, but I could probably swing up to $500ish.
LDC, SDC, Ribbon?
Thanks!
banjo1971 - Posted - 06/05/2019: 17:00:59
quote:
Originally posted by JeffJo
Hey All,
Looking to do some upgrades to my studio. I am certain I will be getting some new mics as part of it. What microphone suggestions do you have for recording both Scruggs & clawhammer? I don't have a ton of money to throw at it, but I could probably swing up to $500ish.
LDC, SDC, Ribbon?
Thanks!
The Neumann KM 184 is a great banjo mic. It's out of your price range at $800, but this is a great mic. Although you can find them used for under $600 on ebay.
sweetwater.com/store/detail/KM...tte-black
Edited by - banjo1971 on 06/05/2019 17:03:06
banjoak - Posted - 06/05/2019: 18:56:50
A few thoughts, as many heard over the years, esp regarding upgrading...
Before just buying more/better equipment, really learn to get the most out of what you got; this will help make better buying decisions.
Keep in mind that sound is a bit subjective (and goals might be different). Mics, and recommendations of others, while might be good mics (for them), the question is if "this" mic is the one that will actually address your issues or needs.
Start with what mics do you already have?
How do they sound? Identify what quality issue you trying to fix or improve; (self noise, bleed, frequency response, transients, color...) - and if the problem/solution mainly the mic? (lots of other variables that might be more important). Again is the mic considered going to solve the issue, achieve your goal?
As far as upgrading a studio; is it looking to only recording your specific banjo/playing; or looking for flexibility multi-purpose, different instruments, players, styles, sounds qualities? For the latter, one thought is to look for a much different mic. That is, rather than end up spending money on a somewhat similar mic (especially in moderate price range, only slightly better mic); while slightly different/better; not significantly so. It can be better to have more diverse options in your locker.
LDC, SDC, Ribbon? Depends on what qualities and controls you want/need. Also consider dynamic mics (note that there are good recordings done with dynamics like 57s); and consider pattern, cardiod/hyper/omni/stereo, or multi mic set-ups techniques (such as XY). Mic placement distance/angle (and room) plays a big role in how any mic frequency color sounds for any given instrument.
Good engineers point out that good recordings are far less about any expensive, specific, or great mic, (nor magic mic idea); much more about other variables, and importantly, engineer know-how.
edit: one advice consideration I left out... only consider upgrading to an expensive mic (or any piece of equip) at the point you learned to hear or notice something is deficient. For many home hobby, they haven't learned to really notice any significant difference between $2000 and $200. It's once you can notice some issue, or quality lacking... that you need to look for (specific) solution(s).
Edited by - banjoak on 06/05/2019 19:11:38
