What's your "minimum" mic list?

by **Dugz Ink** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:03 am

The other day I was thinking about all of the demo studios in town, and wondered "If I was crazy enough to try to start my own studio, what mics would I absolutely need to own?"

So I started making a list, keeping in mind that I would have to build up to the point of building a studio, buying some less expensive stuff while I was doing demos in my house, then buying better stuff when I was ready to open the studio... or win the lottery, at which point budget (and this list) might end up being tossed out the window.

So, here's the list, including the quantity of each model.

1 - ElectroVoice RE20 (dynamic)
3 - Sennhieser e604 (dynamic)
1 - Sennhieser e904 (dynamic)
1 - Shure Beta52A (dynamic)
2 - Shure SM58 (dynamic)
2 - Shure SM81 (small cond)
1 - AKG C451B (small cond)
2 - Rode NT5 (small cond)
1 - Rode NT2000 (large cond)
1 - Shure KSM32 (large cond)
1 - AKG 414 B-XLS (large cond)
1 - ShinyBox 46L (ribbon)

I think that list would allow a person to handle the majority of projects. Of course more mics (and/or more expensive mics) would be nice, but I'm trying to approach this from a realistic angle.

Feel free to post comments, or your own ideas for a minimum mic list.

EDIT: I forgot to include my beloved EV630.

by **cardiac organ** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:33 am

I don't see the 57 on that list.

by **MASSIVE Mastering** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:41 am

I think the 604's make a good sub for the 57 on drums, but either one more or a 57 for snare...

by **Marco** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 1:42 am

Well, if you wanted to record Chicago blues with amplified harmonica, you'd probably want a bullet mic, such as a Shure Green Bullet or an Astatic JT 30, or maybe a Shaker Madcat.
The SM 57 and 58 also are good harp mics, but to get that authentic gritty Chicago blues sound, it's hard to beat a Green Bullet or a JT 30.

--Marco

by **MASSIVE Mastering** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:11 am

Ah - But any harp player worth his weight has his *own* bullet.

by **Marco** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:40 am

Ah - But any harp player worth his weight has his *own* bullet.

Or more likely, his own *extensive* mic collection.
You're right of course.

by **Dugz Ink** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 9:44 am

Marco wrote:Well, if you wanted to record Chicago blues with amplified harmonica, you'd probably want a bullet mic, such as a Shure Green Bullet or an Astatic JT 30, or maybe a Shaker Madcat.

You missed my edit; the EV630 is my harmp-mic. (Check out the link)

Hmmm... add another e604, or add an SM57 for the people who swear that they can't get the right sound without an SM57... even though the e604 has a nearly identical sound. (Some people hear what they want to hear.)

by **Marco** on Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:02 pm

I did miss the your EV630 thread, thanks for the link.
Man that mic looks awesome, reminds me of a '57 Mercury.
The EV630s get great reviews on the harmonica forums I visit, I'll have to get ahold of one of those.

Hmmm... add another e604, or add an SM57 for the people who swear that they can't get the right sound without an SM57... even though the e604 has a nearly identical sound. (Some people hear what they want to hear.)

Yes, well, in my case I have trouble getting the sound I want from an SM 57. Not because of the tone characteristics of the mic, but because of its shape. They're a little too small in diameter for me, makes is hard to get a good airtight cup.
The best harp mic (for me) that I've used was a vintage 3M, forgot the model. I borrowed it for a month from my brother-in-law, but he made me give it back. (what a jerk) It was pair-shaped and fit my hands perfectly.

by **guitarjunky123** on Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:14 pm

i know youre being realistic bu how about a neuman,lol.

by **nanashiwanderer** on Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:01 am

By demo's studio i assume you mean the amateur "professional studios" that have popped up in the last 5 or so years. I have friends who've recorded in e places, and have had mixed experiences, and my self have recorded a live demo once in such places. Most of the one's i know have have far less microphones what you've listed.

If i was just starting a en entry pro level studio, after seeing what i've seen pass off as pro, the bare minimum I'd buy would buy would be the following. I've seen studios with far smaller list.

Sennhieser e604 (3)
Shure SM57 (3)
AKG D112 (1)
Beta 52A (1)
Audix D6 (1)
Studio Projects C4 (2)
Studio Projects B1 (2)
Studio Projects C1 (1)
Rode NT1a (1)
MXL 2001 (1)
Nady RSM2 Ribbon Mic (1)
Rode NTK Tube condensor

and make sure i had multiple preamps that are at the Quality level of the FMR RNP.

--depending on budget constraints---
I'd probably swap the Studio Projects C4 for Rode NT5
The Nady for a better Ribbon Mics ect.

by **_controlfreak** on Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:05 am

guitarjunky123 wrote:i know youre being realistic bu how about a neuman,lol.

Have yourself a listen to the AKG 414 on that list. Then see if you still feel like asking your question.

by **Grhys** on Thu Apr 20, 2006 9:35 pm

Well you obviously need one of these for the all important "band looking cool while recording in the studio" CD inside sleeve.

Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to have a pair of these on call as well. Like, just in case...

by **RestlessNative** on Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:49 pm

i get by with an sm57 and a studio projects B1 at the moment... having to use 2 over-heads for drums tho...

What's your "minimum" mic list?

What's your "minimum" mic list?

Who is online