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Thread: Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

  1. #1

    Default Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

    I just received this Scarlett interface;
    https://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-i...ett-2i2-studio

    I figured the Mic it comes with will be ok for vocals, but I am also looking to get a mic for recording my OM.

    I would like a clip on mic, as so far I have not had good experience getting a mic on a stand to stay in the right place.

    If possible I would like something that will work well for recording and live playing, but it doesn't have to be perfect at everything.

    This is something I am just getting in to and I don't have a huge amount to spend (I would say £200 max).

    Any suggestions very much appreciated.

    Cheers,
    Jen.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

    That mic should work OK for a start. A small diaphragm condenser is often recommended for acoustic guitars and I suspect would work well for an octave mandolin. The one you have is a large diaphragm. I would suggest that a boom style mic stand would help in placing the mic for recording. While clip on mics have definite advantages for live work I don't see them working as well for recording. There are issues with instrument noise from holding and playing the instrument. You also have a much smaller selection and prices tend to be higher.

    I am sure others with more experience will have more to say.

  3. #3
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

    The CM25 will be fine for your octave. It really is a "small-medium" condenser in a larger case (20mm capsule) than a 'true' large diaphragm mic anyway.
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    Lord of All Badgers Lord of the Badgers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

    I have that mic - it came with my FR iTrack dock thingy. It's fine for what you need
    My name is Rob, and I am Lord of All Badgers

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    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

    The only thing I would add is that while your existing mic will be fine, you may want to consider adding a stereo pair at some point (or now if you want to spend your budget). As you are in the UK I can recommend these as very good value in that price range. They're excellent microphones.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
    Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
    Northfield Big Mon #127
    Ellis F5 Special #288
    '39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.

  7. #6
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mic suggestions for recording Octave Mandolin.

    Before you spend too much more money, I would spend some time trying out different mic positions with your existing condenser: which is actually quite a good mic, and reasonably forgiving in that it's not super-sensitive. You will get better clarity with a more expensive mic, but you'll also pick up more extraneous noise. I record using the mic you have, plus an Octava MK519 as an AB-stereo pair.

    With regard to placing, assuming it's an oval hole OM, try pointing at the soundhole from about 18-24" away, but well off axis so you're not getting the full bark straight at the mic. Or else the "over the shoulder" location can work well - maybe somewhere near your left shoulder, just in front of you, and pointing towards the end of the fretboard.

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