I have a 1500 watt PA system with huge speakes. However, I cannot get my acoustic to come loud enough to compete with the rest of the band when I mic it with my Shure Sm-57. It's definitely loud enough for a singer. Is there something that I'm missing?
No, I have never used one.
pre amps help, even with a dynamic mic like 57. give it a shot
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Hey, sorry to add my own off-topic question, but what's the difference between a pre-amp and an EQ. I thought the two weere the same thing, choosing which signals to boost and which to reduce before that sound gets amplified.
I believe the problem lies in the type of microphone you are using . Dynamic microphones ( SM-57 ) are great for mic'ing snare drums , guitar amps and even vocals but you need to be real close to the sound source . The sound quality drops off the farther away you get from the microphone . Condenser mic's are much better at picking up sound from a distance , which is why they are often used to record or pick up cymbals from overhead . Of course , they would also have the capability of picking up other sounds that you might not want , but I believe with proper placement you could eliminate much of that as well . With the SM-57 you need to be not more than 3-6 inches away and hold very still . The most popular method for onstage sound is to mount a pick-up inside the guitar itself or in the soundhole and then use a guitar pre-amp . Fishman makes a very good one that has a 4-band EQ along with volume , compressor , and XLR connector . It also is a DI box . I know that it means having to buy more equipment , but the end result is the freedom to move around on stage .
If I claim to be a wise man , it surely means that I don't know .
The negative of a condenser mic is that it requires phantom power (usually 48V), which means a power source, either a mixer with inbuilt phantom power or a condenser mic pre-amp.
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A 57 is not a good mic for live acoustic guitar. You can not get it close enough to sound good without it getting in your way. You need a pickup or a condender mic; each has pros and cons, as others have mentioned. Personally, I would go for a nice pickup like the Fishman Rare Earth. If you really want to use a mic, look into small diaphragm condensers. AT 4041, AKG 391, AKG 451, or even Shure SM81 would be good candidates. All of these require phantom power, as greybeard noted.
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Another option is the electret-condenser microphone which has a battery of its own .
If I claim to be a wise man , it surely means that I don't know .
