Best mic for recording a mandolin (domra)

[kassonica]

Hey brad my question was actually innocent I was wondering if you had used a humble 57 on mandolin lately or acoustic gtr's.

[BradLyons]

Hey brad my question was actually innocent I was wondering if you had used a humble 57 on mandolin lately or acoustic gtr's.

Lately, no....have used them, yes---many times.

[mikebeckmotu]

I use a lot of mics, heck I use A LOT of gear.

Brad,
I need your expert advice. Possibly we'll get down to the sales details, but not now. From what I've read about the Bluebird, it has a character. Can you describe it comparing to, for instance, Neumann SDC or Cascade ribbons?

I've used a Bluebird as well as SDCs and ribbons, just not Neumann or Cascade (oh, and I'm not Brad either!).
I'd say the Bluebird is "sort of" bright but quite full sounding. It's definitely a very good mic that is more than worth the price. In fact, I was wavering between the Bluebird and the SM81, but I got a good deal on the SM81 so I bought it. This is partly because I already have a Blue Baby Bottle, which is similar to the Bluebird, though it's a little darker sounding.
I use a ribbon (Electro-Harmonix EH-R1) on acoustic instruments at times, and it does a great job - even though I usually have to add some high shelving to it. It takes EQ very well. My ribbon is darker than many of the popular ribbons, like the Cascades.
An advantage to getting the Bluebird is that you'd probably find it more of an all-purpose mic than a SDC, and possibly more than a ribbon, too.

[Phil O]

I don't know about mandolin, but I recently used a Bluebird on a banjo and I was quite impressed.

Phil

[Jim]

Look at the mics they use in concert videos. If the instrument sounds good to you, then that should tell you something.

[michkhol]

Look at the mics they use in concert videos. If the instrument sounds good to you, then that should tell you something.

I'd love to see one with domras (see the first post) besides those with myself recording. Seriously, what's good for the sound reinforcement is not always ideal for the studio.

[BradLyons]

Look at the mics they use in concert videos. If the instrument sounds good to you, then that should tell you something.

I'd love to see one with domras (see the first post) besides those with myself recording. Seriously, what's good for the sound reinforcement is not always ideal for the studio.

Agreed! Often what I use for live sound I use because I can't use what I would use in the studio.....

[steveo]

Wow, "harsh in the top end" sure isn't how I'd describe the SM81. I've found it to be great and silky-smooth on small strings like the mandolin (and hi-hat), and I actually prefer to add a little hi EQ; it has the most controlled top end I've ever heard.

[BradLyons]

I wouldn't classify the SM81 as "silky", but I'd not say "harsh" either. Compared to a C451B, it's certainly not as "sparkly". Compared to a KM184, it's not as smooth. The SM81 is somewhat more bright than neutral...but not a lot.

[steveo]

Fair enough, but the SM81 is also one of the most versatile mics around. I have one on a piano right now. On a classic guitar its proximity effect brings a gorgeous roundness, and it's of course well-known for use in a pair in front of a choir, and I've seen it a lot on TV used for drum overheads.

[Phil O]

Throughout this discussion, let's not forget that not all mandolins are the same. After considering what mics work well on mandolin, one might ask, "What is the best mic for THIS mandolin?"

Phil

[Kubi]

+1 on the SM57, though you have to use it with a great pre. That mic surprises me with amazing regularity.

That said, my favorite mic for acoustic instruments that can get too harsh/brittle sounding is the Blue Baby Bottle - somewhat similar to the Bluebird, but a good bit more round, more forward in the low mids and less "scooped" than the Bluebird. I like to describe the Baby Bottle as a "ribbon with extended highs". Amazing mic, very un-condenser sounding, so it rarely convinces on (pop) vocals, but always excels on acoustic instruments. Of course you have to have a great pre (and a good AD converter doesn't hurt, either.)

[BradLyons]

All of this talk about microphones......ARGH, I just picked up a new AKG C214 to take home. I hate these forums sometimes! LOL

[James Steele]

Don't get me wrong. Sweetwater has great prices and I have bought plenty from them - and will again. But let's not confuse advice with cultivating sales leads. And there's nothing wrong with that; I just think this is the wrong place [website] for it when done with such blatant commercialism. Am I O/T?

I've said this many times in different ways, but I doubt Brad is getting rich off of being present on this board. Further, I'd suggest that if other dealers wanted to come on here and try and give helpful advice, I wouldn't mind-- but they don't bother. Brad is also human (from what I've heard) and so his opinion is just that... an opinion. I may agree or disagree. I don't think he's motivated by the desire to make a bigger sale when he gives advice... I think that's his opinion. And... others are free to disagree and do. You should take the opinion of any person, whether in sales or not, with a grain of salt and trust your own ears and judgement. Brad is not always right-- neither am I-- neither is anyone. Comes as a shock, I know.

[michkhol]

Throughout this discussion, let's not forget that not all mandolins are the same. After considering what mics work well on mandolin, one might ask, "What is the best mic for THIS mandolin?"

Phil

Or rather this DOMRA prima. I'll be testing an AT U873R in a couple of days, also on alto- and tenor- domras. Will report back.