The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi As the above says I would like to know what you use at home or in the studio.What you think is the best Microphone for steel etc.

I recorded a CD last year at a studio and did the steel tracks thru an Avalon U5 tube preamp into ProTools. Going direct has some distinct advantages. When doing overdubs at another time, it is very easy to get the same sound to match previously recorded parts.

If you are going to use an amp and mic, I'd suggest a large diaphragm condenser.
I recently got an AKG Perception 420 which is very versatile and not too pricey.

Here's a recent thread on recording with more ideas.

Clete

I have a mic locker that ranges from 57's to U47's, and I'd say I use Sennheiser 421's most of the time, but can also depend on what the client is looking for....

Thank you this is very helpful. Clete the link was also very helpful,missed that one thats for sure.Keep them comming.Spence

My usual choice is an AT 2020 or 4033.

For my home studio I usually use an SM57 sitting slightly to one side of the speaker. Sometimes I will use the SM57 directly to my recording interface unit (currently an M Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R) and sometimes I'll run it through a Presonus BlueTube preamp which has a 12AX7 then to the recording interface unit.

Michael Douchette wrote:My usual choice is an AT 2020 or 4033.

Michael,

How far away do you place the 4033?

Rick

I also have an arsenal of microphones I like the Nuemans, HOWEVER, last year I bought two microphones on the forum only because they formerly belonged to John Hughey. They are AT 2020s. I had not used them because I have "better" mics. I decided to give them a "try" and WOW, what a sweet spot. Maybe Papa John knew something about microphones . . . 'ya think?

It is not how much they cost, It is how they sound that matters.

It is very important to use a good mic pre-amp. I use an LA 610.

Thank you gentelmen,for your help on this subject.It has given some good ideas which I shall now go out and try. Keep steelin but don"t get caught.Spence.

On one of the last sessions I did I went directly into the studio's board (he was using Pro-Tools and I got a terrific sound going direct in. At home in my studio, I use a DI from my "Road Effects Rack" into my board then into my audio interface into my Cubase LE.....I was very pleasantly surprised at how clean the sound was.....no outside noise from the board at all.....really clean......HAL

Senheiser 421 through an Avalon preamp.
Mic placed halfway between dustcap and outer ring on most speakers. Almost touching the grillcloth.
Experiment a little to find the sweet spot.

AE2500 Dual-element Cardioid Instrument Microphone. This mic rocks! You get the best of both worlds the warmth of a dynamic mic and the brighter sound of a large condenser mic. You get both at the same time with no phase issues. This gives you the capabilities to mix the two tracks together or pick the track that fits your project the best. Sweet mic.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired ... ndex.html/

Brauner Valvet, Senn. 421, U-87,
Pearl C-22, M-Audio Solaris, Earthworks SR-71

AT4081. It's a ribbon mic.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired ... index.html

I like to combine a Royer R-121 ribbon mic and a large diaphragm dynamic mic, like a Shure SM7 or Beyerdrynamic M88. I find the ribbon gives me a nice smooth overall sound, and the dynamic gives me a little punch. I put them as close together as possible and make sure to check polarity.

I was wondering, did you keep my own patches in the tubefex that you had from me?
A lot of time was spent programming them, I think they were all labled DAVE 1, DAVE 2, etc.. You won't need a microphone. Steel, pedal, tubefex, then into your PC or whatever you record onto. All my patches vary slightly, it will give you the sound of amp/mic combinations you are looking for.

I have a funny feeling you have deleted them? Didn't you tell me in Ireland that you got some patches on a RAM card?

If they're gone, they're gone forever, I never backed them up on paper or anything.

I forgot to mention, I recommend Beyer DT 250 headphones. You will hear everything correctly. They get a bit of getting used too as they are fully enclosed, but they are very nice, and reasonably cheap too. I know that wasn't your question, but it is an important part of the home recording process.

i like Beyer as well.
Speaking of closed headphones,
Sennheiser's 280 pro 64ohm, very good.

God rest Fritz Sennheiser.

AKG K171 mkII
55 ohm are really good as well.

Even the budget K77 are good as well,
and actually a little more comfortable on the short listen.

I used to like the old Sony back in the day.
(it was a tuesday back in the day)
they used to call them cans

Just thought Id pass me opinion onya
Post pics of your vintage eargoggles here huh?

Clete

sennheiser 421
JJ

I always get the best results with a combination of two microphones.

My go to pair has been the classic SM57(mine has been transformer modded) coupled with a nice LDC (I love the AT4050)

I also get great results with the RE-20 in tandem with the beyer m160 ribbon mic.

in both cases, the ribbon is on axis, where as the Dynamic is 90 deg off axis.