Acoustic Guitar Processing

[davekershaw]

Does anyone have tips on improving acoustic guitar sound. I'm getting a good level when recording, but it's a bit dull. Anyone have some favourite plugins to lift the sound, or any tips on processing acoustic guitar - both six and twelve string?

[ibanez468]

dave,Here's a nice article on recording acoustic guitars. While I don't know the particulars of your setup, this might reveal some useful tips. HTHibanez468http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug01/articles ... tr0801.asp

[davekershaw]

That's a very useful article thanks Ibanez. Interesting that they say to use minimum processing. I'm using an audio technics AT2020 mic, which seems a good all rounder, with Sonar 7 and Firebox, both of which I am very impressed with. It does seem a complex process to record acoustic guitar. I like the mic over the guitarist's shoulder!

[prez]

That article Ibanez referenced is a good one. Print it out and keep it in your three ring binder of recording methods and tricks. That kind of advice doesn't get old. Blessings.

[davekershaw]

Cheers Prez, and Happy Birthday Ibanez.

[mazz]

The AT 2020 will have some proximity effect, which basically means you get more bass the closer you get to the mic. If you're micing your guitar straight on, you'll pick up the natural resonant frequency (usually around 200Hz) of the guitar and it will be unnaturally enhanced by the proximity effect of the mic.I like the "over the shoulder" approach as it can mimic the sound that the player hears. If you have a friend that plays, have them sit and play as you walk around the guitar, listening at different angles and distances. You'll eventually find a place where the sound of the guitar sounds balanced in frequency and volume. Try putting the mic there as a starting point. Mics don't hear like our ears do but at least you'll have found a good place to put the mic. Don't be afraid if the mic is in a strange spot compared to what an article or book says. If it sounds good, it is good.Try to get a great sound with mic placement. Use EQ and processing as refinements or enhancements, not as band aids for a not-so-great recording.Also, I'd suggest looking at getting a pair of small diaphragm condenser mics, or at least one. There's tons out there for around the same price as your AT2020 (of course you can go way up from there!). The small diaphragm condensers can help give a bit of a brighter sound and would at least give you the option of recording in stereo. A stereo recording is a bit more complex because you enter the realm of phase and the choice of micing should always be dictated by the song, but it's nice to have the option. If you had a small condenser, you could point it at the 12th fret and then do the over the shoulder sound with the AT2020. Then you'd have a bright string sound and a warmer body sound that you could mix together. You could try it the other way around as well. There's no rules, only guidelines.Have fun!!Mazz

[ibanez468]

Quote: It does seem a complex process to record acoustic guitar. I like the mic over the guitarist's shoulder! Yeah Dave, to me, it's actually a PITA, but quite necessary for the BEST acoustic guitar sound IMO. Mic over the shoulder, I haven't tried that one yet. Might turn out some interesting results. I did a little test last week, and used 2 condensers (one aimed straight down the top of the neck, the other positioned at about the twelveth fret) and one final out from my preamp (electric acoustic), all going to the mixer on separate channels. Very nice results. Big stereo sound. Lots of setup time though, but worth it. Tricky part is making sure you keep still while playing, but at the same time, executing all your chord changes with proper precision, blah, blah, blah... The results are worth the time spent, I think.Quote:Cheers Prez, and Happy Birthday Ibanez. Thanks Dave!ibanez468

[dougstronach]

I fingerpick mostly and find a combination of mic and direct signal from the acoustic works best for me (assuming you have a decent quality internal pickup). Mix the direct signal in just enough to give some clarity but not too much that it takes away from the warmth of the mic signal. Playing with delay times between the two tracks can also result in some nice sounds.My biggest problem is that I, like most folks here, both engineer and play on my recordings and that has huge issues when it comes to being able to hear where the sweet spot is to place the mic. A bit of trial and error needed for sure and even then it's all a bit of a compromise to having someone else do the recording (or play the geetar).doug s.

[og]

I've been having decent luck with an Oktava M-012 6" from the 12th fret angled a little down, and an AT-4050 about 18" away aimed above the soundhole. Still have to roll off a little bass, but it's a nice, mellow sound.I've also tried X-Y with a pair of 012s and M-S with the 4050 and one 012. Both sound good but pick up a lot of finger noise. Wish I had time to practice that out!

[davekershaw]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Lots to work on!I'll get hold of a condenser mic and give that a try along with the AT2020.I have found the problem with bass that Mazz mentions, especially with the twelve string, which tends to boom out.At least recording acoustic is a common problem, and it's not just me.Many thanks again.