What Type of Microphone for Room Mic ?

:unsure: Dynamic

:unsure: Ribbon

:unsure: Condenser
Hmmmm….depends on a few things for me…I use ribbons a lot, but I am often working in wood and concrete. My favorite thing to use as a room mic rig is a mid/side setup. The one I use most is ribbon(mid), and condenser in figure 8(side)…I really dig it on a drum kit, a few feet out front.

Also… @Amp Mad Scientist ’s suggestion of a PZM(or two) is an often overlooked option that can produce great results.
 
Hmmmm….depends on a few things for me…I use ribbons a lot, but I am often working in wood and concrete. My favorite thing to use as a room mic rig is a mid/side setup. The one I use most is ribbon(mid), and condenser in figure 8(side)…I really dig it on a drum kit, a few feet out front.

Also… @Amp Mad Scientist ’s suggestion of a PZM(or two) is an often overlooked option that can produce great results.
Ideally a studio with a ceramic tile bathroom, tape it up to the wall and leave the door wide open.
 
In my experiences, Ribbon figure 8, even if such a person would forget to face it the way it was supposed to be 1 time. Its an excellent room sound pick up.

The ribbon is such a "full' sounding mic. but sometimes not so articulate) in my experience in room (mostly huge open cleans vs on the grill heavy stuff) I follow the 3 to 1 rule with a condenser mic about out a bit & the the ribbon 3x out from that usually . Sometime i find that 'spot" in room where it is nice & full & then adjust the mics. not overly picky but for huge openness have always used that process. You will need no in the box hocus pocus if you get that room & natural reverb capture
 
I think maybe tape a PZM inside a piano, above the strings.
Then push the damper pedal down so the the strings are free to vibrate....
then see what kind of sounds you can get from the strings resonating with the sounds / amps in the room.
 
Hmmmm….depends on a few things for me…I use ribbons a lot, but I am often working in wood and concrete. My favorite thing to use as a room mic rig is a mid/side setup. The one I use most is ribbon(mid), and condenser in figure 8(side)…I really dig it on a drum kit, a few feet out front.

Also… @Amp Mad Scientist ’s suggestion of a PZM(or two) is an often overlooked option that can produce great results.
10'x10'x10' home studio.

Recording a 4x12 cab
 
10'x10'x10' home studio.

Recording a 4x12 cab
Guitar 4x12(or more)…ribbon is my first choice, as long as I have a mic preamp that will do the job. Otherwise, a condenser gets the job. If you are the player, take note of where you always stand…then put the room mic there, instead of you. If you’re not the player, let the player set himself up, watch where he/she chooses to be while playing, and politely stick the mic stand right there… after you’ve baited them away with a cookie or something.
 
Guitar 4x12(or more)…ribbon is my first choice, as long as I have a mic preamp that will do the job. Otherwise, a condenser gets the job. If you are the player, take note of where you always stand…then put the room mic there, instead of you. If you’re not the player, let the player set himself up, watch where he/she chooses to be while playing, and politely stick the mic stand right there… after you’ve baited them away with a cookie or something.
I play guitar every now and then.
 
If you could only get one, I'd go condenser with switchable patterns. More versatile.
Ribbons can sound nice and big on a guitar cab though; for a guitar-dedicated room mic that's a great choice.
If your preamp has the juice, as mentioned above.
There's always the Cloudlifter though, good boost for a weak ribbon.
 
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