Cheap, flat, quiet mic

Kindly Killer · Post by **Kindly Killer** » Sat May 25, 2013 9:51 am

I want something like an ECM8000 that is noticeably quieter, for just one tier higher price - e.g. $200-$300 range.

This is a measurement mic - I think it is a knockoff of earthworks. I use it only on steel string acoustic guitar, ever. Never anything else. No other requirements beyond flat and a little bit quieter.

Any endorsements of mics you've used IRL tracking a sensitive performance on steel string guitar?

My situation is that I do some guitar tracks from home for extra $$$ and usually the ECM8000 is perfect (or ADK Hamburg for classic sound), but the track I have on deck just has voice and percussion, and what I add is going to be it. I'm a little worried about the noise. I am supposed to send them something today, so I guess I'll find out LOL.

In any case I want something a little quieter, but still that exact same character - just flat. So I guess no character.

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » Sat May 25, 2013 10:23 am

A cheapo Guitar Center Sterling ST-31 is my go to snare mic. Flat, linear, quiet and rather snappy. Works good on AC, but I prefer my EU 1/2" mics for that, much more $$$. Those sell for under $100.

vvv · Post by **vvv** » Sat May 25, 2013 12:31 pm

I like the CAD M179 for pretty neutral.

I have fun using two for M/S.

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Sat May 25, 2013 1:03 pm

Are you handy?
http://homerecording.com/bbs/equipment- ... ds-111051/

A.David.MacKinnon · Post by **A.David.MacKinnon** » Sat May 25, 2013 1:55 pm

If you can find a working one the AKG D224 is one of the best sounding acoustic guitar mics I've ever used.

lightandmind · Post by **lightandmind** » Mon May 27, 2013 6:31 am

I have a sneaking suspicion that those ECM8000's can be rather easily modified on the cheap for a significant improvement in both noise AND clarity. Maybe check with the DIY guys?

Kindly Killer · Post by **Kindly Killer** » Mon May 27, 2013 7:17 am

thanks for all info.

i went ahead and used my ADK Hamburg for the track and they liked it. i think the sound was better with the measurement mic but it was just too noisy to use. at the end of the track i put 5 tracks of acoustic guitars and there was a phasey WHOOOOSH of noise as the final chord fades. very frustrating

i'm reading the thread on mods from http://homerecording.com/bbs/equipment- ... ds-111051/ right now...

accordion squeezist · Post by **accordion squeezist** » Tue May 28, 2013 7:28 pm

Shure SM81 is in your price range.
Low noise, sounds huge, fairly uniform off-axis.

cortezcortez · Post by **cortezcortez** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 9:25 pm

I mean I always recommend oktava's mics. The quality is somewhat varied but it's easy to get a good LDC for under 100 on the guitar center used website. And if it doesn't sound quite right, send it to michael joly for modifications. Even after his work you'll end up paying under 300 for an excellent mic.

darjama · Post by **darjama** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 10:01 am

The Avenson STO-2 are what you're looking for. Same type of mic as the ecm800 and earthworks, priced between those two. I think they're only sold in pairs:

http://avensonaudio.com/sto2/

Message Board

Cheap, flat, quiet mic

Cheap, flat, quiet mic

Who is online