Micing Acoustics

[Licketysplit]

Hey guys,

have a question regarding acoustic guitars. I don't own an acoustic pick-up, nor will I be able to get hold of one for a while, so instead I was wondering what micing techniques I could use to get a good, clear sound out of my acoustic.

I'm using a Yamaha F310 so its not amazing quality, sounds fairly decent though.

So far I have been using two mics, an AKG C1000 S condensor placed about half a meter away from the guitar and a Shure SM58 placed a little closer. Both mics panned medium left/right and with a touch of reverb on the AKG.

Would apprieciate it if anyone could post some advice/recommendations on recording acoustic guitars. Thanks.

 

[scrubs]

Well, for recording, I wouldn't waste money on a pickup. They are fine for live playing, but generally sound pretty nasty when recorded.

Here's a good article on acoustic miking with 2 mics. Neither of the mics you list would be my choice for acoustic guitar, but that doesn't mean they won't work. I would start with a single mic (prolly the AKG **shudder**) pointed somewhere around the neck/body junction of the guitar, aimed at the fretboard, maybe 12" away. Move it around until you find the sweet spot. Then, if you need it, add the 58 down by the bridge to fill out the sound. Reverse those 2 mic positions if that sounds crappy.

 

[Dogman]

As scrubs said, mic'ing will almost always sound better.
Here is a small clip of one guitar, through a cheap Nady condensor. I sat the mic on a table, about 1ft from the soundhole.
Acoustic
Probably not the best sound, by any means, but better than if I plug the guitar in. This has no processing on it.
Just try different mic placements, and if possible, get some other mic's to try.

 

[Licketysplit]

Thanks a bunch guys. Unfortunatly my sound driver on my pc has buggered up so I can't listen to that little sample you posted Dogman but thanks both of you for the sound advice, I will try what you reccomended tomorrow.

 

[gbdweller]

Future Music magazine just had a great article for recording acoustic guitar. It showed mic placement and discussed compressor and eq use and their importance in getting an acoustic to sit well in the mix. A condenser mic is best for recording acoustics. Point it at the section of fingerboard around the body, neck joint and move it around slightly until you find the sweet spot. You'll be near it, but don't point the mic directly at the sound hole unless you want a boomy, muddy sound.

 

[flamin-gitaur]

I agree that micing acoustic guitars sounds better than running DI. As far as mic placement.....try recording small takes using different mic positions and compare them til you find one you like. You should be able to get a decent take with the mics you are using.