Schertler DYN-M transducer

[sandcastlefaith]

Hi! #I just thought I'd ask about the Schertler DYN-M and PRE-AII combo. #Has anyone used it, and is it worth the money? #I want something that really reproduces the acoustic sound of my mandolin, and I haven't tried anything yet that cuts it. #Chris Thile endorses this, as does Mike Marshall and their sound live is incredible! #Is it as good as they say it is? #If not, what have you used that's better?

Thanks in advance,
Nate

[Steven Stone]

I have one that I love.

I've used it with four different manufacturers' mandolins, and in every case it worked great.

I've also used it with several guitars, and even, gasp, an acoustic bass.

I think it is the most versatile pick-up I've ever used. I just stick the Schertler on, run it into the mic channel on my Mackie, and I'm good to go.

[Tbone]

I'd recommend it. I was not aware that Mike Marshall uses one though. Last summer I got the chance to talk to him about it, and he seemed unsatisfied with the schertler. He said someone was designing a p/u for him. I think Gates was his name?

[sandcastlefaith]

I don't know . . . I just saw Mike Marshall's name on the list of artists that use it, I'm not sure. It never said he liked it, it just said he used it.

[John Flynn]

Thile uses it, should I?

Yes, you should do everything Thile does. Start saving up for a Dude. Learn to play hunched over your mandolin like Quasimodo. You should also dress like Thile and have your hair cut with a blender.
#

Just kidding, I couldn't pass up the opportunity! Seriously, nothing beats a good microphone, period. Sometimes pros have to use pickups for feedback issues. If you are not in that situation, use a mike.

[sandcastlefaith]

I'm not worried about feedback issues, I don't play live that often, but I do occassionally. I don't want something that's going to have horrible feedback everytime I step on stage, but I'm not willing to risk sound for helping with "feedback issues." If that is the case, what, in your opinion, is the best mic available?

[John Flynn]

The best? I am not the person to ask, since I am not in the "best" price range. There have been several discussions about mikes on the board. A search might uncover them some good info.

My acoustic string band uses Shure SM58's and SM58B's and has good luck with them. A lot of professional sound guys around town use them also. I am "sure" (no pun intended) they are NOT the best, but for the price, they do a great job.