How to record acoustic guitar sound? No specific answer to this question. There are hundreds of microphones that you may use, and people suggest different techniques. Also, there are expensive and better options for recording when you may just want a quick solution to start recording guitar right away. Out of numerous options and personalized opinions in this article, you will get a summarized answer for how you may record your guitar music.
In summary of the content:
- Things You Will Need
- Mono Recording VS Stereo Recording
- Microphone For Recording Acoustic Guitar
- Microphone Placement To Record Guitar
- Find A Proper Place For Recording.
- Final Works To Start Recording.
Things You Will Need
To begin with, you will need a few things that are a must.
- A noise-free place where you can sit with your guitar and place all the arrangements.
- Microphone: There are different types of microphones. But what kind is best for recording acoustic guitar? We discussed it below in detail.
- Microphone Stand: One or two mic stand is unavoidable for proper recording.
- XLR cables, audio interface, computer, recording and mixing software, etc., will also be needed based on your requirements.
- And, of course, a nice acoustic guitar that is tuned properly.
Mono Recording VS Stereo Recording
Mainly, there are two types of audio in music. At first, you have to choose which one is suitable for you.
Recording guitar in Mono: Mono recording means recording with only one channel or one mic. But mono in mono music, you can’t feel the music coming from different sides of the guitar. However, the phasing issues are eliminated, and it is the easiest and fastest way to go for recording guitar music.
Recording guitar in Stereo: For stereo recording, you will need at least two mics placed at two different sound-producing parts of the guitar. The stereo recording will add extra depth and real-time listening experience to the music. But the arrangement is a bit complex.
Microphone For Recording Acoustic Guitar:
Microphones are essential for recording guitar music. There are three types of microphones popularly used for recording acoustic guitars.
- Dynamic Microphones: These are sturdy mics that require no power and no internal preamps. These are popular for live performances and guitar amps. But it may lack the detail and brightness of music.
- Condenser Microphones: Condenser microphones are most preferred for recording acoustic guitar music. The voltage required to power a condenser microphone (generally +48V) is supplied through the microphone cable from the audio interface or mixer to the microphone. This power is known as phantom power. Condenser mics are more sensitive to nuance and have a more open or delicate sound.
- Ribbon Microphones: Though these are usually not as bright as condenser mics, Ribbon Mics have gained popularity for their latest versions and warm midrange.
But there is no single rule for selecting microphones, and experimenting is always welcome. Make sure you love what your microphone records. We prefer you to get a pair of Condenser Microphones to begin with.
Microphone Placement To Record Guitar:
For Mono Recording:
For mono recording, you will need only one microphone. For better performance, use a microphone stand. Sit and hold your guitar the way you will be playing it. Set the microphone 6 to 12 inches away from the 12th to 14th fret of your guitar. This should produce the most natural and balanced sound. Keeping it in the same place, you can experiment by pointing the mic toward the neck or sound hole of your guitar.
For Stereo Recording:
Stereo recording requires two mics. Here are some techniques you can follow for mic placement.
Spaced Pair Technique: The space between the two mics should be at least 3 times the distance of the distance between one mic and the guitar. Simply place the mic 6 to 12 inches away around your guitar’s 12th to 14th fret. Then, set the second mic accordingly. For example, if the distance between 1st mic and guitar is 10 inches, then set the second mic 10×3=30inch aside from the 1st mic. Adjust each mic and try experimenting so that they sound good on their own when mixing the guitar sound.
X/Y Technique: For this technique, you have top place the mic about 12 to 18 inches away from the guitar. Position this stereo pair so that it’s nearly centered in front of the guitar’s soundhole. Don’t aim the microphones directly at the soundhole. Use the X/Y pair’s 90° angle so that the two mics point slightly to the sides of the soundhole and not the center.
Suggestions For Microphone Placement:
- Do not place the microphone in front of the guitar’s sound hole. This will produce a boomy sound, which won’t sound great at all.
- Don’t place the microphone too close to the guitar. It will cause too much fret noise, proximity effect, and hamper natural interaction with the room.
Find A Proper Place For Recording.
Before you place your microphones, finding a place where you won’t have any destruction and noise is a must. Recording in a studio environment is the best option. But for recording at home or outdoors, ensure there is not too much noise. At home, you can always close the door and windows, turn off the fan, and arrange some noise reduction setup. Late night to early morning should be a great time for recording.
A noise-cancellation microphone or tools and applications with noise-cancellation features can be a great option for beginners. But this may have some effect on the actual audio.
Final Works To Start Recording.
Now that you know the mic to choose, positioning, and recording techniques, it’s time to rock and roll. Arrange your setup. Connect the microphone/s to the audio interface using XLR cables. Connect the audio interface to your computer. Install/open the necessary software such as Audacity, Ableton Live 10, Adobe Audition, and Pro Tools.
Now it’s time to do some magic with the guitar in your hands.
Recording acoustic guitar in the proper way and maintaining a professional quality may require some time, experimentation, and, of course, playing skills. There is no single rule in music production and recording. Make sure you love what you have recorded, and don’t stop until you get what you were trying to create.
