lhansen
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Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
Hi everyone,
Looking for a little input on buying a mic pre or channel strip for acoustic guitar only. Basically, I run my vocals thru 1 mic pre, my keyboards thru another mic pre, into the RME 800. I record my acoustic guitar with a Shure sm 81 plugged into the RME. Is there a pre or strip out there (single channel only) that I can run the Shure into to give the acoustic a better sound? I like to set-up my pre's where I can dail in that sweet spot and leave as is. I don't want to DI the guitar as I like the mic'd sound. Just looking for something to sweeten it up a little, that's all. Don't want to spend more than $500. If anyone is running their miked acoustic thru a pre or strip, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Steve_Karl
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/03 09:40:58
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Sounds to me like your shure mike is the weakest link. For under $500.00 you could get a good mic and a good pre. Look at a VTB-1 and a C1 by ...... can't remember the company. Ahhhh .... "Studio Projects" VTB-1 and C1. You can probably get a package deal.
post edited by Steve_Karl - 2007/04/03 09:42:15
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lhansen
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/03 11:19:09
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Steve,
Are you sure about the mic? The sm81 has been a studio standard for years on acoustic instruments.
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Joe Bravo
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/03 15:57:50
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You'll get the best sound from a non-tube pre. Any good transfromerless mixer will sound better usually.
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lhansen
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/03 17:51:12
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Joe,
I'm fond of non-tube pre's myself. I own 3 different one's and use them for specific instruments/vocals. Just a matter of personal preference. I'm just trying to find one that leans toward acoustic instuments. Some pre's seem to work better on vocals, synths, etc. Well, I do own 1 ART tube pre that works wonders on my synth, tho. I was hoping that I 'd get a few responses from those that are playing acoustic guitar and see what they are using. I have a decent selection of mics, but I tend to favor the shure sm81 on acoustic. Any personal reccomendations that you've worked with Joe? Thanks.
Slow Marching Band Win 7 x64, Sonar X1E x64, Studio One v2, Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP Pro, Genelec 8030a, True Systems P-Solo, Focusrite ISA One, FMR RNP, GAP-73. "Someone to watch over me".
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IzovAge
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/03 19:23:23
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You might want to take a look at the ART PRO CHANNEL. I know what your thinking, an ART. It's actually a very nice piece of gear.
I've got the MPA and the VLA which is the same pre and comp that's in the channel, and I have to say that it's definitely got a warm tone going for it. Might just be what your looking for with your SM 81.
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lhansen
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/03 19:43:47
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Izo,
I own an ART TPS II that I use on my Korg synth. It really warms and fattens up the sound nice. I checked out the Pro Channel. That thing is a beast! I was looking for a 1U or half-rack unit. Have you tried any of their smaller units?
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IzovAge
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 14:03:55
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Only other ART would be the little tube mp.
Another place to look would be the Joe Meek stuff. The 3Q is half rack and the 6Q is 1ru.
Although I've not tried them myself I heard nothing but good. I'd probably go for the 6Q.
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diamondjim
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 16:47:57
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The ART Tube MP for about $70.00 with adjustable tube tone is a real value. I use this both live and for recording. But I also would suggest a better mic. The Marshall V69 ME is and incredible value for under $300. Also look at the Cascade mic line at cascademicrophones.com. I have their Victor ribbon (under $200) which is really sweet....
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Steve_Karl
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 16:54:53
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ORIGINAL: lhansen
Steve,
Are you sure about the mic? The sm81 has been a studio standard for years on acoustic instruments.
Sorry ... I was thinking of an other model of Shure. I don't have experience with the 81.
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Jim Roseberry
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 17:18:23
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For acoustic, I'd suggest using the cleanest/quietest pre you can afford.
The Grave 101 or P-Solo would be on my short list of things to check out.
Anything less (quality wise) would be a lateral move... and IMO a wast of money.
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jacktheexcynic
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 19:18:41
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before spending money on a pre make sure your recording space sounds good. high quality gear can't help poor acoustics. you should also try to identify exactly what you mean by "better sound." is there a particular sound you are looking for, or something you hear now that you don't like? if you want a warm, woody sound but you've got an ovation shallow bowl you simply won't get it. if you get the transparent pres that some have suggested they will not necessarily make your guitar sound better so much as eliminating part of the signal chain that might be making it sound worse. basically, make sure you are happy with the sound you are getting out of the guitar to begin with. get someone to play it for you and listen at different positions - it may be your mic placement isn't capturing the warmth or detail that you want. once you've experimented and defined "better sound" you might find out the solution is a $12 set of strings, a thinner pick, a different guitar, etc. or you can just buy stuff because it's fun 
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lhansen
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 20:56:08
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Everyone,
Thanks for all the opinions, tips, advice,etc. I appreciate it! I'm reviewing all the mentioned pre's and then some before I jump. I have 2 great guitars ( Taylor GS and Gibson J-45 ). I admit that the room acoustics could be a little better. I have done some treatment ( as much as the wife would allow ). It doesn't sound bad. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I use seperate pres/strips for my vocals, keyboards, electric guitar. I thought that another pre for the acoustic maybe would enhance the sound a little bit. ( I could use a liittle more gain on that shure sm81 ) I do use different mics and mic placement from time to time. Just looking for something to add to the arsenal and wanted to see what everyone who plays and records acoustic guitar was using. The shure going into the RME is not a "bad" sound. I tested a few pres for vocals before I settled on the one that I liked, that's all. Just doing the same thing for the acoustic. LOL
Slow Marching Band Win 7 x64, Sonar X1E x64, Studio One v2, Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP Pro, Genelec 8030a, True Systems P-Solo, Focusrite ISA One, FMR RNP, GAP-73. "Someone to watch over me".
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Joe Bravo
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RE: Pre or Strip for acoustic guitar
2007/04/04 22:32:05
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Try cutting the mids 6db @ 2.5k or so. That tends to take a lot of harshness out of acoustic guitar and you'll find a lot of old pros do this. Better to do so at the mixing board before recording than in a DAW afterwards usually, but you can try the latter also.
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