WestVirginiaTom
29 posts
Aug 04, 2011
8:27 AM
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I am looking for an inexpensive rig (< $300) that I can use for home practice/recording (with backing tracks) and for occasional use at house parties and coffee house settings. I sing and play harp acoustically (and neither very well). The mic will be on a mic stand (not cupped). I’ve skimmed the archives here and gathered much good information, but most of the information is geared toward you folks that play amplified in bands. I’ll never be that guy. So with that said, here is what I’m looking at for my first setup:
Mic options: Shure SM57, 545SD, Audix i5
Cable: Monster P500 (is it worth the extra $$$ ?)
LZ/HZ Transformer: A85F or A95UF (what’s the difference?)
Amp: Pignose 7-200 Hog-20
What about mic stands? Are they all the same?
Am I missing anything?
Thanks for any and all advice.
Tom
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12gagedan
107 posts
Aug 04, 2011
8:37 AM
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Tom,
First question: Why use an amp if you're playing into a stand mic? Part of the whole "amplified harmonica" technique is the compression that comes from cupping the mic. If you just want sound reinforcement, a small PA unit and speaker might be more appropriate.
At these gigs, if there's singing going into a PA, then just plug in your mic, dial in and off you go. Mic, Cord, Stand = all you need.
As for mic stands, there are quality differences. The slightly more expensive stand I own has held up better than the cheapies. I should note that I only use boom stands, as the heavy-base, plain stick stands tend not to reach high enough for my height. When sitting (i.e. at coffeehouse shows) I like the flexibility of placement offered by a boom mic, as well.
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LSC
57 posts
Aug 04, 2011
9:18 AM
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To offer the best advise it would be useful to know what sort of sound you're looking for. I'll assume since you say you play acoustically without cupping the mic that a clean acoustic sound is what you're after. In which case I'd say:
MIC
Shure SM57 or SM58. I'd probably opt for the SM58. You can find them easily 2nd hand for $60-$75. Tonewise they are similar to a 57 but I think they are a bit more robust and versatile.
CABLE:
Although a good quality cable is always worth the extra money compared to cheapo, Monster cable is not worth it for your situation. Personally, I think they're kind of hyped anyway but that's just my opinion. I'd just go for the best quality store brand.
AMP:
The Pignose is not a clean amp. I'd look into an Ibanez T20. Acoustic instrument amplifier with a mic input so you don't need a transformer. 20 watts gives plenty of clean headroom. Bit of EQ which is always useful with harmonica. Tilt back leg and a couple of effects if you want to play around with that. Sells for $199 with free shipping at Musicians Friend but again you can find them for half that 2nd hand.
They also do a 10 watt version for $100 but I think you might struggle with that. If you can find them in your local music store, check them both out with the mic you intend to use and decide which is right for you. Don't be afraid to walk out and buy 2nd hand somewhere else. And always remember most of the chain stores the sales guys are on commission so take that into account when listening to what they say. Use your ears and your own brain.
MIC STAND:
I hate cheap mic stands. They break easily, let you down, move around, and are just a pain. The best you can buy are K&M. Though they are expensive and might be overkill for your purpose, a K&M would be something you would likely never have to replace. I hardly ever buy new but a mic stand would be an exception. If a K&M is over the top go for the next best you can afford.
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LSC
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Baker
147 posts
Aug 04, 2011
9:32 AM
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Hi Tom,
have a look at these amps: http://marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=AS50D
I use one fairly often, with an SM57. Nice rounded warm tone and a dedicated MIC input (XLR) so no need for impedance matching transformer.
Great for if you want a clean sound. Terrible, however, if you are looking for an overdriven Chicago type sound. I've tried it with CM mic and a Lonewolf Harp Attack and it sounds rubbish.
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Joe_L
1387 posts
Aug 04, 2011
9:37 AM
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Just get a good vocal mic and be done with it. If you are playing acoustic blues, people have been using SM57's for years. SM57's were the vocal mic workhorses in blues bars around Chicago for years.
As far as cables go, I buy them at a local guitar store which offers a lifetime warranty on it. If it breaks, they replace it. It cost $3 more than their cheapest cable.
Mic stands, I found mine in the rain in front of an office building. They must have had some sort of corporate video shoot going on.
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Kingley
1564 posts
Aug 04, 2011
10:47 AM
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Listen to Joe L. Get an SM57 or a 545 and you're good to go.
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earlounge
320 posts
Aug 04, 2011
12:15 PM
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If you are singing then a SM58 is my choice. It has a very very similar frequency response as a SM57, but it has a wind screen for vocal plosives.
A good mic stand is a good investment and will last for ever. I suggest a boom stand with folding tripod feet.
If you are playing clean then I agree with everyone that suggested getting a PA system. I would look into a powered PA speaker with a XLR input or a small mixing board... not an amp.
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WestVirginiaTom
30 posts
Aug 04, 2011
4:27 PM
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Thanks to all for the advice! Good stuff.
Ok, I have eliminated the Pignose amp. I am now considering the Peavey Solo battery-operated portable sound system. Specs:
Price: $120
8 inch heavy-duty speaker
Mic channel features low Z input
2-band EQ
High and low impedance inputs
15 watts from AC power or 10 watts from battery power
It says it has a "tape out jack". Is that the same as the "line out" I've seen described with various amps?
Peavey also sells a 12-watt portable amp. Specs:
Price: $80
12 Watts (AC power only - no battery)
8" Blue Marvel speaker
TransTube tube emulation circuitry
Clean and Lead channels
3 band passive EQ
1/4" stereo CD Input
Direct Out jack
Low damping factor for lively tube power amp sound
Headphone jack
At $80, it looks to me that the amp provides alot a bang for the buck. What do you think?
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Rockerduck
17 posts
Aug 04, 2011
5:11 PM
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Battery powered amp will distort as you turn it up sooner. I have had a couple that do that and I actually like it. Amps are subjective to what sound you like. I want clean and dirty, so I use a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp with a overdrive pedal and slap echo. As, for stands, a metal round base is what I use because some people just can't help but knock my stand, so no more of those tripod mic stands for me, microphone nose dives can be hazardous to your pocket. I started in the 70's with the round base and now I'm back to it forever. I use a Sm58 cause I sing. The cables are cheap enough, just buy a couple and have a spare.
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LSC
59 posts
Aug 05, 2011
2:20 PM
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Yeah, I'd stay away from a battery powered amp unless you go with something like a Maxi Mouse which can run off a power supply as well. They're pretty great but no longer made, are hard to find, and the prices have gotten a little out of hand.
I've always liked Peavey gear and think them really underrated but don't know anything about the pieces you mentioned. The thing is, can't you check this stuff out locally? Starting to get the sense you're thinking of buying unheard just on the advise you can find.
Although I understand why some folks are saying go with a SM58/57 and a PA I think they may have missed a couple of criteria. First the total budget is under $300 and second he wants something that he can use at home, house parties and coffee shops. A PA is going to be usually three boxes - mixer/amp & 2 speakers- or at minimum mixer amp and one speaker. Either is more space and more hassle. The two channel acoustic instrument amps are in essence a mini-PA. I've got an AER Combo II which I use in similar circumstance and that is exactly what it is designed to be, a mini PA. The Combo II and all the similar products from other companies are specifically designed for exactly the situations he describes.
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LSC
Last Edited by on Aug 05, 2011 2:20 PM
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