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majorjer - Posted - 12/10/2015: 04:33:46
Before running down to the local guitar center and picking up a discounted P120 Condenser Mic at 20% off, I thought i'd post an inquiry as to its potential merits for use with a reso. Consensus on the hangout leans definitely towards the condenser, rather than dynamic. The installed p/u is a fishman, nashville bridge mounted type and just doesn't give a truly faithful dobro sound IMO for recording. My shure 57 is o.k. for vocals, but lacks that full bodied reproductive quality we all seek. Budget limits the purchase to around $100 or, i'd get that audio Technica 5100 that Troy uses. The P120 would seem to be a decent choice given other reviews as to its workhorse history. All comments both pro/con are welcome and alternative mics in this price ranged category would help greatly. thanx guys. and Happy upcoming Holidays to all.
Dobro Fanatic - Posted - 12/10/2015: 05:47:09
Well, I haven't messed around with different brands or styles of microphones, but the condenser should work good. In all of the videos that use a mic recording a dobro, it is a condenser. Also, our band used to use all single mics, but then replaced it with one condenser. I personally like the condenser over a single dynamic mic, but like I said, I haven't tried out a whole lot of mics either.
Alan Rausch - Posted - 12/10/2015: 05:50:12
I agree the AT AE5100 is a great mic, it is not a "small" condenser like the p120, but a medium. I would also suggest a large diaphragm mic for recording, or even better a small and large combo works great on recording. Some of these combos can be found around that price range.
wlgiii - Posted - 12/10/2015: 07:33:33
I concur with the small + large condenser mic set at that price range; those two plus a good ol' SM 57 make for a good set of options. I've had recording success with all three; I don't know if it's because certain songs work with a certain sound, or the moon is in a certain phase, or what, but it's nice to have choices.
Slidennis - Posted - 12/10/2015: 09:37:58
The P120 is a good choice at your stated pricepoint. Other mics I could suggest you consider are the Audio Technica AT2020 or the Studio Projects B1. Each of these three mics is better at taming the brittleness in the high end that plague many lower cost side address condensers.
The selection of a mic should be based as much on what you want to sound like or what you want to hear and how a particular mic meets that requirement. I don't think all dynamic mics sound the same any more than I would think that all condensers sound better. Every mic has something to offer. Every mic has its own idiosyncrasies and limitations too. But mostly they are good at doing what they are designed to be and to do. Sometimes we have to fuss a bit to get the most out of them.
Some players might prefer the sound of a larger condenser capsule, a figure 8 pattern or even a ribbon mic. But that's usually more money too.
The rest of your signal chain might also be considered. A Shure SM57 running through a Cloudlifter can sound quite good. That can rival the sound of a lot of condenser mics.
Too many options, not enough money. That's life! We do the best we can with what we've got. Enjoy your new mic.
Dennis
majorjer - Posted - 12/10/2015: 16:58:11
Thanx folks, bought one today, along with a little $20 Nady Phantom power unit as they seem to get as good of reviews as some of the more expensive ones. I also looked at the P220, but couldn't see a $49 difference for my purposes.
majorjer - Posted - 12/17/2015: 06:29:30
Slidedennis,
I DID look at that comparable AT2020, as they were identical in price. I think the reason i chose the P120 was because of those two little attentuation buttons on the P120, which , theoretically, could make for a bit more versatility. Thanx for suggesting that and its obvious that they both compete for the low end budget minded consumers buck. BTW, NE1 interested in any music related product $99 , should consider buying it now as both SamAsh an Guitar center are offering a 20% disc. until xmas 2015.
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