Low Budget Mics For Electric Guitar Recording Options

[straydog]

Which one of these three low-budget microphones do you think would be best for recording electric guitars? (mostly clean)

SHURE SM57
SHURE BETA 57A
Blue Ball dynamic

Other suggestions at around the same price range would of course be welcome...

Thanks

[Kwasi]

The SM57 is probably the most popular guitar mic on the planet and works well in 9 out of 10 cases, but it is more often associated with distorted and crunchy guitar sounds. The Beta57A aint bad either. They are both very versatile and can be used on other sound sources too, such as vocals, brass and almost any drum sound conceivable. Unbeatable allrounders and good value for money. Another great mic for gutsy guitar sounds is the Sennheiser MD421, although that one is a bit more expensive, but it gives you a denser, warmer midrange. I have also tried quite a few condenser mics on electric guitar with good results: AKG C3000 or Audiotechnica AT4033 are two that spring to mind. They can warm up the sound. I think what's more important is where you put the mic on the amp, this can make a huge difference. The outside of the cone is warmer sounding whereas the centre of the cone is bitey. (Never used the Blue Ball myself, so no comment there...)

This post has been edited by kwasi: Tue 2 May 2006, 10:39