Mics advice

[PaKETaZ]

Hi all,

I’m on the market for a microphone for my trombone.
We (my band and I) use to record all our rehearsals but I want something than can bring something more than an SM57 (which is not mine) in studio sessions too.

It will not be used in live conditions (I work with an HF Beta98 clipped on my bell).

Here is the final shortlist in no special order:
- Beyerdynamic M88
- Sennheiser MD421
- Sennheiser MD441
- EV RE20
- Shure SM7B

I can buy right now a new M88 but would buy the 3 others used.

I know MD441 and RE20 reputations for horns. I’m curious to hear your opinion.
Especially for the M88 and MD421. I can find an used MD421 for a good price (lower than a new M88).

Exclusively for trombone recording.

Sennheisers need a good pre, and we have one for studio sessions but not for rehearsals: will it be a problem for a trombone recording? We use a Presonus StudioLive 24.4.2AI (I think...) console.

Thanks!

EDIT: added the SM7

[mwpfoot]

I picked up a pair of EV RE320 used on Reverb for home recording, they are derived from RE20 with some other characteristics.

https://www.prosoundnetwork.com/archive ... microphone

It's the most natural sounding mic for bone I've come across - in limited experience. I leave one of them on my kick drum with the scoop switch on (it sounds great) and the other floats around for other loud uses including my trombone. I've certainly been recorded a lot worse in "real" studios.

I imagine any decent large diaphragm dynamic would yield good results. The price was right on this one for me. A lot of the true classics in this class are $$$

[BillO]

If you really want to do the right thing, 'they' say use condenser mics for wind instruments. 'They' being the professional recording pundits. I have heard good things about and from the Neumann TLM 193 and have seen them used for about $1300.

Or if your budget it tighter, the Neumann TLM 102 can be had used for about $450-$500.

[Jimkinkella]

I've used all of these and would prefer the Beta98 to all except the RE20.
The MD441 isn't bad, but not my favorite.
For any pop / rock recording stuff I've had best results with an RE20 mixed with a Beta 57 or 58 next to each other.

[PaKETaZ]

Ok, here we are.

Condenser mics were not on the list, because usually (more) expensive, and I wanted something that could be (more...) easily drivable ... I mean without the fancy amp. Something like an SM57 but the upper league.

Naturally, I came to the M88. Good mic but too “thin”. But I’m not the sound man.
The price tag didn’t justify what I heard ... I finally returned it.
I imagine the beta98 will do the job for rehearsals. And a friend want to give me his SM57, so ...

For studio I’m more seriously looking now for the MD441 or RE20.

Thank you for all the inputs!

[PaKETaZ]

Ok: I now have the MD441. And what I can say is: “WOW”!
Really neutral, flat EQ and you can hear recordings like if the trombone and/or the trumpet are in the room, playing right in front of you! It’s amazing. Barely need EQ.
We used a pre.

I bought it used and I’m more than happy.