Mic for classical guitar playing

[GtrDude]

Hi,
I've been using Rode NT5 matched pair for recording my classical guitar playing.
I find the sound being a bit too bright with not enough warmth to it sometimes borderlining on being harsh.
Could anyone recommend a good pair or a single mic they have gotten good results with for recording classical guitar playing?
I can spend about the same as the NT5's are. Or up to about 300 maybe more though for the right mic.

Thanks for any help

GtrDude

[jjhuntfox]

I think the standard cheap pair answer is the Octava 012s.
I have the NT-5's and I just am not loving them. They are ok but not good. I keep trying them but... no magic.

Here is what I'm considering for a stereo pair:

Avenson STO-2

I heard a sample of those and it might be just the thing for you. You'll have to save up because they are $499.00.... You need a neutral mic.

Check this out:

http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewt...hlight=avenson

The mic I'd like to reccomend is the AKG 414 but it is $750.00, sorry.

Then there is the pre-amp question...

Ho ho Ha ha!

Have you ever tried something like an SM57 up close and the NT5s off in the distance? A mix might sound better than just the one. Use 3 to 1 to prevent phase cancelations.

John

[Ruben_B]

Hi GtrDude,
i'd recommend the Apex 435 and also the Red Audio RV15 valve mic. Dont let the prices of these mic's fool you, they do work well for acoutic guitars.
Ive also found that filling out the body of the guitar with some towels or t-shirts to dampen the resonance also helps.

Cheers,
Ruben

[AlwaysRecord]

I use two AKG 451B's not stereo matched. I bought them about a year apart. They sound great.
A good preamp doesn't hurt either.

[Third Eye Studios]

I agree on the AKG 451b. They are very nice microphones (well actually Great mics IMO), but a little bit more that $300. Also on a tip from a fellow DUC'er (in a thread about hihat mics) I was suggested the AT3031 (you could get two for $300), which I have had good acoustic guitar results with as well (not tried a classical yet, just a couple of steel strings). I have two of the Apex 435's (super cheap mics) that were mentioned earlier also, and they are OK on acoustic guitar, but I like the 3031's better. You could always keep saving for A KM184, which are awesome on acoustic guitar.

[Carl Fuehrer]

Yep, AKG C-451EB/B or Neumann KM84 or 184.

[lemix]

Yep, AKG C-451EB/B or Neumann KM84 or 184.

I'll have to second the 84's...never failed me for great acoustic gtr acquisition.
good luck,

[GtrDude]

I use two AKG 451B's not stereo matched. I bought them about a year apart. They sound great.
A good preamp doesn't hurt either.

I'm using the M-Box. Will that do? Can I get a good recording using it?

I was under the impression that if I get anything other than Digidesign pre-amp I will not be able to record with ProTools.
Was I misinformed?

GtrDude

[GtrDude]

I agree on the AKG 451b.

You could always keep saving for A KM184, which are awesome on acoustic guitar.

I would like to ask a question related to this.
I am aware of the 184's lot of people seem to like them. They cost about 700.
Would it be better, recording wise, to get one of those vs. two stereo mics for the same amount?
This is one of the big questins I have.

GtrDude.

[dyingsea]

you can use other pre amps you just have to insert them on your m-box. Pro tools just requires you have the interface ala digi002 mbox ect... but you can use different pre's.