Advice on acoustic guitar sound please

[Kevin G String]

Hello, I've recorded a short clip using a single SDC (SE2a) mic on my acoustic. I was really looking for suggestions on how to improve on the sound quality and the detail to get the best acoustic tone possible. I haven't doubled any of the tracks.

I also have a Rode NT1a which I could use and record in stereo, but I wanted to get the best possible sound with just one mic. I've applied eq to each track along with a compressor I've also put a stereo compressor on the output. I've just used the acoustic guitar default setting in Logic.

I was wondering how you would capture that gorgeous sparkly shimmer that acoustics have. Would I need a better mic? Or just better technique?

Many thanks.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Kevin G String

I was wondering how you would capture that gorgeous sparkly shimmer that acoustics have. Would I need a better mic? Or just better technique?

You get it from a combination of a lot of things including room treatment, choice of microphone and preamp, mic position, playing technique, and the experience to make it all work together.

There's loads of really helpful information in the stickied thread...
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[runamuck]

I suggest you post a recording of your guitar with the one mic using no effects, - no EQ, no compression, reverb, etc.

It's impossible to tell what your raw recording sounds like with all the effects you're using.

[Kevin G String]

Originally Posted by runamuck

I suggest you post a recording of your guitar with the one mic using no effects, - no EQ, no compression, reverb, etc.

It's impossible to tell what your raw recording sounds like with all the effects you're using.

Thanks

Here is the bare version. No effects.



Thanks again.

[Mobilemike]

For me your sound is not bad, but quite bright. I'd try backing the mic away from the guitar a bit. You will need a good room to do that in, as the farther away you get the more room sound you will pick up but it could help balance the sound of the guitar a bit more. You also don't say where you are aiming the mic. Aiming it at about the 12th fret will also help pick up a more balanced sound.

Be careful of headphone bleed too - I'm hearing some metronome in your recording as well so you may want to turn your headphone volume down a bit.

[SprintBob]

Just listening on my iPad speakers, I actually like the bare naked version better than the treated version. It sounds a touch less strident in the highs and had a bit rounder, fuller tone. Nice playing too.

[DupleMeter]

Originally Posted by Kevin G String

Thanks

Here is the bare version. No effects.



Thanks again.

You're on the right track here. This is a pretty good starting point.

It's a little wooly in the 400-600 Hz region, but that happens on close mic'd acoustics in general. You can either find where the wooliness is centered & EQ it out or try moving the mics around until you find a spot that minimizes that pat of the guitar's tone.

So, that was the good news. The bad news is that it takes time to get good at recording guitar. Much like it takes time to get good at playing guitar. Things like EQs & compressors are going to feel foreign & bit overwhelming at first. That's ok. Everyone starts there. Just keep at it & you'll get there,

[Kevin G String]

Thanks so much everyone. I really appreciate you input.