If you do a studio recording, the best is a good mike on foot... I use for live performance an AKG gooseneck mike : you clip them on either side of the box (maybe for ITM, you'd need only one, for the right ahnd side...). It takes the sound a few centimeters from the box itself, and it's got a really good response with a very neat sound. Enables you to move around if you play standing. If you put a pickup directly on the box, it'll take the vibrations of the wood, and that distorts the sound.
I guess you'll find different systems in a music shop, but I've benne quite happy with my AKGs... and I've had them for over 15 years, so I think the investment is worth it....
Cheers
I think they do a radio transmitter of a similar thing, or it could be samson, For recording i use a pair of large diaphragm condenser mics one each side for the bass and tune. Works well for me.[ as the tech] Gets a great sound, if only other instruments were as easy!
I have used condenser mikes for my box for years now, great for comfort and your back because you dont have to "follow" the mike. Excellent for constant pick up on the roaming left hand..Ever start a concert or ceili and then look up to find the mike "moved"! Another great bonus is the floor space available without mike stands...you can tap your feet, cross your legs etc wihtout restriction... and as we all know when the musician is comfortable the tunes know it!
Thanks for the memories... I knew a box player who had two small mics installed in his box. This fellow always struggled with stage fright anyway, and I will never forget the frozen look of terror on his face when a huge howl of feedback erupted onstage. He literally didn't know whether to run, sh!t, or go blind. Another band member had to go over and lead him away from the monitor speaker's hot spot. I believe he switched to bouzouki not long after that.
Not useful to the discussion, maybe, but it always makes me smile.
akg c 416L are very good live mics. Think they are the same others were talking about. I have them for few years. no problems. They have mini xlr connections but the phantom adapter accessory leaves normal xlr out. There is an new model available AKG C 516 ML. not sure of difference between 2
As well as internal mikes, I use a small radio transmitter that fits into the accordion jackplug - its a godsend.
No cables and you can swap it if playing more than one box.
I once got to hear direct comparison between a Micro-Vox fiddle mic, and an Audio Technica pro-series instrument mic on the same instrument through the same PA at the same time. Aside from reliability issues with the Micro-Vox systems (they're made in a shed....) the sound difference was horrifying.
Yes, buying a decent phantom powered condenser which attaches to an instrument is more expensive. But, compared to the truely shocking sound of the Micro-vox, it's worth it.
i have a 12 button / piano accordion and have been using a shure sax mic fo amplification. i have not been that happy and am wondering if anyone has a suggestion for me - i am looking at replacing with an AKG C516ML but want some input on whether this is actually a better choice or if it is basically the same as the shure. thanks so much.
I have bought a JTS TM929 for £20 at electromarket.co.uk.
A reviewer on the electromarket site compares this mic favourably with the AKG: "The JTS is a great mic for beginners to professionals alike. It would be a good mike if it was £120".
I am using this mic with a £12.95 stand with boom arm (Skytec 180.024, also from electromarket.co.uk), and a Roland microcube amp, £65 from NevadaMusic.co.uk.
Mic for Accordion
Mic for Accordion
What is the best way to mic an accordion for a live performance? For a studio recording? Pickup? Condenser Mic?
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by FiddleCrazy
Re: Mic for Accordion
If you do a studio recording, the best is a good mike on foot... I use for live performance an AKG gooseneck mike : you clip them on either side of the box (maybe for ITM, you'd need only one, for the right ahnd side...). It takes the sound a few centimeters from the box itself, and it's got a really good response with a very neat sound. Enables you to move around if you play standing. If you put a pickup directly on the box, it'll take the vibrations of the wood, and that distorts the sound.
I guess you'll find different systems in a music shop, but I've benne quite happy with my AKGs... and I've had them for over 15 years, so I think the investment is worth it....
Cheers
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by Nikita Pfister
Re: Mic for Accordion
I think they do a radio transmitter of a similar thing, or it could be samson, For recording i use a pair of large diaphragm condenser mics one each side for the bass and tune. Works well for me.[ as the tech] Gets a great sound, if only other instruments were as easy!
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by jig
Re: Mic for Accordion
I have used condenser mikes for my box for years now, great for comfort and your back because you dont have to "follow" the mike. Excellent for constant pick up on the roaming left hand..Ever start a concert or ceili and then look up to find the mike "moved"! Another great bonus is the floor space available without mike stands...you can tap your feet, cross your legs etc wihtout restriction... and as we all know when the musician is comfortable the tunes know it!
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by conormccarthy
Re: Mic for Accordion
Thanks for the memories... I knew a box player who had two small mics installed in his box. This fellow always struggled with stage fright anyway, and I will never forget the frozen look of terror on his face when a huge howl of feedback erupted onstage. He literally didn't know whether to run, sh!t, or go blind. Another band member had to go over and lead him away from the monitor speaker's hot spot. I believe he switched to bouzouki not long after that.
Not useful to the discussion, maybe, but it always makes me smile.
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by mickray
Re: Mic for Accordion
akg c 416L are very good live mics. Think they are the same others were talking about. I have them for few years. no problems. They have mini xlr connections but the phantom adapter accessory leaves normal xlr out. There is an new model available AKG C 516 ML. not sure of difference between 2
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by colmh
Re: Mic for Accordion
As well as internal mikes, I use a small radio transmitter that fits into the accordion jackplug - its a godsend.
No cables and you can swap it if playing more than one box.
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by geoffwright
Re: Mic for Accordion
I have found the Micro Vox systems to best best for quality and price. They are availible through 'The Music Room' which can be found online at - http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/index.php/cPath/52_207/sort/4a/page/2?mrSid=9f7a288cda6cbcfa837d0e9cf72a76ba
# Posted on November 10th 2007 by Daniel Gott
Re: Mic for Accordion
I once got to hear direct comparison between a Micro-Vox fiddle mic, and an Audio Technica pro-series instrument mic on the same instrument through the same PA at the same time. Aside from reliability issues with the Micro-Vox systems (they're made in a shed....) the sound difference was horrifying.
Yes, buying a decent phantom powered condenser which attaches to an instrument is more expensive. But, compared to the truely shocking sound of the Micro-vox, it's worth it.
# Posted on November 10th 2007 by Andy V
Re: Mic for Accordion
i have a 12 button / piano accordion and have been using a shure sax mic fo amplification. i have not been that happy and am wondering if anyone has a suggestion for me - i am looking at replacing with an AKG C516ML but want some input on whether this is actually a better choice or if it is basically the same as the shure. thanks so much.
# Posted on November 30th 2007 by mommamidgie
Re: Mic for Accordion
I have bought a JTS TM929 for £20 at electromarket.co.uk.
A reviewer on the electromarket site compares this mic favourably with the AKG: "The JTS is a great mic for beginners to professionals alike. It would be a good mike if it was £120".
I am using this mic with a £12.95 stand with boom arm (Skytec 180.024, also from electromarket.co.uk), and a Roland microcube amp, £65 from NevadaMusic.co.uk.
# Posted on May 31st 2008 by tonyseymour