acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81

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bennym
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2008/09/10 21:53:45 (permalink)

acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81

in looking around (and without spending a fortune) it seems that one of the better mics for recording acoustic guitar is the shure sm 81. (agree? disagree?)

i was hoping to spend about $400 on a stereo pair of condensor mics, but i can't seem to find anything quite so popular and universally regarded as a good mic for this purpose as the shure. i'd love to hear more opinions on this mic for that purpose from those of you with experience recording quality acoustic guitar tracks. (i have a martin acoustic/sonar 7 producer and don't have a fancy mic pre) so can i expect to get a great, clean sound with this mic? $700 for the pair is a real $$ stretch for me so i want to be "shure" (pardon the pun!) that this is a wise choice that i won't want to upgrade in a couple of years. thanks so much for any opinions and help with this in advance! ben
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    The Maillard Reaction
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/10 22:13:33 (permalink)
    Benny,

    I've owned a pair of SM81's for about 15 years and worked other peoples SM81's for about 10 years prior to that.

    It's a great mic but not a magic mic. Typical use is drum overheads or acoustic guitar.

    It's really a utility mic for people used to paying USA or Euro manufacturing prices.

    If $700 is a stretch for you then I'd suggest asking for a test drive to make sure they will please you.

    You have lots of cheaper options... you may find something that you like for a lot less.

    I'm not trying to disuade you from the SM81's... They're real nice... but searching for the *perfect* mics for your acoustic guitar is not so simple. If you can swing it... buy them... you'll always find a great use for them.
    But if you are really focused on getting your acoustic sound together you should try as many mics as you can until you find a good match for your guitar and playing style.

    good luck,
    mike
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    bennym
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/10 22:54:44 (permalink)
    mike,

    any thoughts on the rode nt 5's for comparison? they are definitely more in my price range, but is the extra $300 worth it for the shure's? thanks again for your (or anyone else that can help) thoughts!
    #3
    krizrox
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/10 23:19:44 (permalink)
    I have an SM81 but my all-time fav for acoustic guitars are the Oktava MK12's.

    Larry Kriz
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    j boy
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/11 00:56:46 (permalink)
    +1 on the Oktavas. Rode NT-5 are nice too. Different flavors. Both affordable.
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    The Maillard Reaction
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/11 06:20:35 (permalink)
    benny,
    My mic collection was built up before the availability of the newer hi value mics you have the opportunity to try. I don't have any experience with the Rodes.
    Honestly my opinion wouldn't matter any way, you really need to find what works for you.

    best,
    mike
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    lazarous
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/11 08:10:28 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: krizrox
    I have an SM81 but my all-time fav for acoustic guitars are the Oktava MK12's.

    I agree completely. 2nd Favorite? Shure SM98A's (not the Betas... the original ones), but only for fairly loud players.

    I've never liked the NT5's I've tried. They're very "dark" sounding to me. I'm always trying to dial in some top end. Some people like this... they've never really done it for me.

    Good luck!

    Corey

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    Jim Roseberry
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    RE: acoustic guitar recording and the shure sm 81 2008/09/11 10:29:49 (permalink)
    If you're on a budget, check out a pair of Studio Projects B3 mics.
    They're inexpensive... and sound great on acoustic guitar.

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
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