Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Small Diaphragm Condensers

#1

For those with microphone experience, what’s your go-to for a versatile SDC? I’ve been looking for a second mic for guitar/mandolin/banjo (or possibly vocals in a pinch) so I can record an instrument and vocals simultaneously. Or is there a dynamic/LDC that would be better for my situation?

Currently I just have an SM57. I like it probably best for banjo and with a pop filter/windscreen, I could get some good vocals with it. It’s not as suited for acoustic guitar, though, and I’d probably be better off with something that will do well a few inches further away.

I’ve seen the AT4041 come up a few times around the Internet. Thoughts/other recommendations? Hoping to stay around or under $300 if possible, which seems to be an introductory price for condensers.

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#2

The AT condensers are good bets. I haven’t used one I didn’t like. The only AT I own is a 4050 (large diaphragm), but I do like it. I also own some MXLs and I think they are a great bargain. In the price range you mention, the SM81 is worth taking a look at. I don’t own one, but have used them and like them.

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#3

PM sent

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#4

I use the Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone at church for my guitar. Works great, has great sound reproduction…

This is from the Shure product page:

The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals.

It is a bit pricey - $349 retail, but for me it was worth it.

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#5

Thanks! From what I’ve seen, the SM81 is more suited to live amplification… I did hear/play through them at camp. I’m not sure it would be as good for recording.

Apparently, a common setup is two SDCs on guitar and then an LDC for vocals.

Basically I just want a setup where I can record my playing and singing simultaneously as if I were part of a band performance– recording with as few overdubs as possible, to keep a live-ish spirit in the song.

#6

I have done that some to make demos. Like you said, I’d typically have one or two mics on the guitar and one for vocals. If using one guitar mic, my go to position is pointing a condenser at the twelfth fret. If adding a second mic, it is directed at the lower bout. Both mics would be angled to be pointing towards the sound hole direction. Those positions seem to be the easiest setup for me to get a decent sound. Using two mics on the guitar makes for a versatile recording.

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#7

What I normally do is either 2SDC in x/y or a spaced pair with one LDC and one SDC for guitar, and then I’ll either use a dynamic for vocals or I have this slightly larger than small diaphragm handheld “vocal” condenser I like the sound of my voice through. For SDC I’ve heard good things about lots so i don’t think you’ll be able to go wrong tbh, AKG C 451 B is solid mic and I think I saw it on amazon for $310 the other day. Shure KSM137 would be another option you could get a matched pair for around $600ish. You really can’t go wrong though so what ever you want or can find a deal on.

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#8

@oaklymaple You ever use an SDC on banjo?