new J99 or new mic SM7b???

[dbonin]

ugggg I hate moments like these.... my name is indecisive....

I have an N72 and an A12 - I have a couple of crapy mics and a SM58 and a couple of Karma K-10 condensers.... and other cheap junk.

I'm not a fan of any condenser I've ever heard in the $350 price range, but the SM7b has recently cought my attention. I can get it for about $275 right now at GC. I'm mostly singing and playing acustic (an overly bright Taylor IMHO) so I'm thinking the SM7 may be a solid alternative to a cheap condenser.

But I so badly want to build a J99 - what's a boy to do?? Do I dive in and grab the SM7b or do I just make do with what I have and build another pre? Not just another pre, but a J99!!

I don't really _need_ the new mic OR the new pre - it's a hobby after all - but I can't seem to help myself.

Place your vote!

Help!!

[unchartedthickets]

i too have the same problem with hobbies consuming
way too much money and time.

small diaphram condensers (sdc's) seem to work very well with acoustic guitars. i have a stereo pair of Rode NT5's that do alright with acoustic guitar but they're really nice as drum overheads.

i like large diaphram condensers as well and very much like the Audio Technica 4033, 4040, 4050. they are exceptional mics for the money. the 4050 is pattern switchable, giving you the most options. i have a Rode NT1A that works very well for vocals, acoustic guitar and as a room mic on drums. I usually run it through a C84.

i would also use some eq and compression (either natural, in the box or outboard) to round off the harsh waves. hope you get the problem resolved. if you're like me, you'll be buying something else soon enough...say a J99 sounds good too.

talk about AT40??'s:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/89378-at4050-at4040-at4033.html

talk about acoustic guitar recording with SDC's:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/153920-help-me-pick-best-sdc-acoustic-classical-guitar.html

someone selling a AT4033 for a good price:
http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=77999

[dbonin]

I picked up an SM7b - couldn't pass up the $75 off cupon Guitar Center posted this week. Cash out the door was $294, I believe.

unchartedthickets - thanks for the suggestions. As Tim creates more tasty modules the choices just become harder and harder!

The compression module is interesting - I bet it sounds stellar.

-=]peace[=-

[Randyman...]

What good are a bunch of killer preamps w/o a few good mics?

Since you have a few very nice preamps at this point - my vote is also Mics...

I love my SM7 for certain singers and even on bright/fizzy guitar cabinets! Good call IMO...