i just got the MAGIX Samplitude Music Studio 2014. I am still trying to figure everything out but i was wondering if there were any recommendations on a good vocal mic to use and how do i record using an acoustic/electr guitar?

j.caruso8 wrote on 12/27/2013, 10:34 PM

i just got the MAGIX Samplitude Music Studio 2014. I am still trying to figure everything out but i was wondering if there were any recommendations on a good vocal mic  to use and how do i record using an acoustic/electric guitar?

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 12/28/2013, 4:41 AM

Hi

Recommending a particular microphone for recording vocals and acoustic guitar is actually difficult.  Microphones have different tonal characteristics dependent on their type, make and construction which make this very much a personal choice.

However what, IMHO, is essential is:

   -   do not get a cheap mic. Invest in a good quality, well known brand- eg Shure, Sennheiser, or any of the other studio quality mic manufacturers

   -   get a USB microphone, you will then not be dependant on the computer sound card for conversion and will get a consistent tonal quality if you use it on other computers.

For recording acoustic guitar you have several options:

   -   use the same mic as above - not ideal because the characteristics of the mic may not result in best tonal range from the guitar.

   -   a dedicated mic for recording the guitar - however you will need a relatively quiet environment for this, unless you use a miniature mic mounted in or close to the 'hole'.

   -   a contact mic fastened to the guitar - not ideal as they tend to pick up knocks etc as well.

   -   a magnetic pickup mounted near the bridge - this however changes the tonal characteristics to more like an electric guitar.

There are many articles on the Internet about recording acoustic guitar and different set ups eg here.

HTH

John

Last changed by johnebaker on 12/28/2013, 4:41 AM, changed a total of 2 times.

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ledzep4 wrote on 12/31/2013, 9:57 PM

What I like to use is a condenser mic, I have an AKG mic myself. It's pretty straight forward as far as not adding too much color on your vocals. Shure makes a good one, my singer has a beta something...sorry can't recall the actual name but it is a condenser mic.

Remember that condenser mics do need phantom power. If you are going to do some serious recording I suggest you invest on a good interface. Just about every interface has an input with phantom power. What you save on buying this DAW may allow you to purchase a good interface, of course depending on your budget.

Most audio interfaces have at least two mic inputs and you can use these to plug into your electric or acoustic electric guitars. If you don't have an acoustic electric you can simply use the same condenser mic or any mic really, except that I like condenser mics on acoustics for warmth and low frequencies can be smoother than with a dynamic mic.

I use to own a few condenser mics and I would normally put one mic in front of the sound hole and another a pencil condenser near the fretboard. It really is all about experimenting.

Cheers!

Luis