Anybody using ribbon/room condenser w/ SM57? Which one?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kapo_Polenton
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Kapo_Polenton

Kapo_Polenton

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I've been messing with recording my Super V's and RI greenies. I get a very usable sound but to me it is too edgy, too modern, too processed. Great for the brootalz, not so great for the more vintage tones. I've been on and off the dust cap, 6 inches away, right up against the grill etc.. Are any of you guys using a ribbon mic or condenser to capture your sound from further away as your sole source of sound or combining that mic with the detail of an sm57 to get a more distant sound/ "organic" sound? I know verb goes a long way and i am also not convinced that you have to have a scumback or a 300$ speaker or specific cab to get a good tone. At the end of the day, an SM57 sounds like it does on most speakers. You all know what it is. If you'd like a reference for sounds, I am all over the VH 1984 sound for some reason. That Panama intro to me sounds unbelievable. Love the balance and the edge (some of which is eq I'm sure) and to me it doesn't sound like a 57 alone. Some of you think it sounds horrible and I respect that.. but it still has something that speaks to me. So what have you guys had success with? I really feel like I can't move forward and record unless I get my recorded guitar tone sorted out.

Thanks
 
I've been having good luck with a shure KSM32 for live use.
 
I really like the sound of an SM57 and my AT4081 Ribbon, both close mic'd. The ribbon really helps to round out the 57. The ribbon, I've found, is a little more forgiving in a live situation, but should always be treated carefully to not damage the ribbon.

When you start mixing mic distances, you run the risk of phase issues.
 
I've run a Royer R121 ribbon with a 57, I had the 57 on the edge of the cone, with the Royer pulled back a bit, sounded great but I had to time-alighn the tracks to eliminate phase issue's. The 57 added some teeth to the Royer
Great combo, I wish I owned the Royer, but I had borrowed it :cry:
 
I have used a close up mic and room mics in stereo blended in to give some room depth. Worked out well used earthworks pair. Though to far away and u get a very distant sound. To close and u may have phasing
 
yeah i'm thinking the same. My 57 recording seems so flat. I'll be watching this thread.
 
I use a Crowley Tripp naked Eye ribbon...they've since been bought out by Shure who has put an identical mic. Killer ribbon..I've use a royer 121 often too, real similar to the NE but seems to have a bit of a mid scoop- which is very cool...it can be dialed in eq to get them dead close.

But these are pricey choices...my first thought is try (2)57s in parallel up on the grill (some like perpendicular, but not me).That is a GREAT technique that will give a great guitar sound. If that isn't working, the mic is not the problem- check all the variables the whole signal chain- including guitar setup and room.

I've used 4047 quite a bit too with mixed results- it can sound perfect or crap, just like a 57 placement issues typically is the problem. A decent ribbon or (2) 57s help give a wider margin for error in placement in my experience.

Lots of cheaper ribbons out there- they sound real good, but the quality control on ribbon tension is hit or miss- you need that tension to be right, if you get a good one you just saved a boatload.
 
I was doing some surfing and fastredponycar on youtube (does all these amp and gear demos) had some crazy tone going on. Essentially he has higher wattage speakers (GK100 and classic lead 80) and uses a blend of sm57, 421 (which i have been thinking about for a while) and then a room mic (a 600$ one mind you but i think something decent could be purchased for less). I think these blends are what give the tone more body. On my list of must gets are a 421 and something like the cascade fathead II for ambience or even just recording electrics close up. It just seems as if the brootalz tones benefit from the 57 but where you don't want that hard edge, it helps to soften it a bit with a diff color..
 
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