Live acoustic guitar mic. Suggestions?

[Andrew707]

Hi,

I'm looking for mic recommendations applicable to live acoustic guitar performance in a band setting. Should I just use a 57, or is there something else that'll do the job better, while maintaining similar rugged, "roadwarrior" type benefits to the 57?

Tell me what you think.

Thanks,
Andrew

[Andrew707]

Had the idea of watching Eric Claptons Unplugged DVD to see which mic they use on him. I don't recognise the mic, though. Does anyone have any idea what it was?

It actually looks kind'a like a Neumann KM series mic with suspension, but I can't tell for sure.

Anyone?

[honkyjonk]

I think EC's unplugged album guitar sounds like total poo poo. No offense or anything. It just sounds plastic to me.I can't tell it's an old Martin. I can't tell it's anything but a pickup. I guess there's a mic in there too, but I can't remember which.

See the Gillian Welch thread.

SM57 forever!!!!

[Reuben]

AKG C1000's work fine in this application, too.

[JonJ1176]

Elliot Scheiner has relied on SM81's for acoustics for years.
http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/sm81.asp

[parlormusic]

Sm57, AKG C1000 or SM81 all work well for live venues, especiall on a Martin. I like the SM81 the best because of it's tighter polar pattern and sound.

[Scodiddly]

An Oktava 012 is fine, too.

[Andrew707]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it!

[Wonderland]

An Oktava 012 is fine, too.

I was gonna say the same thing, but I thought I might get laughed at.

You know, 'cuz they're inexpensive. (Cheap!)

They work well for me, though.

[obermorph]

KM-84 @ 12th fret Out 8-12" or so. U-87 @ sound hole out 1-2'. Check for phasing issues, get your blend, send to tape. A pair of vintec x-73's help, but an MIO, or a Seventh circle box 'd do it nice.
Sorry bout that, dreaming of my old studio.
r

[flatcat]

Playing live at the venerable Club Passim in Cambridge as an acoustic lead player, I was mic'd with an Oktava MK012. Sounded great.

That was before I installed a Baggs Dual Source setup. I think that's a GREAT sounding live mic/pickup combo. I put a K&K Trinity in my 74 Martin D-35. The K&K has a more finicky microphone - more feedback-prone - but the pickup sounds better than most under-saddles.

[Piotr]

I second the AKG C1000. It's a nice mic at a good price.

Has anyone ever tried a 414 for this?

[gog]

AKG C 535 EB... great live acoustic guitar mic. I've played a few theaters that use them exclusively for this purpose, and they sound fantastic on vocals as well. I'm saving up for one (or 2) myself.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C535EB/

[Piotr]

Nice

[stuntbutt]

For a live band situation you are probably better off with a good pickup. Sure, they don't sound as good as a mic. But it doesn't matter how good the mic sounds if nobody can hear it. It also doesn't matter how good it sounds if you have to concentrate on staying in one position.