going nuts with micing

[Foo-bu]

im kinda new at recording so this may sound like a stupid question but do any of you feel like sometimes you are using more mics than necessary? like perhaps using 3 mics at once to record an accoustic just just to an effect. not neccessarily keeping all the mics at a high level but just adding a bit of them to get a different type of sound?

 

[Richard Monroe]

The problem with multiple mics is that the likelihood of phase problems increases with every mic you add, and they can't all be in that sweet spot. Pairs are often used, and don't necessarily have to be a stereo pair. Check "the big thread" above for tips on MS (mid-side) mic'ing, and the "over the shoulder" system. I've had my best luck with the KISS system (keep it simple, stupid), just one mic in the right place at the right time.-Richie