sure sm57

[rbrick]

Where does this mic get its power from? Battery? what kind?

[TimRP]

The SM57 is a dynamic mic, no need for phantom/battery power.

[brandondrury]

Air vibrates the little diaphram thing majig which is basically a little speaker. The tiny amount of vibration from this goes on to the preamp which boosts it up to line level. Since the SM 57 does not require power, it does require more gain on the preamp. Most condensers have much much greater output.

Brandon

[Ronan Chris Murphy]

The Dynamic coil design (which the 57 is) is efficeint enough that it does not require any additional power to be "hot enough" coming out of the mic for the input of a mic pre. Condensor mics (like a Neuman u87) do not have much output on their own so they actually have a small amp inside the mic. This amp needs to get its power from some where, and in modern times this is usually done with something called phantom power where electricity is sent from the mic pre amp to the mics internal amp via the mic cable.

When you see some one talking about a tube mic, it means that the little amp inside the mic is a tube amp. These amps require a lot of power to work, more than can be sent down a regular mic cable, so almost all tube mics will require a special cabe and external power supply. The company Microtech Geffell just introduced the first phantom powered tube mic a couple years ago though.

[TAlderson]

Yeah, a microphone is a speaker in reverse. A magnet is attached to a diaphragm, which moves up and down with air waves, and an electrical current is sent to the recording device. No need for any kind of power source.

-Tyler

[phangeaux]

I've met Rick before in a pretty high class acoustic guitar site, and I recall that he plays acoustic fingerstyle, but for acoustic guitar isn't a condenser microphone better than a dynamic microphone? Seems to me like most of the acoustic guitar players were talking 'condenser microphones'

What do you guys think?

[brandondrury]

but for acoustic guitar isn't a condenser microphone better than a dynamic microphone?

Saying a condenser is "better" for an acoustic guitar is like saying that blondes are the best women. Granted, they are a lot of fun, but not always the right woman for every guy.

I have no problem using a 57 when I need an acoustic guitar to cut through a dense rock mix. It probably wouldn't be my first choice for a solo acoustic guitar, but it's certainly not a bad choice. It depends too much on the song, the style, the guitar being used, and the tone you are going for.

I stress to everyone. Feel free to ask these questions, but I doubt if many of you would ask which woman is "better". They only way you'll ever find out about mics or women is to use them and see what makes you happiest. I have to say that mics dont' usually sound a trillion times different from each other. In other words, if you make an acoustic guitar, it's going to sound like an acoustic guitar. PERIOD. Learning to use the differences in the mics comes from mixing all the time. When you find yourself reaching for that EQ or this whatever to get your tracks to fit in the mix, you begin to learn the sort of subtle difference that makes apply.

Overtime, as you learn what to listen for, choosing the right mic wil become easier.

Brandon

[ALalexmurphyEX]

I got my brand new onyx 400f today and was doing some comparisions with an SM57 and an AKG C 141 on my acoustic guitar (Placed two inches from the 14th fret for the sm57, 7 inches for akg), and i must say, the sm57 did sound fantastic, and came across as more pleasing to my ears than the akg for loud and proud strumming, and the akg only just topped it in terms of subtle and dynamically interesting playing, with a more pleasing top end

But

My advice would be just go for the SM57!! with a half decent preamp (im talking basic no need for neve like character) you will <b>not</b> be dissapointed and you will have shelled out a lot less money! And the Sm57 has almost no depreciation.. so if it doesnt come up to scratch you can get your money back