Good Mic for Tuba?

[tubaphillips]

You might want to consider mic placement as well. In this video the audio is from an iphone mic. I have the mic inches from the outside of my bell, so I got okay audio.

https://www.facebook.com/TubaPhillips/v ... 0764934982" target="_blank

[circusboy]

Why, hello there! I came here hoping someone with more knowledge than I had replied with some awesome tuba-recording advice, but alas...

I, too, have been looking to purchase a recording mic for my tuba. After consulting with friends in the recording industry, basically what I've been told is that any kick drum/bass tone mic will work great for picking up that great tuba resonance. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but when I do, I'll be picking up a Shure Beta 52.

Of course, to record from this mic to your computer, you'll need an audio interface. Basically, this takes the signal from the mic and digitizes it into a signal your computer can understand. Personally, I'm choosing to stay away from "USB mics" all together, and sticking with a mic that's been around a little bit longer.

Hope this helps!
Seth

+1 for the Shure Beta 52

I consulted with probably the best audio recording engineers in the business before purchasing. They pointed me to the 52.

[pjv]

It's all about the money

[Slamson]

I'm not sure (no pun intended) why someone would use a "Shure" SM52 (or its sexier counterpart, the AKG D112.) Kick drums aren't renowned for their resonance - tubas are (or at least they should be.) plus, the SM52 is a purposely dull microphone with no significant high end, and a good tuba should have SOME overtones, eh? I use the PGA52 as part of Shure's drumset kit and it's great for that. And that's all.

Unfortunately, good microphones for any application usually require good applicants, just like good tubas usually require good players. So mics like the Shure KSM32/42/44 can do a great job of recording the tuba, but it's not a "close and play" type of instrument. Placement is everything, and the recent post of Phil Broome is a good start. Bottom line - never point a microphone at the inside of a tuba bell (unless you're intent on raising hell!) Large diaphragm microphones don't necessarily give a "larger" or "fatter" sound - in fact some small-diaphragm mics like the AKG 451 can exacerbate low frequencies when they're jammed really close. Stay away from cheap brands like Behringer, Marshall (aka MXL), BOYA, Samson - the list goes on, and on. A lucky Marshall will last through a gig - a good Shure will last a lifetime.

I'm not a fan of USB mics for a lot of reasons, but the Yeti is pretty neat (and cute...)