Which mic to use in front of amp for live performance?

Conrad

Hi all

I just need some advice on which of the following mics would deliver the most faithful sound being used in front of an amp. I don't know if it makes any difference but these are acoustic guitar amps.

Sure 607s, SM58s, SM57 or Rode NT3?

Any input would be appreciated.
C

Warren

Conrad wrote Hi all

I just need some advice on which of the following mics would deliver the most faithful sound being used in front of an amp. I don't know if it makes any difference but these are acoustic guitar amps.

Sure 607s, SM58s, SM57 or Rode NT3?

Any input would be appreciated.
C

Can't go wrong with the SM57! I use mine all the time, and it is a tried and tested inexpensive solution. Reliable as hell too.

AlanRatcliffe

If it's acoustic guitar into acoustic amps (which are full-range, like the PA is), then you don't use a mic at all. Use the DI out from the amps.

Even better (at least for bigger shows where you have a sound guy on a good desk with good FX) split the guitar's out with a DI before the amp (parallel out to amp, DI out to desk). This means you are using the amps as your stage monitors and lets the sound guy have complete control over the FOH sound.

Keira-WitherKay

Alan Ratcliffe wrote If it's acoustic guitar into acoustic amps (which are full-range, like the PA is), then you don't use a mic at all. Use the DI out from the amps.

Even better (at least for bigger shows where you have a sound guy on a good desk with good FX) split the guitar's out with a DI before the amp (parallel out to amp, DI out to desk). This means you are using the amps as your stage monitors and lets the sound guy have complete control over the FOH sound.

yep what Alan said .............. DI the guitars direct to FOH PA

TomCat

+1 to Alan and Keira.......DI always better for Acoustic.

I would look at getting one of these:

http://www.dbxpro.com/db10/index.php

Conrad

OK. Thanks guys. That is certainly easier. Oi... I just hate getting on stage and not being inspired by your own sound. That can really ruin things.

Fingerpicker

Also consider the terrifying possibility of leaving your amp at home. They only add complexity and delay to the setup, especially where the evening consists of a number of sub 20 minute acts. You want to hear yourself and to be heard. The stage monitors and FOH speakers do this. Remember that the sound guy cannot hear what you can hear from the monitors, and you can't hear what the audience can hear from the FOH speakers.
If your monitors are too loud/soft/unbalanced, tell the sound guy. He has no other way of knowing without walking on the stage and standing behind you, very irritating to the performers and audience.

People seem to want their amp with them as a security blanket more than anything else. None of the pros that play at the club worry about amps, they come in with a foot pedal, or two, maybe, plug and play.

Please note that my comments apply to acoustic music rather than electric.

Conrad

OK it turns out the DI outs worked great. Thanks to all for the advice. The pickups have a little condensor mic which helps with the fidelity too.

DonRoos

TomCat wrote +1 to Alan and Keira.......DI always better for Acoustic.

I would look at getting one of these:

http://www.dbxpro.com/db10/index.php

I also want to go this route. Who sells these DI's in Cape Tone/SA? What price?

TomCat

DonRoos wrote
TomCat wrote +1 to Alan and Keira.......DI always better for Acoustic.

I would look at getting one of these:

http://www.dbxpro.com/db10/index.php

I also want to go this route. Who sells these DI's in Cape Tone/SA? What price?

You can get them at Wild & Marr (Cape)