Good microphones....?

Question

Hey i want to know what type of microphone would be good for recording guitar and drums (not like brand, but like style, so i can search ebay). I know i would need a different microphone for drums but what types? Or even better, brand and model or just brand.

Answer 1

The brand makes all the difference!

Shure SM57's are good at recording just about anything... but especially electric guitar. There's no real "type" to this mic, it's just a dynamic mic that has a certain EQ response that favors the right frequencies for electric guitar. I've also used an SM57 to record bass.

Condenser mics are good for recording drums, especially cymbals. I've used the Samson CO1 (cee oh one, not cee zero one), it's okay. Remember that you need phantom power for condenser mics (preamp, mixer, DI box, whatever) and that they should not be used live (too hot). If you see "shotgun condenser" mics I think that's what they call the long thin ones... used correctly they work excellently for cymbals.

You can use a kick drum mic for bass, but you shouldn't... at least, I don't. The best way to record bass, in my opinion, is to go directly into the board, unless you have a spanking amp.

Saul