Acoustic Guitar Processing

[devin]

Hey Dave, I have the 012 as well. I sometimes pair it with an AKG-414, and my modest ears like the results. I bought mine used, without a manual...but I bet your three capsules are cardiod, omni, and -10db capsule. If you want the -10db pad in, you screw that to the base first, then your capsule on top. The omni capsule has the "O" symbol...this capsule tries to pick up from all directions...the cardiod capsule is a little narrower in focus.I've set up with the 012 at the 12th fret, and the 414 off-axis just past the sound hole (actually pointing at my right hand). The rule I heard for this stereo set-up is "3-1". The two mics should be 3 times as far apart from each other as they are to the instrument. So if I'm 12 inches from the strings in both spots, the mics are 36 inches apart. This helps with phase issues. While wearing a set of closed back headphones, it becomes very evident when the mics are cancelling each other while slightly moving around.The 012 seems to work well on it's own too...and a mono track doesn't take up as much width in the mix. For a trial, I put the 012 about 30" away, directly out from the 12th fret, pointing at the 12th fret.This quick track has the nylon string guitar recorded, finger picking, with this single 012 setup. I used the cardiod capsule, and I ended up notching out around 200Hz for the sound hole boom of my entry level Yamaha guitar:http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... ream=1When I get home, I can send you other samples with other stereo set-ups or mono arrangements. If you PM me an e-mail address, I can send MP3 experiments direct. A friend and I once did a shoot-out with 10 different mics for both nylon and steel string acoustic guitars, so I'll dig through and see if there are any more techniques we proved out...the 012 was very strong.Please note: my Octava 012 has a few capacitors upgraded, so I would be very interested to hear what a new mic out of the box can do. Send on a quick mix once you start to like your sound, OK?

[davekershaw]

Thanks Devin.Any samples would be very appreciated.Anything to show the mic's capabilities.Wow, 30" away and you still got a good level!That track sounds great.I'm impressed with mic before I've even tried it!Cheers,Dave.

[devin]

It sounds a bit distorted through the link...I'll send the mp3 along tonight as well, it sounds a lot clearer before being streamed.You'll find a condenser mic (like the 012) isn't very forgiving on room noises...it's very sensitive! There's going to be lots of fun learning as you play with it. Just don't forget to turn off the phantom power before you unplug (in fact, turn down the gain before you shut the phantom on or off...just in case it likes to "click". My 012 is really quiet, but the 414 does take a few seconds to warm up and stop sending noise). For what it's worth, My pre-amp is a Joe Meek Twin-Q, and the A/D is a MOTU 828 mkII. These two elements of the chain can also be very important in how a natural instrument tracks. I've used all-in-one front end rigs too, like the m-audio mobile pre, with decent results. It's all good!

[davekershaw]

Nothing so sophisticated for me Devin.The mic's going straight into a Presonus Firebox.I look forward to trying it tomorrow.Sounds like I'll need to run the cables through to another room.I got away with it with the AT2020, but looks like the 012 will pick up all my computer noise etc.I need an assistant!When I use another room it means setting a count in long enough to move to the other room, get the headphones on, pick up the guitar, get comfortable and wait for the tracks to roll.How many times I've done that, then realised I left my glasses in the studio, so can't read the music sheet! Don't suppose I'm the only one!

[devin]

Hey Dave! Here's a link to an mp3 that I recorded tonight using the Octava MK012. There is a slight pause between each two barres of music, to denote the following mic position changes:#1 - over the shoulder, head height, pointing at the soundhole#2 - 12th fret, pointing slightly down (per OG's earlier suggestion), about 6" (15cm) away#3 - 12th fret, pointing slightly down, about 30" away#4 - 8" directly out from the bridge, pointing over the right hand towards the soundholeThe first 4 progressions are a nylon string guitar, really dead strings (Santa, did you hear that?!?)The next 4 are a steel string acoustic, picking with a light gauge pickThe final 4 are with the same steel string, strumming with a light gauge pickNo compression going in, and no goodies added after the fact...dry as can be. Recorded in a monsterly-dead vocal room...it's just the guitar's direct sound into the mic.Oh ya, the mistakes are on purpose, to show what the mic picks up. http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?a ... 3DF2C66The above link is active for one week. I did it this way to send the original MP3 at 192 (not streamed through Taxi). If anyone else needs the file after the week isup, just PM me and I'll beam it to you.

[davekershaw]

Apr 17, 2008, 5:44pm, devin wrote:Here's a link to an mp3 that I recorded tonight using the Octava MK012.Thanks for doing this Devin.It really does show the mic's capabilities.Picked your voice up well too!I'll experiment with these positions as references.Just waiting for a shock mount that should have come with the 012, but I'll give it a try over the weekend either way.Hoping to post something soon. This whole problem with recording acoustic has really held me up the past few weeks.Cheers Mate!

[aimusic]

Apr 18, 2008, 6:50am, davekershaw wrote:Apr 17, 2008, 5:44pm, devin wrote:Here's a link to an mp3 that I recorded tonight using the Octava MK012.Thanks for doing this Devin.It really does show the mic's capabilities.Picked your voice up well too!I'll experiment with these positions as references.Just waiting for a shock mount that should have come with the 012, but I'll give it a try over the weekend either way.Hoping to post something soon. This whole problem with recording acoustic has really held me up the past few weeks.Cheers Mate! Dave,Why didn't you just call up Halifax in the first place, they would have solved your mic-ing problem so quickly, mind you, the interest rate probably put you off

[davekershaw]

Apr 18, 2008, 6:57am, aimusic wrote:Why didn't you just call up Halifax in the first place, they would have solved your mic-ing problem so quickly, mind you, the interest rate probably put you off I did, but they weren't interested!

[aimusic]

Halifax, not interested in a client's interests... man that's so not interesting!!!!

[davekershaw]

Apr 18, 2008, 7:14am, aimusic wrote: Halifax, not interested in a client's interests... man that's so not interesting!!!!Yeah, I told them, if they were interested, I could write them a new song for their adverts.Their criteria was that:1. It had to be about money; i.e. getting other peoples.2. It had to suit the image of a certain "singer".yep, that's him!3. They didn't want anything remotely melodic or tunefull, as this would detract from the message of getting other people's money.4. It had to be incredibly nausiating and irritating to the vast majority of (British) viewers.and no, before you say it, I didn't get the job! ps: I hope no Taxi member has a placement in a Halifax Bank advertisement!