accoustic guitar recording

[mikejones]

Hmm - have tried before with no luck? - We are trying to record a yamaha with an inboard transducer on to a TASCAM TEAC 4 track. - (Beginners) - We get lots og fluctuation and treble jangling all over the place. We have resorted to damping the treble strings with tissue paper! - any suggestions on the best way to record this would be very welcome. - Thanks. - PS We are just about to invest in a Berenger mixer and mic. Are they really that bad? - Mike.

[Prism]

I prefer stereo miking, but if you only have one mike, there's a fun way to get a nice sound. Use a PZM mic, and pickups, then pan them opposite eachother. It sounds real warm. (and fuzzy!)

Isaiah

[Slackmaster2K]

Well it's all about the sound you're going for. I will say that you will never get a nice natural sound by running an acoustic pickup directly into the board. However, it can be fun to experiment with a pickup! If you're used to a live sound with acoustic amplified, then you might consider mic'ing your acoustic amp (or PA or whatever you're using) instead of recording direct.

Voting on which technique is better is kind of impossible. If you want a natural acoustic sound, then mic the guitar. If you're going for a "days of the new"sound, then play around with the pickup & amplifier.

I should also mention that blending the pickup sound in with a mic can produce some very cool results, but go easy on the pickup level.

Slackmaster 2000

*warning I am not a pro!*

[ruebarb]

I've tried using MC012's and for the shimmer stuff, they're fine, but if you want a deep wooden sound, go for a capsule mic like the NT2. -

BTW...the poll is screwed up...obviously we will use either the mic or pickup...but it's a yes, no question.

I answered it...Yes, I would use either a mic or pickup when recording acoustic guitar.

RB

[tdukex]

I almost always prefer a mic.

[Slackmaster2K]

ruebarb, what do you mean by a capsule mic? Are you sure that's what you meant?

Slackmaster 2000

[ruebarb]

Let me see if I get this right.

the MC012 is a condenser mic, right...

I mean a Dynamic mic, I think.

RB

[SBax]

Like Slackmaster 2K said you can't go direct with a transducer pickup. It will sound brittle and "quacky". I would live mike and blend in a very small amount from the pickup. You can get a nice sound that way. To go 100% with the pickup you can use a multi-effect processor box to tame it.

[version2]

I always use open mic'ing.

[ametth]

FYI: The NT2 is a condensor as well.


I always use a mic. I have nothing to add, Slackmaster already said it.

[kennyb2k]

if you don't have a pre-amp at all. I suggest getting the behringer 602a mixer. It's NOT THAT BAD and you will get 2 preamps. or 4 with the 802 for another 30$ If you decide to upgrade later you always can use it as a line mixer. Also the behringer ecm8000 mic on the bang for a buck thread is good for acoustic. So total package would set you back only 105-135$ plus tax or shipping. The Art tube is NOT THAT GOOD and its a $100 single preamp.

maybe your mixer has a pre-amp already, and all you need is the mic and/or maybe a transformer

[Fangar]

Hey guys,

I use a Seymour Duncan Sadducer model, saddle transducer along with an Audio Techinca ATM41a mic in front of the soundhole. Like others have said, the saddle pickup alone sounds a bit tinny. The sound of the string through the mic opens the sound up greatly. I also have a Trace Elliot 50 watt acoustic amp with an XLR output that works well, but that is an expensive alternative.

Since you are using a 4 track, you might want to invest in a small line mixer that can help you to shape the sound a bit. Also, it will allow you to mix both signals onto one track. Some 4 tracks will allow you to arm 2 tracks and record to one if they are not all filled up. Myabe that helps?

Fangar.

[mikejones]

Thanks to all for advice on mixing accoustic guitar. We have had best results with Peavey and Sony mics, but have not tried putting another track down using on line pick up and then mixing in. Will try next time. Also thoughts given on pre mixing appreciated. Regards Mike. PS We have also started to use Cakewalk on line which seems an excellent on line virtual studio for beginners. As advised we have gone in through the 4 track to maximise gain/output (If thats the right term) Any other thoughts?