Anyone successfully used NT5s on acoustic guitar?

[Armistice]

Howdy.

I seem only to be able to get a "decent" sound out with this set up by doing some major EQ cutting post recording the track. That's not necessarily the mic's fault, mind you.

Just wondering if anyone has any actual experience doing this with these mics? I've read reviews that say I should be getting a reasonable sound, but just can't crack it.

Currently I'm trying using only 1 of the pair about 25cm (10 in) from the join between neck and body going into a MindPrint Envoice into AW4416. The tone I'm getting sounds severely metallic / middly. The guitar I'm using is an up end Maton, and a quality axe, so that's not the problem. I'm recording in my lounge room with plasterboard walls and carpet, but I've constructed a wooden frame which I drape with blankets etc as a way of damping reflections.

More/different gear is not an option for me at the moment, I really need to work with what I've got - I suspect that I'm the problem, not the gear - open to any/all suggestions as to how to I can improve here. This really is a dud, harsh sound I'm getting.

Type of music varies from fingerstyle to rhythmic strumming.

Cheers

David

 

[CMEZ]

I suspect that the big problem is that you're too close with the mic, so you're getting an exaggerated midrange response. Moving back should give you a truer sound-and then if you're doing a piece oriented around the acoustic guitar (singer/songwriter stuff) you might try either the XY stereo technique or the mid-side technique. Both are outlined in the mic positioning thread above by Harvey in the first few pages.

I'd move it back two or three feet and try moving it around a little. The NT5 has a reputation for being a little 'dark' in the high end, so you may have to bump up the EQ a couple of db's in the high end (like around 10khz, according to some)

I'll be working with the same mics (mine are due to arrive tomorrow) in the coming weeks, so I'll let you know how I fare with them.

Good luck,
Chris

 

[ozraves]

I've tried out a lot of lower cost small condensers on accoustic guitar. The NT5 is one of the better ones. You'll want to cut the low frequencies from about 100 Hz and down.

Then, I'd sweep through the frequency range with a boost of EQ to find any offending frequencies and cut them as well.

Other good mics I've tried recently on acoustic guitar are the Audio Technica AT3031 and the incredible Studio Projects B1.

Steve
www.piemusic.com

 

[ambi]

would two studio project b1's be better on guitar and other instruments than say, a pair of Marshal MXL 603's?

I think the B1's would actually be cheaper. But they are LD instead of SD correct?

Also how do the MXL 603's stand up?