I'd really like to hear the community's views on this difficult subject. What are you're favourite stragegies:
Spaced pair: big stereo image but big also on phase cancellation problems?
X/Y: No phase problems but unexciting and narrow stereo image?
ORTF: Happy medium?
How far away from the guitar? 6"? 12"? 18"? 24"? Angled up/down?
This for a solo steel strung guitar (small bodied spruce/rosewood Martin) so there's no "sitting in the mix" considerations. A natural, sonorous and spacious sound is paramount.
I'd really welcome some views. Thanks.
Comments
I've done it all (or at lease most of it), and it all sounds goo
I've done it all (or at lease most of it), and it all sounds good if done right. I don't get caught up in a particular technique or mic/preamp combo anymore. Now I just let the songs tell me what they want (space/reverb, tonal balance, size of stereo image, etc.). Then I try to create that sound using the tools and techniques available to me.
I dont think there is one particular answer. Depends alot on the
I dont think there is one particular answer. Depends alot on the room and guitar and new strings help. Some times i get good results with x/y, other times i have a mic about 12 inches away from the guitar pointed at where the neck joins the body. I have also just started placing a piece of hardboard under a chair and placing a single mic over my right shoulder. In the mix i have also tried doubling the track and panning one hard left and the other hard right. Good luck
This is how I usually do this: One single mic (yes it will be m
This is how I usually do this:
One single mic (yes it will be mono) placed where the neck begins at body, angled down towards the hole (not directly at it) from about 20-30cm (8-15"?)
or placed a closer to the hole, directed towards the neck,
depending on the sound you want and the guitar itself.
Angle about 45-60 degrees. I think... never measured it.
The stereo set up for this would be x-y pointing at named places.
I second Mr Phils' technic. I've had good results also with mici
I second Mr Phils' technic. I've had good results also with micing an acoustic were the neck & body meet or in that general area. Too close to the hole seems to yield more of a boomy tone of course. With the addition of a second mic, you should have a very decent overall sound.