Recording acustic guitars... help plz

[Rahelron]

I started recording acustic guitars with a friend and we found a nasty problem that we can't menage to solve...

We are recording with a Rode NT1-A Microphone into a Motu Ultralite

Here's the problem: we tried any possible mic placement but we aren't able to take out the sound of the plectrum's stroke. It is a high pitched sound... around 10 khz... we tried to take it out equalizing the tracks but cutting the high frequencies ends up in ruining the whole sound.

Can anyone help??

 

[buckkillr8]

Not sure if I'd be much technical help but what kind of pick is it? Have you tried just using your finger and thumb held together like you'd hold a pick?

 

[Rahelron]

Yes, we tried to use just the fingers, but the problem doesen't disappear and the sound of the chords is worse than with the plectrum...

 

[the-audio-man]

Using thin picks will suck a lot of the time. Try a 1mm or fatter and I think the nylon ones sound better than the hard, shiny plastic ones.

 

[mjbphotos]

How are you placing the mic? Experiment with aiming more towards the neck. If you're trying to pick up multiple guitars with one mic, forget it.
I'm not familiar with the mic - is it cardiod pattern or omni directional?

 

[gecko zzed]

How important is it to remove the plectrum sound?

I ask because I happen to like plectrum sounds. (I like all sounds associated with playing instruments, such as string squeaks, noisy kick pedals, and wind instrument breath noises).

However, there are some things you can think about.

1 How close is the mike? Dragging it further away should round out the sound a bit more.

2 Have you got any EQ on the way in? Perhaps you're losing some of the bottom end of the guitar and the top is being accentuated.

I see that others have already made various suggestions, all of which are worth a try.

 

[MCI2424]

I started recording acustic guitars with a friend and we found a nasty problem that we can't menage to solve...

We are recording with a Rode NT1-A Microphone into a Motu Ultralite

Here's the problem: we tried any possible mic placement but we aren't able to take out the sound of the plectrum's stroke. It is a high pitched sound... around 10 khz... we tried to take it out equalizing the tracks but cutting the high frequencies ends up in ruining the whole sound.

Can anyone help??

Aim the mic at the 12th fret about 3-5" away angled towards the headstock.
Also, the NT-1A ia a cardioid pattern mic, so aim the "logo" towards the headstock.

Good Luck

 

[NYMorningstar]

Yes, we tried to use just the fingers, but the problem doesen't disappear and the sound of the chords is worse than with the plectrum...

You might want to check out the guitar itself. If playing with your fingers is causing this sound it's obviously not the pick and maybe something loose resonating inside the guitar. Try the same setup you have with a different guitar. If you still have it then try swapping out your preamp.

 

[tojo]

12th fret is the way to go if you only have one mic.

 

[lank81]

NT1-a

I have an NT1-a myself and get great results with my Rode and Martin DX-1. I put the mic out 18-20" at the 12th fret and slightly angle it towards the soundhole. I've gotten quite a few comments on how I get a nice warm full acoustic sound. I also don't mind a few sounds minus some finger sliding at times but overall I've had good results with my acoustic/Rode.

Lank

 

[RRuskin]

I'm going to climb out on a limb and suggest that your guitarist change his pick technique. If the sound is objectionable, his pick is probably striking the strings at an angle rather than flat on. The result is an longish and unpleasant scraping sound ahead of the note or notes rather than a short, clean and well defined click in front of same.