Today I was asked about the gear I use to record my guitar and I wondered whether it would be of interest to leave that information here as well…
I have already recently mentioned that I use a 2002 Macintosh G4 computer. That 2002 computer runs at the awesome speed of 1,25 Ghz!! For comparison, my 2018 phone runs at 2,5 GHz! Ha! The latest version of the Pro Tools recording software that can run on this Mac is PT 6.9.1. I believe PT is up to version 12 by now. My computer is very stable and PT 6.9.1 is very stable, and I have no desire to upgrade.
In the studio I use a Neumann M149 microphone, which I have had since sometime around 1997. Around that time I also acquired a Martech MSS-10 microphone preamp, after testing and comparing a dozen different preamps. All in the room immediately knew that the MSS-10 was the best of the bunch, certainly for my guitar.
I think microphone and preamp are far more important than the recording device. One has to start out with the best possible signal.
For concerts I have the Earthworks SR40. I have used this microphone for a few years now and absolutely love it. Great sound, great feedback rejection, and plenty of gain.
Always loved the sound your able to achieve Ottmar!
I’m going to be building a new studio again from the ground up and found your blog after searching for mic preamps for recording flamenco guitar.
Loooking at all the usual suspects. Millennia, Neve, Avalon, etc. I’ll have to take a closer look at Martech.
Thank you!
Thanks Brent. Although my comparison test happened a long time ago, I clearly remember that the Martech really stood out. Sadly I don’t believe it’s being made anymore and you would have to find a used model.