Microphone AND amp/speaker needs.

[Thigh Master]

My first post, hi everyone.
I am looking for a mic and amp set-up. I have only played on whatever the house set-up is "on stage". No idea what the mics have been (probably a Shure or two) or if they were appropriate for flute, as we sang with the same mic.

I'm an advanced amateur. I do some music volunteer work with a guitarist in local hospitals, and occasionally sit-in with friends' acoustic and electric bands. More often than not in in someone's living room, blowing loud enough to be heard over the guitars, singers, congas, etc., without any nuance possible. And of course - I can't even consider playing my alto flute in that context because I can't be heard through the louder instruments.

I want something in a mic/amp/speaker combo for less than a $1,000. Possible? Wouldn't mind having a little reverb as an option as well... mostly for small rooms/venues.

[Phineus, appreciated your other comments I've read... the Sterling Audio ST55 sounds like an option for me]

[Phineas]

Thigh Master

I generally use a keyboard amp when I need a stand alone amp for flute. Something like this

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.c ... sku=481239

or this

http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.c ... sku=480784

I have an old Peavey amp, but these are very similar. Anything else, and you are getting into small PA systems.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/li ... d-packages

I think the keyboard amplifiers are a better choice. A keyboard amp is simple. You do not have to do anything but hook up the instrument or microphone, and adjust the volume. You can add effects, or and external mixer if needed. Keyboard amplifiers are set up with a wide frequency response, and can be used to amplify most instruments and vocals. I have often done backups on guitar and flute for vocalist and ran through the same amp with GREAT success! Especially in small restaurants and private parties. Make sure if you choose this solution that the keyboard amp has phantom power to run your condensor mike! Otherwise you will need an external power supply for the mic. If you like the sound coming from the amp, most of the newer keyboard amps have and output jack that can be use to connect to the house sound system directly. I have used my keyboard amp for Miced acoustic guitar, bass, vocals, violin, cello, saxophone, etc... If you get the right amp, it will sound good for any of these instruments. For added comfort, get one of these.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigati ... +stand&st=

This will not only allow you to aim the out put of the amp upward, it will also allow you to be able to hear yourself even if you are playing through the main PA system. Sort of like a stage monitor, except you control it!

I play with a lot of Jazz/Funk/Rock/Blues/Fusion bands, and the biggest problem is hearing yourself. This solution will definitely solve your problem!

Hope this helps.

Phineas

By the way, I only mentioned the ST55 as a suggestion. Go to your local music center and try out a few mic and see which one YOU like. As you read in that thread, different people have different tastes.

[Thigh Master]

Thanks SO much Phineas - just what I needed to help me sift through all the options. I'll let you know what I start with.

BTW - Do you have of your performances on-line? You Tube?

Thanks again,
J

[Phineas]

Thanks SO much Phineas - just what I needed to help me sift through all the options. I'll let you know what I start with.

BTW - Do you have of your performances on-line? You Tube?

Thanks again,
J

Nope. Maybe one of these days. I have never been much into the Youtube thing. No particular reason, I have just never got into the whole Youtube/Myspace thing. However, I am planning to release some recordings shortly.

Here are some recordings I did almost 10 years ago. Mostly featuring my multi-instrumental ability. I am also quite a better as a flute player than I was then. But check it out.

http://www.garageband.com/artist/drfnknstn

Phineas

[Thigh Master]

You have tone to die for. I also really enjoyed the honesty in your sound.

p.s. looking at a RØDE NT1-A, not sure of the amp yet. Just have to go play through them like you suggested.

[Kraken]

Salud!

p.s. looking at a RØDE NT1-A, not sure of the amp yet. Just have to go play through them like you suggested.

I recently bought a RODE NT2A. When looking for a mic, everybody talked me out of the NT1A as clearly inferior to mics like Studio Electronics SE2200A (in the same price range). I chose the NT2A over the SE2200A just because of the extra polar patterns. If you want it just for the flute or single voices, the SE2200A is a great option.

Anyway, I don't know if a large diaphragm condenser mic is the way to go for live playing. They are very sensible microphones, very prone to capture the slightest noises, floor rumbles, vibrations ,etc. At he very least, buy one with a low cut switch.

[Phineas]

You have tone to die for. I also really enjoyed the honesty in your sound.

p.s. looking at a RØDE NT1-A, not sure of the amp yet. Just have to go play through them like you suggested.

Yeah, I sound WAY better these days than back then. You should hear how I would play those parts now. Thanks for the kind words. That is the downside when you have do everything yourself. I played all of the instrments on those tunes. (programmed the drums) That CD I came out with will be one of those "before Phineas was famous" type of deals...lol

Well, you have picked the mic, now you are half way there!

Phineas

[sweerra]

What is a good microphone to record with? I play acoustic soft-ish music and am wondering what would be a good microphone to record with (preferably no more than around $200). I use a yamaha usb mixing studio. I am going to buy a microphone and have no idea what I should look for and I really don't want to end up with something tacky. If I bought a mic for around $100-$200, would it be any good?
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[fluteguy18]

If you are looking to ONLY record, I recommend the Zoom H2 recorder. You can get it at amazon for about $140USD.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H2-Portable- ... 453&sr=8-1

It gives a GREAT job for the price. If you go to my myspace page ( http://www.myspace.com/adampettry ) and listen to the recording of Chant de Linos, it was recorded with my Zoom H2.

To transfer the files from the device to your computer, you simply connect them through USB, and drag the files from one folder to another. It's really simple.

[Bo]

For recording, I use the Edirol R-09. I got it from my music shop on special at the same price as the Zoom H2...