I have a roland vs 880ex and I was wondering about recording acoustic instruments with it. I trying to record a banjo, guitar, and mandolin, bluegrass style. I'm using a SM 58, an audiotechnica, and a akg 3800 tripower microphone. Which would be better to use and how do I get the best sound with it. I've been told it would be better to run it through the pre-amps on my mackie board for a cleaner sound. Is this true? Basically I have quite a few questions about recording with it.

Matt

Howdy fellow vs880ex owner. The SM58 will do just fine. Important thing to remember is to get your input level HOT!. You don't need to use your board to get a great sound but, if you've got a mackie pre it can't hurt. without the board try this 1. plug the 58 into input 1 and crank the input all the up on the vs880 2. sit about 3ft away with the mic pointing at the bridge 3. hit record and play, strum a few bars then listen to the playback. I always adjust my seating position
or the eq if I hear distortion but, I never turn down the input level with an SM58/57. Last, If you have a copy of "quickstart" that
is a great crash course. All I've told you can be done in "MIX" mode. Ideally you need to learn to record in the "INPUT/TRACK" modes but, MIX is a great way to start.

Matt,

A preamp/condenser mike will probably get you a better sound on these instruments than a dynamic.

There is a site www.vsplanet.com that is devoted to the VS recorder series with many knowledgeable people there on a variety of topics. Why don't you stop on by?

Wish

Yes, thats true. Hey BanjoKing, you mention having an Audio-Technica. Is this one of there high end 40series mics. That would be excellant with you Mackie pre.