Recording classical/flamenco guitar

Guitarist-1977 · #1 07-22-2023, 05:36 PM

Hi everyone, thanks for accepting me to this forum.

So I am trying to go back to recording classical flamenco guitar. I have the following gear:
- zoom H6
- two condenser microphones (small diaphram AKG perception 170 used as a stereo pair in AB pattern)

My question is: can I add a third for a fuller sound (like a large diaphram condenser)?

Sorry if these are beginner questions. Just have been out of this for over 10 years and trying to catch up

Thanks again

Rudy4 · #2 07-22-2023, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarist-1977

Hi everyone, thanks for accepting me to this forum.

So I am trying to go back to recording classical flamenco guitar. I have the following gear:
- zoom H6
- two condenser microphones (small diaphram AKG perception 170 used as a stereo pair in AB pattern)

My question is: can I add a third for a fuller sound (like a large diaphram condenser)?

Sorry if these are beginner questions. Just have been out of this for over 10 years and trying to catch up

Thanks again

Your question might be better asked in the recording section of the forum.

rick-slo · #3 07-22-2023, 07:59 PM

You could though most record solo guitar with two mikes.

Guitarist-1977 · #4 07-22-2023, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Your question might be better asked in the recording section of the forum.

Will check that section out. Thank you

TBman · #5 07-22-2023, 10:14 PM

I like using 2 LDC mics to record, but that's just me. For classical I like to use a spaced pair (I'm still experimenting with distance), but with SDC the vertical reverse ORTF gave me a fairly good tone, and with my steel strings too. I find SDC mics to be too brittle sounding, at least with the mics I have (Rode NT5 and AKG Perception 150).

Before you start thinking about upgrading your mics, upgrade your room first.

You might want to check out ATS acoustic panels

I have several of the free standing 4'x2'x4" panels which really helped my recordings.

SkaMar · #6 07-23-2023, 08:38 AM

I am using 2 mics - SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set and Scarlett 2i2
Here is wht I am getting.

TBman · #7 07-23-2023, 10:08 AM

deleted..................

dyingsea · #8 07-23-2023, 10:18 AM

My .02 is I would use what you have and then decide if for some reason you need to go for something else. The small diaphrams in theory are going to provide a bit more detailed and focused tone. This may be what you are going for especially if you run as a pair. A larger might capture a bit more "air" of the body and room per-se. Personally if you need a detailed and fast capture for something like flamenco playing what you have may very well be perfect.

Guitarist-1977 · #9 07-23-2023, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkaMar

I am using 2 mics - SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set and Scarlett 2i2
Here is wht I am getting.

Once thx for sharing. What is your mic placement? Not seeing clearly in the vid

SkaMar · #10 07-23-2023, 11:48 AM

Hi, they are central regarding the sound hole (30 cm apart) )and at height of my shoulders (so around 60cm up from sound hole)

rick-slo · #11 07-29-2023, 12:50 AM

duplicate post

rick-slo · #12 07-29-2023, 12:56 AM

As I mentioned earlier most solo guitar recordings use two mikes. I record with a space pair of condenser mikes. I like a recording to sound pretty much like what I hear when playing. Also a room with at least some acoustic treatment gives a more detailed up front sound. Here is one I recorded with a spaced pair of condenser mikes.

http://dcoombsguitar.com/Guitar%20Mu...CriolloTwo.wav

KenW · #13 08-11-2023, 06:42 PM

Proximity effect. Position your microphones using your ears. A second pair of hands is useful to move the mics while you play and listen through neutral headphones. As the mics move closer, the sound will get boomy; as the mics move away, the sound will get tinny. Start with the mics close, and listen as they move away, and you’ll hear the sweet spot in between boomy and tinny.

Guitarist-1977 · #14 08-24-2023, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick-slo

As I mentioned earlier most solo guitar recordings use two mikes. I record with a space pair of condenser mikes. I like a recording to sound pretty much like what I hear when playing. Also a room with at least some acoustic treatment gives a more detailed up front sound. Here is one I recorded with a spaced pair of condenser mikes.

http://dcoombsguitar.com/Guitar%20Mu...CriolloTwo.wav

Your recording sounds really good and natural. I am starting to experiment with onboard capsule on zoom 6, but I am getting a weird effect. As I sit parallel to the capsule like 12" away (pointed at 12 fret) one mic is significantly higher than the other due to xy pattern on the capsule. I end up sitting at 45 degrees to the capsule to capture balanced sound on both channels but the sound is a bit boomy. Is this just a natural limitation of the onboard capsule? Or am I doing something off? Thx

rick-slo · #15 08-24-2023, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarist-1977

Your recording sounds really good and natural. I am starting to experiment with onboard capsule on zoom 6, but I am getting a weird effect. As I sit parallel to the capsule like 12" away (pointed at 12 fret) one mic is significantly higher than the other due to xy pattern on the capsule. I end up sitting at 45 degrees to the capsule to capture balanced sound on both channels but the sound is a bit boomy. Is this just a natural limitation of the onboard capsule? Or am I doing something off? Thx

IMO too close to the guitar. I would go at least 18" out. Might try a vertical XY (rotate your zoom 90 degrees). I prefer a spaced pair of mikes. I genereally dont like the sound of XY.