[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by Gcunplugged

Does anyone have an opinion on large versus small diaphragm condenser mics for recording acoustic guitar at home?

Hi GC...

Recording is full of compromises.

I own large diaphragm mics (24-26mm) and small diaphragm mics (8-12mm) and medium diaphragm mics (20mm) mics. I actually prefer the 20mm to either the large or small for recording acoustic solo guitar.

The large diaphragm are very warm, the small diaphram capture the most detail in the high end (which can sound brittle without careful positioning), and the medium diaphragm are a good compromise between the other two.

If I have to do vocals with the same mics, I will choose large diaphragm in an A/B or mid/side array, and I'll work with placement and roll-off switches to help adjust down their bassy tendencies.

This is because I don't find medium or small diaphragm mics all that natural for vocals.