![]() If you want it really raunchy, use a smaller speaker. Again, What sound are you looking for? If you're looking for a tight/focused sound, use large cone speakers. ![]() viola! Now you know the secret I've used on many albums over the years! Keep this level low! It's only there to enhance what's already there! The room mic I position at 9'o clock to give me a touch of room to the mix. I compress the pickup system and incorporate it in to the mix panned at 12 o'clock. I find I like to pan the sound hole mic at 10 o' clock and the neck mic at 3 o'clock. Once I record my track I start mixing the "spaced pairs" first. (Even $20 radio shack mics I have employed for this purpose). Finally, I use any mic on hand positioned 10 feet away to capture the room. Then I connect the pickup system to a compressor (or channel to be compressed in the DAW). This gives me both my sound hole tone and neck resonance. I use 2 large diaphragm condensor mics in the "Spaced Pair" configuration above. Robert's dirty little acoustic/electric secret: Below is my dirty little acoustic/electric secret. These systems aren't without value in the studio. Some are better than others, these systems make performing on stage easier but usually fall short in sound quality in comparision to using microphones. Pickup systems: For those who aren't aware, many acoustic guitars have a pickup system installed. I use a high quality set of headphones to test my configuration making small adjustments to the mic position paying attention to the tone I'm hearing and the amount of room reflection present. I still spend a good amount of time with microphone placement when preparing to record. When using a condensor mic you can be as far away as 2.5 feet from the strings and still retain a good low frequency response. (positioning your mic farther away will result in a thin sound). A dynamic mic should be no more than 6 inches from the strings aimed at the space between the sound hole and the neck. If you only have one mic you still have options! The key to using a single mic is to know your spacing. When mixing you have control of the blend between the lower/higher register strings.ģ. Both mics should be in line with the space between the soundhole and the neck. Vertical spaced pair: Use 2 directional mics (one above the guitar pointed at the high strings and one below the guitar pointed at the low strings. Though directional mics are ideal, I've used a pair of large diaphragm condensor mics in this same configuration with great results.Ģ. The idea is that one captures the tone while the other captures string resonance. Spaced Pair: Use 2 directional mics (one at the neck pointed at the 8th fret, and one near the lower bout pointing at the 12th fret). Microphone Placement: There are many different microphone configurations that work for recording acoustic guitar.ġ. However, investment in a directional instrument mic (or 2) can make your job easier. ![]() Don't let this stop you! I've used both highly directional sm57's, and large diaphragm condensors for acoustic guitar. Microphone selection: Not everyone has access to expensive mics. ![]() A few precautions before hitting the red button can save you hours of editing/filtering later. Turn off any fans, AC units and anything that makes back round noise. You may feel more comfortable sitting in the middle of the room, but this may not be ideal for recording.Įliminate noise sources: Chair squeeks, cable pulls, buttons, jewlery, and "ahem". Find the position where your guitar sounds best. Play to the corners, play to the center, spin around. Position: Test your room! Walk around with the guitar. The goal is to get the instrument sounding like you want it to sound on the recording. Can you hear it in your head? Is it something you've heard before? Position, microphone techniques, and the room play are a big part in the sound that gets captured by the mic/s. What sound are you looking for? Think about the sound you want. Get it right at the source! Avoid the "fix it in the mix mentality" Guitar Recording Crash Course By Robert Keyes ![]()
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