mic placement when recording an accoustic

[westermane]

Hi all,

I know the answer to this question is quite subjective, but I'm sure you guys have tested this out and have some pretty good ideas...

I am playing a Martin D-15 dreadnought and recording with ONE Rode NT3 mic. Any suggestions on where I should be placeing the mic to get a great sound? I've tried having the mic at eyelevel pointing down at about the 15th fret - which has worked fairly well, but I do pick up some breathing while doing that.

What are some of the placement techniques that you have had success with? Keep in mind that I only have one mic to work with!

Thanks for the help!

 

[^broken^]

Damn, I didn't think anyone actually had a nt3, i haven't heard anything about them, how's it sound?

Anyways, I usually put the mic level with the guitar, and point it towards the 12th fret, about a foot away...I've also been meaning to try Harvey's technique that he describes at:

http://www.recording.org/cgi-local/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=106&t=000010

Hope that helps!

-travis

 

[regebro]

I have an el cheapo acoustic ($80) which I today tried various mic positions with. I ended up using my MK-319 in a similar position to yours (but rather than eye level it's at mouth level, so I can't breathe hard. ) and a dynamic mic (Audio-Technica AT818II) pointing at a steep angle at the bridge. Both ways sound pretty good, and some initial testing makes me think I'm going to mix it with just a touch of the dynamic hard left, and the MK-319 almost center. That gave a nice full sound with a good stereo spread.

 

[micmac]

lots of people go the other way, pointing the mic up from slightly below the guitar and a about a foot away, that might help you getting rid of the breathing sound. i usually record acoustic sitting down, placing the mic a foot (or sometimes more) out from the 10th fret or so. i then point the mic to the area between the hole and where the neck meets the body.

recently i got a Rode NT-1 for use at home and it does the job very well. and though it picks up a lot of stuff in the background (had to turn off my fridge...), with the placement i just described, i've had no problems at all. i just move around a bit to find that sweet spot.

hope this helps,

micmac

 

[tdukex]

There is no easy way around it. You're going to have to experiment with the equipment and room you have and judge for yourself.

 

[peter miller]

Harmony central had a large article on this very subject.
look in their web site and do a search it may still be there.
Broken --do a search here for nt-3 they've been mentioned alot

 

[J-Mac]

The best way to find the sweet spot that I have found is to get some help and have someone move the mic stand around while you monitor through headphones. When you hear it you'll know.

Good Luck!