Good affordable mic to pair with an sm57 for recording

[Lord Toneking]

Gonna start laying some tracks and I want another mic

Suggestions??

 

[shadowdevourer]

SM7B

 

[Lord Toneking]

I'm a mic n00b, so please explain the differences and how it will make things 'better'

thanks

 

[rokket2005]

What constitutes affordable? For pairing with a 57, don't bother with a 7b. The 7b is nice, but it largely does a lot of the same things that the 57 does. For blending with a 57 an MD421 would be abetter choice IMO, if you want clarity. For warmth a Cascade Fathead would be a great option too, but read up on care and handling of ribbon mics if you choose to go the fathead route.

 

[Crunchity]

Sen e906 and the sm57 work well together.

 

[JTyson]

Another vote for the 421. I've had good results with a Royer R121/57 pair also

 

[mjtripper]

The 421 and 57 is a classic pairing and the fathead would also give you lots of options as well. I'd pick one of those two for a second mic.

 

[kasperjensen]

The Audio Technica AT2020 is seriously awesome for the price and works for so many things.

 

[fuzzyguitars]

Heil pr30 or pr40

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Fathead (or another ribbon style)
or....
another 57

know that suggestions like e906 e609 i5 etc, while good mics, yield results like a 57

Those e mics are good if you want to ditch your mic stand

 

[SFW]

I really like the i5.

 

[PaulyPanacea]

Senn 421 or EV RE20... the RE20 is a creeper for guitars!!!

 

[moronmountain]

I like Audix i5's personally.

 

[Greazygeo]

I can't stand Sennheiser mic's for guitar cabs. Tried for hours to get a 421 to work….hate them. If you are going for a budget, I5 is decent or another SM57. More money….Beta 57…..more money Heil PR30.

Me personally….an old SM57 and the PR30. Or an old SM57 with Beta 57. Someday I'll get a Royer…..

 

[crankyrayhanky]

FWIW, I've used a Royer countless times and have a similar Naked Eye in my locker. Great mics, but in many instances a 57 or 2 positioned correctly is a preferred choice. Ribbon mics are fun and can deliver a great sound no doubt, but it's not a must have for many situations. I'd love to check out a pr30!

 

[Crunchity]

I'm a big Vinnie Moore fan and his last solo record has some awesome tones on it, in particular the "Soul Caravan" track. On fb I recently asked him what he used on that tune and he said "a JCM2000 into a V30 loaded cab, mic'd it with a Royer 121 and an SM57." Seems like a common but great pairing, even by the pro's.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Yes, Royer > Chandler Germanium is the iconic chain

 

[blackba]

Ev re20 would be cool.

I have used an ev n/d 468 mixed with an sm57 with great results and they can be had used for around $50

 

[David_kessler]

Best part of the re20 is it also works great about everywhere else! Drums, bass cab, vox, etc...

 

[ESPImperium]

Rode M3 Condenser. From a odd ball.

Reason, it adds a little more body and also gives a more rounded tone when recording.