Let’s explore a microphone technique for acoustic guitar. Since the acoustic guitar is a delicate and dynamic instrument, using favorable microphone technique can lead to great sounding recordings. Acoustic guitar presents a few challenges due to its complex harmonic content and large dynamic range. Using good recording approach, microphone technique, and practice will make tackling acoustic guitar recordings effortless.
The following acoustic guitar recording method and microphone technique is a good starting place regardless of the type of microphone(s) or recording tools you have available.
Recording the Acoustic Guitar
Most acoustic guitars sound great… until you put a microphone on them. They can “bite,” leaving you with distorted guitar recordings rivaling the best sounding distortion pedal! Typically, you want a clean and natural sounding acoustic guitar. Here are a few steps to capturing that clean-and-clear acoustic guitar:
1. Make sure the recording room or booth has the desired sound; whether it is a quiet, dead, box or large ambient cathedral, the room you record in will become a large part of the sound. In most situations using blankets or soft recording gobos to sculpt the sound of the room will work well.
2. Take a few moments out to listen to the guitar you’re recording. Memorize that sound in your mind since you want to recreate it with your recording.
3. Begin by place the microphone perpendicular to the acoustic guitar. The microphone will be “looking” at the 12th fret when you begin. Place the microphone about 6 to 8 inches from the 12th fret of the guitar.
(Slight variations in microphone placement will drastically change the acoustic guitar tone on your recording.)
4. Bring up the microphone level in your control room or in your headphones. Does it sound like that guitar sound you memorized moments ago? If not, adjust the microphone angle and distance until your set-up sounds like the sound in your mind.
5. Most times it’s necessary to roll off some low frequencies. If available you can use the built-in roll-off switch on your microphone.
(Remember subtle angle and distance changes will make big differences in your acoustic guitar recording. Keep making small adjustments until you’re happy with the tone.)
6. Now that you’ve set your tone, you need to set your levels. The best way to set your input level is to have the guitarist play what is about to be recorded. Watch your recording meters and clip indicators for any unwanted over’s or clipping lights. Once you have the microphone level dialed in, you may want to turn it down a notch or two. After the guitarist warms-up to the song, he or she will most likely play louder. Keep an eye on that clip light and reduce your input level if it comes on. Your goal is to record a distortion free acoustic guitar track.
Finding the right sound when recoding acoustic guitars can be difficult. This microphone approach and technique will help attain clean and natural sounding acoustic guitar recordings, include some experimentation and you’re on your way to making better sounding recordings!