Recording

[sellvan]

I'm looking for a microphone that I could record with and of course, makes my mandolin sound good. I have two mandolins. One is a Eastman 615 and the other is an older Washburn. Any suggestions?

[dtb]

first....how are you recording?

I use a Tascam 788 recorder, and MXL V67 mics, run thru Presonus Bluetubes, and get what I feel is some nice warm sounds on my MK and my A9.

here's a link to a few tunz.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....t=34694 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=17;t=34694)

[dabowsa]

How much are you looking to spend?

For $99 you can't go wrong with an Audio Technica AT2020 (http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/a0933a662b5ed0e2/index.html).

But if you want to spend $199, the Studio Projects C1 (http://www.studioprojects.com/c1.html) is turning alot of heads and drawing comparisons to the Neumann U87.

Disclaimer: my recommendations are based on my research and reviews of general use studio condenser mics. I've never tried the C1 nor have I used my AT2020 on a decent mandolin. YMMV.

Oh, and nice tunes dtb!

[Givson]

I recently did a recording session and tried a number of high quality condenser mics, but did not like any of them. They all sounded bright and glassy on the high end. I ended up using a dynamic mic designed to mic drums. Gave me a nice, warm, woody tone.

[dtb]

thanks there, dabowsa. and although I have not used one, there's good stuff said about the Studio project B1 also. A lot depends on how our friend will be recording too.

[Guitar Jeremy]

AKG C 3000 Condenser Microphone

[Ken Sager]

Find a local place that will let you try their microphones. If they have a mic display case (Guitar Center does this) ask if you can hear them. Take a mandolin along and put a bunch of microphones through the paces. The difficulty is listening through headphones while playing, but you can still pick up a lot of differences between microphones that way.

You'll find, too, that mic placement is as important as mic selection. Putting a very good mic in a bad spot can sound worse than a cheap mic in the right place. While experimenting try adjusting placement, too. That way you're giving yourself the best shot at finding a mic that's going to give you the sound you want.

Good luck,
KS

[erick]

Samson makes a very affordable, well made mic, that compares sonically to the Octava MC 012 ( which used to called the "Russian KM84" ) These mics are usually sold in pairs for $120, and I use 'em at all my gigs ( they work great for home recording too), along with the Fishman Aura. It's got a very honest accurate sound, not as harsh in the treble end as most of the other cheap condensers. It does need phantom power though, so make sure your setup has +48 V.

[erick]

The Samson CO2 is a very affordable, well made mic, that compares sonically to the Octava MC 012 ( which used to called the "Russian KM84" ) These mics are usually sold in pairs for $120, and I use 'em at all my gigs ( they work great for home recording too), along with the Fishman Aura. It's got a very honest accurate sound, not as harsh in the treble end as most of the other cheap condensers. It does need phantom power though, so make sure your setup has +48 V.

[adda_as]

Im using an ADK SC-1 (http://www.adkmic.com/specs/SC-1.html) AND an ADK GC-1 (http://www.adkmic.com/specs/cat_generis.html#GC1), and use a mix of both. Here is a short clip I recorded (Chris Thile - Raining at Sunset) with this mic-setup. SC-1 in the right channel and GC-1 in the left channel. Listen here (http://atlekvia.com/micclip.mp3)

[Gaelen]

At the moment in a price V quality V versatility for me it has to be the Rode NT5 matched pair.

They need 48v and sound great for just about anything when used as a pair or as a single mic.

The large diaphragm NTK tube driven one is also very good in combination with an NT5.

For either GTR or Mandolin the NTK would be at the neck joint and the NT5 at the tail end.

I have also had an excellent result with one NT5 aimed at the Bass F hole.

Not only but also, if you want a great vox mic the K2 has a variable pattern setting from cardioid to omni to figure 8 great for harmony vox.

I know it sounds like an advert but they are brilliant for the money.