Recording Acoustic Guitar
Hi,
I've been doing a lot of that lately. And all of my mics are cheap. So here's the skinny.
MXL 603 or 603s - cardiod condensor SDC sounds great 2-3 feet in front of the guitar or over the shoulder while I play. I loved this mic until I got my AT Pro37.
Audio Technica AT Pro37 - This mic had a little more high end detail than the 603 in my listening tests. And high end detail is what recording acoustic guitar is all about.
Realistic 1070b - Made in Mexico by Shure these dynamic omnis have extended frequency response and great detail. I use them in real close about 6 inches from the twelfth fret and just behind the bridge. I paid $30 for the pair on eBay. There are also 1070a, c, and d models which are similar. I got an a and a d for $25 each. When I get my 1070c I'll run a 1070 shootout.
I used the mics above on my CD, "For My Dad" which you can hear here.
http://deltaboogie.com/hairylarryland
MSH-1O - I got a stereo pair. Omni condensors. Fantastic for recording acoustic instruments in the studio.
I used the MSH mics recording my CD, "The Gift" which you can hear here or at the link above.
http://www.archive.org/details/Hairy_Larry.The_Gift
I used the MSH mics on a Jecklin Disc which is a great way to record stereo. I have an article here.
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=223241
Superlux CM-H8C - I used this in the cardiod position to record "Hairy Larry and Rhode Island Red Live At Bunky's Breakfast". I just stuck it right in front of the stage. We played true acoustic with no mics or PA at all. The CM-H8C can be cardiod, omni, or figure eight.
The CM-H8A is cardiod only and can be bought under $100. You can hear the recordings here.
http://www.archive.org/details/hl2006-10-05.Live_At_Bunkys_Breakfast
Audio Technica AT4054 - This is really a vocal mic. I've read it has the same cartridge as the 4050 in a hand held case. It has built in bass rolloff about 80Hz. This is my most recent aquisition and I have not done any serious recording with it. I did use it in my MXL 603 vs MXL 770 mic shootout. I also included the Superlux in the shootout.
MXL 770 - An inexpensive side address mic. I have read that it has the same cartridge as the 603 so I did the shootout. It either tied or won depending on your opinion. Actually very similar to the 603 on this particular test. undergroundtoon gave me this mic.
The mic shootout is here.
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=224642
The AT4054 is the only expensive mic of the lot. I bought mine for $110 used but they are hard to find under $200. The 4055 is it's sibling without the bass rolloff. I read earlier today they have been replaced by
the AE5400 which has a bass rolloff switch.
I recommend you read the big sticky mic thread. Harvey Gerst has some excellent ideas about recording acoustic guitar and he imparts much knowledge about how mics work and when to use what kind. I also recommend you experiment and listen carefully. That's what I did.
I also recommend good low end preamps which can make a lot of difference. I used an M-Audio DMP2 which is similar to the popular DMP3.
Thanks,
Hairy Larry
