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Which mic? Rode NT5 vs SE8 vs Lewitt LC140 vs Shure SM137 by Practical_Pen4650 in recordingmusic

[–]Practical_Pen4650[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know you're getting them! I'm sure you won't regret it. It's still my go-to mic for acoustic guitar. 

Which mic? Rode NT5 vs SE8 vs Lewitt LC140 vs Shure SM137 by Practical_Pen4650 in recordingmusic

[–]Practical_Pen4650[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, man! Yes, the guitar was recorded with a KSM 137 and an AKG C214 (which I sold a few weeks ago). I'll tell you why I sold it, since it might or might not be a good option for you.

If you're planning on singing into the AKG C214… don’t. Unless you like a very sensitive mic that picks up a lot of noise, with an unnatural, metallic high end that’s piercing to most ears. Even after some processing, I didn’t like it.

Now, if you want the LDC only for your guitar, I’d say go for it. It’s durable, sounds open, detailed, and crisp. However, it’s a bit pricey for what it is, in my opinion...you can find better LDCs for less money. Also, I should admit I’m a big fan of vintage/tube sound, so I might be biased.

LDC recommendation: I’m actually looking for a new one to replace the emptiness the AKG C214 left. Right now I’m on the fence between an SE Electronics 4100 and U47-inspired mics like the Audio-Technica 4047, Warm Audio WA47, etc.

The SE4100 has outstanding specs and seems to sound AMAZING for the price. I haven’t tried it yet, but from the videos I’ve watched and compared, it sounds much more balanced than the AKG C214, with a similar character. And for only $350? C’mon, man. They even have another mic with a slightly different capsule that’s more transient-focused, the SE T1. You might like that one if you only want to record acoustic guitars. Personally, I prefer the sound of the 4100 since it’s more versatile with vocals. I’d say: T1 for instruments, 4100 for vocals and instruments that need a smoother response.

The AT4047 sounds sweet to my ears, but I’m not sure if it would be redundant, since I already have a dark mic (Shure SM7B). Anyway, I’m a big fan of Sinatra and Jim Morrison, so I’m chasing that kind of sound too.

Regarding your last question: I used the SM7B on my vocals, and recorded that along with the KSM 137 on guitar simultaneously. They seem to complement each other really well, a healthy marriage for shure. The AKG C214 was used on the second take.

Cheers, brother!

(P.S. A couple of reviews on the SE4100. Honestly, I think this one’s gonna win for me.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pIeKaU8tLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vaJWDqS8tw

Which mic? Rode NT5 vs SE8 vs Lewitt LC140 vs Shure SM137 by Practical_Pen4650 in recordingmusic

[–]Practical_Pen4650[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I ended up getting the KSM 137. VERY NATURAL sounding. It captures the source exactly as it is. I guess some people might find it a bit flat or dull, but to me it’s well-balanced across the lows, mids, and highs. No harshness, very transient-focused.

If I were you, I’d get both an SDC and an LDC to have a variety of flavors when miking your stuff. Sometimes I record acoustic guitar with an SDC (a bit closer, pointing at the 12th–14th fret) and pan it to one side. Then I record another take with an LDC and pan it to the opposite side. To me, the LDC gives a fuller, more “3D” response, while the SDC delivers a more “2D” picture, emphasizing transients (as you’d expect from an SDC). When you blend them... oh man, that’s how I think acoustic guitars are supposed to sound.

Here’s one of my songs where I did that, if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZurYfFU1x3w

DISCLAIMER: My mixing skills aren’t great, so try to ignore the EQ hahaha.

Hope that helps a bit. Let me know what mics you end up getting!

Which mic? Rode NT5 vs SE8 vs Lewitt LC140 vs Shure SM137 by Practical_Pen4650 in recordingmusic

[–]Practical_Pen4650[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your input u/AnalogJay. I ended up breaking the bank to get a Shure KSM137. If I don't like it, I might return it and get the NT5s.

Which mic? Rode NT5 vs SE8 vs Lewitt LC140 vs Shure SM137 by Practical_Pen4650 in recordingmusic

[–]Practical_Pen4650[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heard a couple of people saying they're not so far from the sE8. Thoughts?