ZoneIII
12 posts
May 15, 2010
5:54 AM
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I apologize for this dumb newbie question. It's about time for me to get a microphone and amp but I am a bit confused by the choices. I want to get a good microphone but a small, inexpensivde practic amp to start. If I find a classic Hi-Z microphone, will it work with a non-tube amp such as a Roland Micro Cube or do I have to use it with a tube amp? Again, I apologize for this very basic question but I am new to this.
I just realized that this would be a good time to ask another very basic question: I am also confused by the different kinds of mic elements. What types should I be looking for and what types should I avoid?
Last Edited by on May 15, 2010 6:06 AM
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Silvertone
11 posts
May 15, 2010
7:00 AM
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Any high impedance mic will work in a micro cube. I love this little amp 20 hrs on batteries and some reasonable effects + amp modeling, its not the same as a tube amp but it is a real fine place to start.
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ZoneIII
13 posts
May 15, 2010
1:58 PM
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Thanks Silvertone! That's what I needed to know. I appreciate your help.
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tookatooka
1397 posts
May 15, 2010
2:00 PM
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I use the Roland Micro Cube with a low impedance dynamic
mic 600 ohms and it's just fine. Great little amp.
Oh! and there's no need to apologize for any dumb questions. We were where you are now not that long ago. The folks on this forum love to help new recruits.
Last Edited by on May 15, 2010 2:04 PM
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ZoneIII
14 posts
May 16, 2010
11:53 AM
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Thanks, tookatooka. I apologized in advance because, unfortunately and as I'm sure you know, on some boards people with basic questions often get blasted. In my own areas of expertise, I always try to be patient and remember that I have to ask questions about things I'm new to as well. It seems like computer forums are the worst.
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KingoBad
275 posts
May 16, 2010
12:06 PM
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I think having a decent mic like an SM58 or a 545 is nice to have around when a hot bullet mic is just way too much. They would also be especially good with something like a Roland micro cube. Plus you can use them for vocals.
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hvyj
338 posts
May 16, 2010
12:30 PM
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The better question is not if you CAN use a particular mic w/ a particular amp (you can), but HOW will it SOUND. Personally, I don't like bullet mics. But if you do, that's fine. Just be aware that they generally sound better into certain types of tube amps than they do with solid state amps.
Moral of the story: Don't get particular gear just because that's what others use. Get gear because it gives you the sound YOU are after which sounds good to you for your style of play.
Your thinking is right on: getting a good mic is the single most important thing to do for electric playing, and it's never too early to get a good mic.
Bullet mics are generally one trick ponies. They produce a certain tone, but you can't get much tonal variation out of most of them. I prefer using XLR lo z mics into amps using an impedance matching transformer. I think XLR style mics respond better to variations in playing technique and mic gripping technique. You can also use this style of mic directly into the PA which is often easier and more convenient for jams and sitting in.
FWIW, I happen to think the Shure 545 Ultimate from Greg Heumann is a GREAT and extremely versatile harp mic. He offers them in hi z or lo z configurations. I prefer lo z myself since i can use it either straight into a PA or through an IMT into an amp. If I go into an amp the signal is a little cooler than from the hi z configuration which, IMHO, sounds smoother and helps control feedback. But YMMV.
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