willbill
Sore Fingers
Posts: 8
My main instrument is: Taran Tirga Mhor Fan Fret
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Post by willbill on Dec 2, 2020 8:04:32 GMT
I've been using a shure SM57 mic plugged into my henriksen bud amp for fingerstyle guitar, I like the sound but need the gain and volume both nearly max'd out and then I'm getting some hiss (I'm no expert on amps/mics or recording) Can I boost the output of the SM57 before going into the amp? if so what do I need? ( for not a shed load of cash)
If I'd be better using a condenser mic then what would be a good option for £200 or under?
Appreciate any pointers..
Thanks
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Post by andyhowell on Dec 2, 2020 8:34:20 GMT
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Post by jackorion on Dec 2, 2020 9:10:19 GMT
SM57s are pretty low output so do need a lot of gain - condensers will be better but more prone to feedback (particularly as a lot of 'budget friendly' condensers seem to favour having a boost in the top end)
You could try something like a FetHead (https://www.tritonaudio.com/fethead) which is an inline preamp that would be powered by your amps phantom power?
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willbill
Sore Fingers
Posts: 8
My main instrument is: Taran Tirga Mhor Fan Fret
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Post by willbill on Dec 2, 2020 11:25:11 GMT
Thanks for the replies, I've ordered an inline mic preamp booster through fleabay, that should work well with the SM57, made in the UK by Marti audio and looks like it does the same job as the Fethead, I'll also go for a small condenser mic to compare.
Cheers
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Post by shufflebeat on Dec 7, 2020 21:04:24 GMT
The '57 isn't really a low output mic like a Beyer m201 or a Shure sm7b which really need to be used with higher gain preamps or boosted with preamps like the MartiAudio unit (I have 2, they're great).
However, the '57 wasn't really designed for use at distance with quiet performance. In order to amplify such a signal will involve serious gain at preamp level which will result in the noise you are hearing. The MartiAudio is (relatively) super-quiet so can solve that problem but that level of amplification of any mic will risk feedback (US - howlaround) in situations where that's an issue.
Most condenser mics have a more extended bandwidth of sensitivity and can be more liable to feedback than the '57.
Both the MartiAudio and most condenser mics require power which is often provided at 48v as "phantom power" at the preamp. You should check to see if your amp can provide this. [Edit, according to "Acoustic Guitar" it does].
Another solution worth considering is a contact mic (not a piezo) such as the AKG c411. I keep a couple of these in the box for emergencies at gigs and work pretty good for fingerpicking. The ones I have do require phantom power but I seem to remember there is a battery version available if PP isn't available.
All the best.
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