How many mikes/channels?

[jazzessence]

For some unfathomable reason, I want to record myself playing guitar and singing. I want to record guitar and voice at the same time. I bought a couple Shure 57s, a Behringer MX602A, and an Audiophile sound card for my G3.

Now I'm told I need a room mike in addition to the one on my guitar and the one on my voice, this would mean upgrades to handle more channels.

Do you need a room (ambient) mike when recording yourself?
Does it make a big difference or a small difference?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Jim

 

[Hard2Hear]

No, you don't need a room mic. It CAN make a big difference, depends on the sound you're going for and your mixing and recording skills.

H2H

 

[jazzessence]

Thanks, that's the kind of info I need.

What sort of difference does it make to use a room/ambient mike?

When you hear a professionally done acoustic guitar/singing CD, do they generally use a room mike?

Thanks
Jim

 

[Hard2Hear]

It depends on the type of music and what you're going for. Pop/acoustic stuff in general (but not always) will be tracked really dry and things like reverb or delays are added later in the mixing process. Now, when you listen to say, Charles Mingus, you really pick up on the room the music is being played in. BUT, I have also heard jazz that is dry and processed. For every rule followed, there is someone who breaks it. So just try it and do what sounds good!

H2H