What mic should I get for distant miking my band?

electricdemon3 · #1 03-15-2001, 10:42 PM

I would like to record my band with two mics at a distance and was wondering what mic would be good for this. I have a Tascam 424 MII Portastudio so I don't want to get the highest quality mic but I do want a pair of decent sounding ones so I don't have to buy new mics when I get a better multi-track recorder. Also, my tascam has no phantom power so I would have to buy a mic pre-amp if I were to get condensers. So what are you guys'/girls' opinions on good affordable mics/preamps for distant miking?

**Pacman** · #2 03-16-2001, 12:03 AM

maybe a couple of decent pres and some shure sm81's pretty damn acurate mic and good for what you're wanting to use them for.........

electricdemon3 · #3 03-17-2001, 08:51 PM

I was actually thinking about getting some Sure sm81's. Right now I can't afford to buy two Sures and a pre-amp, so I am trying to think of some other options. Another thing I noticed was that there are some companys that make phantom power supplys. What would be the advantage to buying a pre-amp over a phantom power supply? I have seen some phantom power supply units and the prices seem to vary. Shure's is about $120, but I have seen some that run about $60. Does it matter wether you get a more or less expensive one?

jburtonca · #4 03-17-2001, 09:26 PM

A few years ago Radio Shack sold these really nice PZM mikes for $50. I've used them with small combos and fifty piece bands, with exellent results. Just hang a pair of them on a wall, about six feet apart, and you're set. The mikes pick up the sound exactly as you hear it in the room with your own ears. I don't think Radio Shack still sells these mikes, but you might be able to find a used pair if you look around. Crown makes PZMs also, but they're much more expensive.

Jeff

Mark Reccord · #5 03-24-2001, 07:12 PM

The Radio Shack PZMs were actually factory second Crowns! Too bad they still don't sell them..

bootyquake · #6 04-19-2001, 08:47 AM

Those Radio Shack specials were Crowns??? No wonder they kicked so much butt for $30!

We used to do a lot of onsite recording with PZM back in the day. So much room sound for so little cash.

Nowadays, we have more gear, sound, and flexibility.

Check here for a gear list: www.hbconcoctions.com

..but on a budget, nothing beats PZMs for room recordings.

Mark Reccord · #7 04-19-2001, 11:46 AM

Yep. If I'd known that then I would have bought a bunch of them. Boundary mics like that are also killer in kick drums. The shure SM 91 is a great kick drum mic. Of course, when Shure got wind that people were using them for that they discontinued it and re-released it as the Beta 91 at a much higher price.

Zonplayer · #8 05-18-2001, 01:26 PM

Well I really like the Shure KSM 32. It sounds really good, and it very quiet for recording.
Here is a link to where I work for more info.
http://www.fullcompass.com/lit2/ksm32.html

Deman669 · #9 06-07-2001, 10:43 PM

One thing I would consider. I asked this same question of my favorite engineer, and his suggestion was the new tube mic by Marshall. $200, comes w/ a pre, and hung 2' off the ceiling in a room w/ your band, just about the ultimate way to record. look into it. I promise you won't be dissapointed

maxoges · #10 06-30-2001, 08:31 AM

How much are you willing to spend on the mic?
Sennheiser U87 or AKG 414 would be my choice.
Be prepared to spend atleast $400 though

**Pacman** · #11 06-30-2001, 04:39 PM

Sennhieser doesn't make the U87, Neumann does. And they run about $2500. The AKG 414 lists about $895.

I wouldn't recommend using a large diaphram condenser to mic a band live (I've done it, and tho the results were good, but it was a 55 piece band in a controlled environment.) With something like the Shures or maybe an AKG 460 or 451 you won't have to deal with the large diaphram "rumble" you can get in a live situation.

maxoges · #12 07-01-2001, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacman
Sennhieser doesn't make the U87, Neumann does. And they run about $2500. The AKG 414 lists about $895.

I wouldn't recommend using a large diaphram condenser to mic a band live (I've done it, and tho the results were good, but it was a 55 piece band in a controlled environment.) With something like the Shures or maybe an AKG 460 or 451 you won't have to deal with the large diaphram "rumble" you can get in a live situation.

OOPPSS!!!I ment the Sennheiser 421 ( the neumann is very good , but a bit expensive)

**Pacman** · #13 07-01-2001, 04:10 PM

I defiantely wouldn't use a 421 to distant mic the band. It's a dynamic, and IMO wouldn't do the best job. Great mic, really good on bass cabs, kick drums, horns.

GroovBs · #14 07-02-2001, 05:06 PM

Well I'm guessing this is for the bands listening......
....because you would have to be an idiot to thing it would ever soun close to pro.

So this is what I would do!!

Use omni-directional choir mics....turn everyone in your band in a circle and put the mics in the middle.

Sony makes some nice, and very very cheap choir mice....about $40!