condenser mics

[gadgetfreak]

What are some good condenser mics for sticking it in front of an acoustic amp to generate sound. I have a couple vintage guitars with no pickups and I don't want to install pickups right now so I just want to mic there natural sound. I was just sold a shure Pg81 from the store owner and he said it was great for the price, gave me a discount as well.

Would you guys be looking at different mics than this? Please let me know your thoughts, this is all new to me. Btw I'm playing through a Roland Ac-60. Thanks so much

 

[Bill Ashton]

How is the PG81, looking one of those over myself...but for mic'ing the guitar, not in front of an amp.

 

[markus]

If you want to use the PG81 for simple recordings and gigs, it should work fine. I have some experience with the pretty similar AKG C1000, and there has been nothing it hasn't done for me. Another similar mic is the Rode M3. They all can be powered by battery as well as by phantom power.
Mics for professional recording play in an other league … an AKG 414 sounds incredible with most jobs, but it costs about ten times more. ;-)
Markus :smile:

 

[dapmdave]

+1 on the C1000. Good mic for the money.

But re-reading the OP, I am confused. Are you using the mic to pick up the amp or the guitar?

 

[jcwu]

I think the OP wants to mic the guitar, and feed the mic into the amp. Using the mic in place of a pickup, that was my understanding.

 

[bluesypicky]

What are some good condenser mics for sticking it in front of an acoustic amp to generate sound.

I think the OP wants to mic the guitar, and feed the mic into the amp. Using the mic in place of a pickup, that was my understanding.

Now I'm joining with Dave in the "confused" ranks. Gadgetfreak....still around this thread?

If the purpose is indeed miking an amp, the condenser might not be the best option. Try a good ole' Shure SM57....
If it's to mic an acoustic then definitely go condenser, according to your budget, but some very decent results are easy to reach with cheap ones, such as the Marshall. All depends on the value you place on the final result. I'm sold on Rodes since I tried them (using the NT2000, which is hard to beat without going to the $2000 and over budget).

 

[griehund]

I'm looking at a pair of PG57s to mic the two 12's in my champ. Does that make sense?

 

[littlesongs]

If the purpose is indeed miking an amp, the condenser might not be the best option. Try a good ole' Shure SM57....

This is very sound advice. Heaps of older dynamics from EV & Shure are out there at prices that won't break the bank. Get a few different flavors.

If it's to mic an acoustic then definitely go condenser, according to your budget, but...

...this is only for recording. It will not work as a signal chain into a guitar amplifier. Guitar amps are for use with some sort of pick-up.

I'm looking at a pair of PG57s to mic the two 12's in my champ. Does that make sense?

Do you have to record in stereo? Can be an invitation for phase issues. Might be happier with the results if you grab one & hunt for sweet spots.

 

[Christopher Cozad]

...miking an amp...Try a good ole' Shure SM57...

This is very sound advice...

+1

...mic an acoustic then definitely go condenser...

+1

...this is only for recording. It will not work as a signal chain into a guitar amplifier. Guitar amps are for use with some sort of pick-up...

I know why he says this, and I propose "It depends upon the capabilities of the guitar amp". My Ultrasound DS 4 is built for the task and, when I use it, I make use of 2 channels: one with a condenser mic and the second with a direct connection to the internal pickup. I route the effects through the channel representing the pickup and the mic is used to catch the "breath" of the guitar. The results are quite stunning. If I use either approach by itself, the results are quite predictable. ;~}