“Myrtle” by Ear Trumpet Labs at Every Folk 2018. Photo by Festi Addict
One question that we get a lot at shows is “What is that microphone?” Not only does it stand out visually, it sounds great too! The mic we use is a common choice for many intimate performances (like these live videos by I’m With Her, Billy Strings, The Wood Brothers, and Keb’ Mo’). Made by Ear Trumpet Labs, her name is Myrtle.
Disclaimer: we’re by no means experts in this field! We just thought we’d share some useful info for any curious gear-heads or acoustic performers out there.
Whether it’s to add a little muscle to a square dance band (as pictured here at Every Folk 2018), gracefully amplify a small ensemble, or use in your home studio for recordings or live-streams, we’ve not found a better mic than the Myrtle. Though pickups and electronics for acoustic amplification have come a long way in recent years, there’s still nothing that captures an acoustic instrument’s sound as honestly and richly as a microphone. That being said, finding the right mic that both sounds good with your instrument(s) and also performs well in a live setting can be a pesky challenge. In our experience, the Myrtle is the best large-diaphragm condenser microphone to thread that needle between price, quality, and versatility.
Ok, here’s where we dive in: unlike dynamic microphones (think of a standard vocal mic) that only capture sound at close range and from one direction, large-diaphragm condensers catch a wider and deeper field of sound, making them great choices for small, acoustic ensembles like us. Unfortunately, that heightened sonic sensitivity in a live setting can lead to feedback. After experimenting with various different condensers over the years, the Myrtle stands out to us for how well its cardioid pickup pattern avoids feedback by strongly rejecting sound from one direction in most quiet or outdoor settings. It also allows for a wonderful mobility - free of extra cables and clutter - that a more complex setup does not.
So there you have it! If you’re looking for a mic for a solo or smaller act, check out the Myrtle - or any of the other beautiful mics by Ear Trumpet Labs. They all share that fun retro look and deliver great sound for a wide range of musical settings. As with any condenser mic, they still take some finessing - we often travel with a curtain to hang behind us to help with potential feedback at high volume, especially in glass, metal, or concrete spaces.
Have any other questions about getting yourself set up with a mic for home recording or a performance? Let us know!
~Late for the Train