Acoustic guitar with sm57 and C1

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A1A2

A1A2

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These are the only mics I own at the moment and I set them up like this: 57, a couple of inches away, aimming between 12th fret and the soundhole. C1 about 6 inches away, tried aimming both at the neck and the soundhole. Sometimes, direct in alone with those mics and play with the 3 inputs.

Problem, 57 isn't as clear as I would like it to be
C1 picks up my ghetto room sound and it's not pretty

I am sure I am making some major mistakes here, and that's why I am asking for some help :)
1) Are these mics right for this purpose?
2) If not, what/which mics should I look into when purchasing my next mic?

Thanks

AL
 
A1,

I use a C1 regularly for acoustic, I have used 58's in the past but not since getting the C1. I also ALWAYS take a direct from the guitar into a second channel and blend the direct signal with the mic signal.

I guess to a degree, it comes down to the kind of acoustic you are using, but these days I find that positioning the mic straight out from the 7th or 8th fret BUT pointing at the 12th fret about 6-8 inches away is fine. Also, have new strings on the guitar.



:cool:
 
57's just dont sound that clear on acoustics. Especially compared to a condensor.

I would put the 57 above the bridge pointed straight down. Move it up or down to suit. I would use that mike to get the pick, attack and balls of the tone.

Use the C1 at the 12th fret to get the clarity. Move it back and forth to suit. The closer you have it the less room noise you will get. I would put it 3-5' out in a good room but you may need a foot or less. Too close and you may accent the finger squeak too much.

The ECM8000 for $35 is a nice mic to use an acoustic with a LD like the C1.
 
thanks, guys.

ausrock: yeah, I like to record acoustic guitar direct-in alone with micing so I can some clarity and add a bit delay/reverb to push it back a little.

TexRoadkill: I have been looking at the ECM8000 recently, and I don't think I got too much to lose at that price. But, just what exactually do people do with them? drum overhead? room mic? and, when it comes to acoustic guitars, do you suggest using C1 at 12th fret and ecm8000's by bridge or??


AL
 
chessrock:

I looked that mic up on some sites, but it only comes in a package. I remember Bruce recommending an AT mic for acoustic guitars. Does anyone remember which one he was talking about?
 
A1A2 said:
chessrock:

I looked that mic up on some sites, but it only comes in a package. I remember Bruce recommending an AT mic for acoustic guitars. Does anyone remember which one he was talking about?
Click to expand...

I think it's the AT4033... nice balanced sound. :)
 
A1A2 said:
thanks, guys.

ausrock: yeah, I like to record acoustic guitar direct-in alone with micing so I can some clarity and add a bit delay/reverb to push it back a little.

TexRoadkill: I have been looking at the ECM8000 recently, and I don't think I got too much to lose at that price. But, just what exactually do people do with them? drum overhead? room mic? and, when it comes to acoustic guitars, do you suggest using C1 at 12th fret and ecm8000's by bridge or??


AL
Click to expand...

ACK! you just said your room has horrible acoustics. The ECM8000 will only magnify the extent that you hear this since its capsule is omni. Your C1 shouldn't be holding back your recording, hang something up around you that will keep your room noises out, or play in a closet.
 
kristian:

good point about the omni mics. why didnt I think of that...

I will eventually get some acoustic treatment package from mars, until then, I guess I will have to live with my room sound.

Leeking:
Actually, the mic Bruce mentioned before was one of those pencil looking condensers. but, thanks for guessing tho

AL
 
Lots of good mics for acoustic. The AT-4033 is very nice as is the 4041. I've had great luck with the Octava MC-012's and Earthworks SR-71's. I'm also VERY fond of a Neumann KM-184. Fantastic mic.
 
If you use the omni's close miced than room sound isnt a big issue. But obviously in the case of a drum OH it would be a big concern.

I use the ECM at the 12th fret a few inches away and position my LD either above the bridge or a few feet out for a smoother, softer sound.
 
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