I actually like what I get with my 57, just was thinking about experimenting, should prolly just stick with what works and save some $$$ lolOther than a 57? A 57…..
Honestly if I were you I’d hunt down and get a few vintage unidsynr sm57s. They sound very different, and are all slightly different as well. Much much preferred for the most part.
If you are only using one mic, I’d personally be very weary of using anything else other than a 57 for a number of reasons, because you’ll end up chasing your tail in the mix wondering why something isn’t work etc. the 57 just works, period. So if it’s single micing only, I’d say go with a vintage unidyne 57 or two, you’ll be glad you did regardless, trust me.
2 mics? Eh… I hate this topic haha. But, the 201 is a great option to pair with a 57. I like it dead center on the cone about -16 to -20 dbs under the sm57, just to give it alittle extra girth in the low mids and the low end. It’s very small, but it makes a huge difference when you start stacking tracks. The 421 is a favorite as well. As far as obscure mics, the the ehrlund EHR -D is quickly becoming a favorite as a second mic for me too, again about -20dbs under the 57. I’d start here.
Haha… everyone hates my answer on this, but it’s the truth. People use nothing but 57s often on guitars for a reason, and it’s not because they don’t want to experiment or can’t afford other mics etc. it’s because it’s just never nearly as focused or clear, or tight, or the same transient response you get with a single mic. I challenge anyone to send me a clip of a well placed 57 only, and then another with say, a 57 a ribbon or even a 421, with both clips perfectly volume matched and tell me why the two mic version is better. Sure, it might sound better on its OWN( still doubtful), but not often in a mix. On that note, sometimes two or 3 mics is needed, but I think this generally applies to experienced engineers who know exactly what they are looking for and have a clear mindful reason for why they are doing it. Often times at our level, guys just “wanna do it because”. And I mean there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, no doubt. I’m just saying, the two mic combo will never be as punchy, as FOCUSED( for sure) or have the same transient response as a single well placed 57. That’s why when I do it personally, I keep the second mic much much lower In a mix. I have a great monitoring setup as well, and the things I couldn’t hear before and didn’t quite understand are much more apparent to me now, and is now clear to me. The mics will never be perfectly In phase, which is why you get the results you do ( less transient response and clarity, focus etc). And sometimes, that can be cool! It’s just not usually for me in the music I like to play and mix.
Good answer
yeah man I hear you!! Move a mic a 1/2 inch any direction and it’s a new tone!! Here’s where I’m at currently. I do all my own mixing /mastering but I’m completely self taught and always looking for ways to improve
421 is my favorite. It literally picks up the sound my ears are hearing without the mic . We at least better than any mic to me
thanks man did 90% of the videoing and editing on my iphone, just insane what you can do lol
