Shibbibilybob wrote: I know they're hard to find, but I would strongly recommend anything made by AER.
A Compact 60 is the ultimate acoustic amp.
If you have the dollar, look for these guys.

http://www.aer-amps.com/index.php?lang=en

Sho! I remember hearing some guitars through it at Andy McGibbon's place -- sounded incredible! I also heard voice through it but it sounded a little boxy or directional if you know what I mean, yet for steelstring/nylon guitar it totally wiped the floor with anything else.

But I see what you are saying, you need to have the dollar because the rand is not good enough! Hehehe ?

TomCat wrote: Mixer wise.......Soundcraft EFX.....http://www.soundcraft.com/products/product.aspx?pid=148

Ooo! I haven't looked at Soundcraft stuff for years (they've always been thin on the floor in these parts)... they actually look quite nice.

Slightly OT - What other mixers would you recommend these days? What are the brands to aspire to? Mackie? Yamaha?

aja wrote:
Any ideas on what vocal mic would work nicely?

Shure SM58 has worked well for me. I have gigged with them in small and big venues.

aja wrote: Any ideas on what vocal mic would work nicely?

Shure SM58 always works for me.

BTW, the Aura is pretty cool to add a bit of miked "realism". The built-in compressor is a good'un too.

Mic wise.....

Optimal....SM58....bulletproof....just watch out for fakes
Bit less on Budget.....SM 48......Still a very good workhorse
Budget.....PG58.......only down side is the higher handling noise over the more premium models

Beyerdynamic are also making some nice price conscious mics these days as well.

AKG D5 is another good contender......


@ Alan.....Another nice range of mixers are the Allen & Heath ZED series.......some models include a USB audio interface.
Yamaha MG Series is also nice....lots of options there
Not looked at the Mackie's much lately but were always in contention

Thanks a lot guys! ?

I will investigate further and try out some gear...

In terms of pre-amp/DI for the guitars, unless you want all the modelling that the Fishman offers, consider the Baggs Para-DI.

X-rated Bob wrote: In terms of pre-amp/DI for the guitars, unless you want all the modelling that the Fishman offers, consider the Baggs Para-DI.

Is that the one you used with the Morgan at TJ's that one time? Because that sounded very good.

aja wrote:

X-rated Bob wrote: In terms of pre-amp/DI for the guitars, unless you want all the modelling that the Fishman offers, consider the Baggs Para-DI.

Is that the one you used with the Morgan at TJ's that one time? Because that sounded very good.

No. I had a Baggs Gig-pro which is a Para-DI lite. The Gig-pro is only a pre-amp and some EQ (not as comprehensive as the Para-DI's) and it has NO DI functionality.

OK... so "sort of".

I have both, but they are different things. The Baggs is ideal when you are dealing with unknown guitars/players as it has a more powerful EQ with a parametric mid and single notch filter. Works well with a wider range of guitars and pickups (those without onboard preamps and those with mics, which the Fishman doesn't play as nicely with). It's also a more robust unit. Phantom or battery power (no adaptor power).

The Fishman has the imaging, an excellent transparent compressor, and three notch filters (automatic) and a tuner. Powered by battery or adaptor. It's just a reverb and phantom away from being the perfect all-in-one box. Ideal when you have a good sounding pickup/guitar already.

I use the Fishman on my own guitars, but the Baggs is my go-to when I'm doing sound for others (in fact, I should get another).