miking acoustic guitar

  • Thread starter Thread starter DHN
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DHN

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I did a search to find related articles on miking an acoustic guitar but didn't quite find what I was looking for.

Looking to find out how you are miking your acoustic guitars to get the "best" acoustic guitar sound. I'm interested to know which mic(s), mic positions, EQ, sound effects (if any) and compression (if any) you are using.

I have a Taylor 912c and a K-10. I mostly finger pick but occaisionally use a flat pick. I have (1) AKG3000B, (1) AT3525 and (2) AKGC1000 mics. I've used them all in various positions and combinations. I also have a RNC compressor, an Alesis Wedge effects box and a Mackie 1402VLZ (for phantom power and mic preamp) recording into a Yamaha MD8 minidisc recorder.

Looking for your suggestions on how you would use the equipment I already have or other pieces you think I should aquire to get a good acoustic guitar recording.

Thanks,
DHN
 
Is there something wrong with the sound you are getting now?

Somethings I may try (you may have already)...

Plug the Taylor directly into the MD8, use the RNC through the channel insert, a little delay, chorus, or verb to taste through FX loop.

Use the C1000s as a stereo pair juiced by the Mackie and mix it with the direct line from the Md8 (recording seperate L and R).

Is there a specific sound you're looking for? Seems like you have plenty to get a fair tone...

Taylors rule.
 
A Taylor 912 and a K10? I cant even talk to you. I'm too envious.
 
DALtune,

Thanks for your reply. I've tried the following miking positions/techniques:

1. XY with the 2 AKG1000Cs. I've varied the distance from 3 inches to 12 inches and focused at different sections or points on the guitar.

2. Single placement of the AKG1000C about 14" from the guitar, pointing at the 12th fret.

3. Single placement of the AKG1000C about ear level, pointing downward at the bridge.

4. Single placement of the AKG3000B about 12" to 14" from the guitar, pointing at the 12 fret. Same with the AT3525.

In every instance, I run the mic(s) into the Mackie. I feel like I get better gain from the Mackie's pre amp than if I run the mic directly to the MD8. I've used the RNC plugged into the channel inserts of the Mackie. I'm trying to get a good sound from the dry signal before adding any reverb or delay.

The sound I get of course varies depending on the position of the mic and the actual mic(s) used. I think I like #2 of the above mentioned techniques the best. My complaint is the signal is a little too live and unwieldy, almost to much resonance and a little boomy.

When I listen to acoustic rock and folk recordings, it always seems like the have the resonance and boominess under control. They get a nice, sparkling sound with good clarity.

By the way, I haven't tried plugging direct. I have Fishman piezo pickups on both. I'll try plugging it direct and mixing with mics. I've always read it's best not to plug in directly but it's worth a try.

Thanks again for your tips and I welcome anyone else who would like to comment.

dhn
 
Try pointing the small diaphram at the 12th fret for treble and overtones and one of the large diaphrams at or behind the bridge for some woody sound. Keep them angled away from the sound hole. That's where the boominess comes from. Mix to your liking. If you're still getting some boom, roll off some low end eq. This method has worked well for me. Dreadnaughts are good for live projection, not the best for recording.
 
I have a pair of C-1000's and don't really care for the sound I get from them for acoustic guitar but I know you have to use what you have. The best luck I've had with the C-3000 on a Martin dreadnaught was placing the mic at about ear level pointing downward directly over the 12th/14th fret. Compress to taste to get more of that "in your face" sound. The Martins are not as forgiving as the Taylors recording wise, the Martins being boomier.
 
Why not plug directly in? Rules were made to be broken!

If you mix all the signals and take some of the boom out with the Mackie, the direct line could certainly be used to better shape the sound...

Hell, why not record it direct, plus all the mics, with a variety of settings to all eight channels!

O.K....that's silly, sorry.
 
Although, I have not heard too many acoustic/electric guitars that sound good plugged in...cheap electronics...

Your pick-up system-is it just the pick-up or also the condensor built in with the blender? I get lots of great tone with that setup on mine.
 
Thanks to all for your comments.

DALtune--I will try to plug in direct as you suggest. BTW, I have only the piezo pickup (Natural 1) with Pro EQ II external pre amp. I like it well enough through my amp for live performance. It's very simple.

Track Rat--Thanks for the comment on the C3000. I'll give it a try.

Tdukex--Noted your comments too. Interestingly, I did another search on this BBD and found reference to an article on miking the acoustic. Very helpful information and one of the examples was similar to your suggestion.

Hard2Hear--Wha's up? Yeah, I dig the Taylors too. Just wish I could do them some justice.

Thanks again for all the comments.

DHN
 
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