single mic

Ron · Sep 25, 2011

Hi all
I've had a look at few previous threads but can't find and answer.
We're keen to try a single mic for our live performnaces ( a Bluegrass style set up). We also kinda like the look.
Our old p.a. doesn't have phantom power.
Q1 Is there a mic that does the job of a large diaphram condensor but doesn't require phantom power.

Tikas · Sep 25, 2011

hello!
I remember having a similar conversation with a freind of mine a while back and he mentioned that you can get battery opperated ones, that would solve the need for phantom power, perhaps you could try searching for that?
Hat-Sam

23skidoo · Sep 25, 2011

Ron -

Just google 'phantom power preamp' and you'll find lots of options, starting at $15-20 US. I'm certainly no expert, but I don't think you have to spend a lot of money to get something functional that sounds good - and I think a big cardioid condenser using phantom power would be your best bet, especially with a larger group, since folks wouldn't have to stand quite so close to the mic. I've seen some groups use two or three mics in a set up like this to get a better balance between the various instruments and give them more flexibility with the mix. Hopefully someone who actually knows what they're talking about will chime in....

Just googled 'single mic setup bluegrass' and found this - looks like a good start.....

garywj · Sep 25, 2011

Thinking about it, I like the idea - the retro look.

ricdoug · Sep 25, 2011

You’re first step will be to learn how to use a “Bluegrass Mic”. Here’s a great write-up (illustrated, too):

http://web.archive.org/web/20110702232426/http://pleasantvalleymusic.com/SingleMicArticle.pdf

We use an MXL-990 large diaphragm condenser mic:

I learned about the MXL-990 from http://www.howlinhobbitt.com several years ago. It has a wide range pickup pattern and exceptional frequency response. Because of this, settings on your P.A. are very sensitive to feedback and squeal. Forget about using monitors if you use this type of setup for a group. My Carvin S400D P.A. system does not have phantom power, so I use a Sterling PHP1 phantom power supply:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acce...php1-48v-phantom-power-supply/151084000000000

The resulting sound works for large groups of people. Check us out doing a video for a web contest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPCT7_kqA60

Ron · Sep 25, 2011

Thanks all. I think I have a solution.
garywj : Yes - that';s my thinking. We'll still di our ukes but I like the feel and look of a single miic.

Ron · Sep 25, 2011

ricdoug said:
You’re first step will be to learn how to use a “Bluegrass Mic”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPCT7_kqA60

Thanks ricdoug. That is a great article. I don't think we'll end up fully acoustic like that. We do sound better with the ukes di's. (maybe one dayb when we can afford top o' the line ukes).
But I love bluegrass and find that acoustic, one mic sound fanstastic. But that phantom power supply is our solution

ricdoug · Sep 25, 2011

It really adds to the entertainment factor. Check out this video. The lady has a 5 minute and 40 second intro, so you might want to advance it to get to the music video/concert:

http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4355

23skidoo · Sep 25, 2011

Ricdoug - great link to the article about mic set up - that's really useful stuff. And +1 on the MXL 990. I haven't used it 'live', but I borrowed one from a friend a few weeks ago and have done a few recordings with it - it sounds amazing for such a modest price. Great recordings, as well - is that 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' recorded with only the single mic?

ricdoug · Sep 26, 2011

Yes, 23skidoo, one mic only - the MXL990. Tom recorded it off the line out of my Carvin S400D P.A. system. The MXL 990 was the only thing plugged into it. the three uke sololists were plugged into three Roland Cube Street's on the floor at the back of the stage and were picked up by the microphone. The rest of the ukes were picked up acoustically through the MXL-990. The video takes were merged to the sound later. Ric

ricdoug · Nov 26, 2011

Ron said:
I love bluegrass and find that acoustic, one mic sound fanstastic. But that phantom power supply is our solution

It's the low price alternative to getting a new P.A.. Ric

mr moonlight · Nov 26, 2011

I use a presonus tube pre that has phantom power. I use it when playing live with a mic. I really brings that nice warm sound and at the same time giving your mic the power it needs.

Ukuleleblues · Nov 26, 2011

I got the MXL990's after hearing from Ric and Howlin. When I can't get Phantom I use one of these, an ART Mic Preamp between the house PA and my MXL 990. Work great and give a nice warm sound. $29.99

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/art-tube-mp-studio-mic-preamp/180581000000000

Oh Yea we play all acoustic, no instrument amps, or pickups with this set up.

single mic

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