Need advice on using a mic during recording!

[westermane]

Hi,

I recently bought a Rode NT3 (a condensor mic) for my 4-track. I'd like your advice on exactly how to position the mic while recording my accoustic (where on the guitar to aim it, what angle, and what distance, etc.) I know this is partially the user's preference, but your advice would be appreciated!

Thanks.

Also, thanks for your help on my previous post!

[The Green Hornet]

Yo West of Westermane:

The question you ask has many answers; however, you can get your own answers by experimentation or checking A-guitar players' comments.

Or, try a "stick-on or clamp on mic" and run it directly into your recorder. Save the Rode for vocals?

Finding the "best" way is a matter of trial and error and research.

Green Hornet

[John Sayers]

http://www.lis.net.au/~johnsay/Guitar_1.gif

cheers
john

[Track Rat]

What kind of guitar and what body style (dreadnaught, jumbo, concert, etc..)do you have? This has a lot to do with where you might want to start placeing mics.

[westermane]

I have a Martin D-15, and it's your standard dreadnought.

[westermane]

also keep in mind that the rode is the only mic i have. so since i only have one mic, where should i place it to get the best sound? thanks!

[DHN]

When using only one mic on a dreadnaught, I like to position the mic about 12 to 18 inches above the guitar's sound hole (about ear level), pointing down to the ground and only 2 or 3 inches in front of the guitar. Usually, I get a fairly even tone without too much boominess. The recording ends up sounding a little like what you hear as the guitar player. I guess that makes sense since the mic position and your ear will be in the same vicinity. The only thing you have to be careful of is that since the mic is close to your face, it may pick up some sound if you breath loudly, sigh, grunt, burp, etc.

If you don't want any resonance from the guitar, you can plug the sound hole by either taping a piece of paper over it or buying a sound hole cover. You get a pretty flat, thin sounding guitar recording.

Otherwise, I agree with the Green Hornet. Experiment around.

[Track Rat]

Martins are a little boomy sounding (I know, I have 2)and it's easy to have a mic "woof out". Stay away from the sound hole. I like to place a mic at about ear level over the 12th fret pointing down at the fret board.