Need advice on losing the brittle and finding the warm

[Lazloweed]

Just found this site—wow, excellent info. Thanks for the knowledge; IMHO these info exchanges are the best thing about the Internet.

I’m looking for the right microphone/preamp chain. I hope you all can help.

WHAT I DO: I always record acoustic guitar over my recording software’s metronome then overdub a lead vocal, harmony vocal, and a melody instrument. Often, I do a second harmony vocal track and hand percussion. Once in a while, I add bass guitar and canned drums or a drum machine.

THE PROBLEM: My Taylor Acoustic guitar sounds too brittle, and I can’t fix it with my software’s EQ. I am relatively happy with the vocal sound I get, although the brittleness is apparent there too.

THE SIGNAL PATH: AKG C3000B microphone, ART Tube preamp (a friend upgraded the tube although I’m not sure what it is), FMR RNC compressor, M-Audio 1010lt soundcard, Adobe Audition software.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
• I’d like to sound like Jack Johnson.
• The way I think about price is backwards from most people. I try to find the least expensive thing that will make me really happy and save to get it rather than getting the best thing I can for a certain amount of money.
• I’m not an audiophile; I’m looking for a sound that is pleasant not perfect.

I deeply appreciate any help you can give me.

John

 

[Wireneck]

First and foremost try changing up your mic position. Getting a different mic is probably a good option, if you still can't find a sound that works for you. I have no experience with the C3000 but if its anything like the c1000 that may explain where the brittle/harsh sound is coming from. You may want to look into a Mxl 603s or a pair of them. I've used them on acoustic guitar quite a few times and they always sound at the very least acceptable. Im sure some otehrs can make more recommendations.

 

[Neeps]

Maybe think about room acoustics... I think they have a huge part to play...

Try reading the stuff on Ethan Winer's site that's what I'm doing right now... seems very relevant...

Also think about SD condensers...

Good luck

 

[HangDawg]

First and foremost try changing up your mic position. Getting a different mic is probably a good option, if you still can't find a sound that works for you. I have no experience with the C3000 but if its anything like the c1000 that may explain where the brittle/harsh sound is coming from. You may want to look into a Mxl 603s or a pair of them. I've used them on acoustic guitar quite a few times and they always sound at the very least acceptable. Im sure some otehrs can make more recommendations.

Aren't the MC012's supposed to be a little darker? He might have good luck with those too.

 

[Fishybob]

I just needed to say"AY'MEN" to the Jack Johnson thing. A wonderful artist that is only now getting the long deserved attention and radio play here in the uk.

Try a nylon string guitar if your thinking mellow finger picking.

I know Jack uses some nice valve mics in his set-up. I agree that the 3000 is quite brittle sounding anyway. I use a Rode NT1000 (still pretty cheap but has a valvish tone) and that has a great sound for most apps.

One thing I tried recently (like last week actually) was setting up a dynamic mic pointing towards the bridge. This WITH the NT1000 near the 12 fret added a rich bottom end that I wanted for a similar sound.

One other thing... check that your guitar isn't the brittle problem! Jack uses a Taylor that is beautiful. I have a fender with a semi-matt finish with a similar tone... makes a huge difference - The mic will only pickup what's there already!


Hope this helps
Peace

 

[chessrock]

THE PROBLEM: My Taylor Acoustic guitar sounds too brittle, and I can’t fix it with my software’s EQ. I am relatively happy with the vocal sound I get, although the brittleness is apparent there too.

THE SIGNAL PATH: AKG C3000B microphone

I think we've found your culprit right there.

 

[JazzMang]

Also, if your guitar sounds like anus, everything else will too.

 

[Robert D]

John,
without a doubt the C3000 is the culprit. My go to setup for acoustic guitar lately has been a pair of Oktava Mk-012s into a DMP-3, which gives a nice natural tone with nice stereo imaging for notalotadough.

-Bob

 

[tryptophan]

try a studio projects c-1, or a pair of b-1s on the acoustic. i think it will bring bring a smile to your face and they're both very affordable. highly recommended.

 

[Lazloweed]

Many good recommendations thanks.

Where does one purchase the Oktava mics?

 

[reshp1]

Guitar Center has them from time to time. Check ebay too. There's a place that sells hand tested Octavas (since QC has been an issue with these mics sometimes) but the name of the company escapes me at the moment. Anyone?

 

[jerfo]

Guitar Center has them from time to time. Check ebay too. There's a place that sells hand tested Octavas (since QC has been an issue with these mics sometimes) but the name of the company escapes me at the moment. Anyone?

It's the Sound Room . I don't have any personal experience with them, but they seem to have a good reputation.

- Jerfo

 

[reshp1]

It's the Sound Room . I don't have any personal experience with them, but they seem to have a good reputation.

- Jerfo

Yep, that's it
Thanks

 

[tcoma]

You might want to try some ernie ball silk & steel strings. They can really mellow out a brittle sounding guitar.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/search?c=4398&c=4499&td=0&d=tn&it=1GHM1