Mic + Vocals - 2 mics or 3?

[Beakybird]

I'm finally recording some original songs that I am super proud of. I've procrastinated so much, but now I'm super excited.

I have two Behringer C-3 condenser mics which are cheap but highly rated, and I have a Shure SM-58. I have three mic stands.

I want to record voice and guitar simultaneously because I play guitar more spontaneously while I sing.

For me to use the third mic, I will need another sound card - like a Behringer U-Phoria UM2.

I know to point the condenser mics down towards the guitar and the voice mic up towards my mouth to minimize bleed.

Do you think adding an extra mic for the guitar will improve the sound enough that it's worth the hassle?

The C-3 mic has three selectable patterns including a figure 8. Would it be recommended to use a third mic in a figure 8?

Thanks for your opinions!

[sdelsolray]

I would suggest working with two mics for simultaneous guitar/vox recording, at least until you get that down (which could take some time and experimentation).

Even more basic, try just one mic in omni (if your room cooperates).

[Beakybird]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

I would suggest working with two mics for simultaneous guitar/vox recording, at least until you get that down (which could take some time and experimentation).

Even more basic, try just one mic in omni (if your room cooperates).

Thanks. I wouldn't consider one mic as I would be helpless if the levels were off, and I wouldn't be able to add compression to the vocals which might be necessary.

My aim is to get a really great recording within the confines of my home office and my budget. I'm satisfied with my knowledge of Cakewalk Sonar Artist - my software. I just found out you can get Cakewalk Platinum for free, and it's called BandLab. I didn't know that it was owned by Gibson.

Perhaps less fuss and complication will be better to funnel my creative energy into the music.

[DupleMeter]

stick with 2 mics...adding a 3rd would just make it more difficult to mix because of potential phase issues from additional bleed.

[Beakybird]

Originally Posted by DupleMeter

stick with 2 mics...adding a 3rd would just make it more difficult to mix because of potential phase issues from additional bleed.

Thanks. OK. I'll just use the two mics. Less equipment, less tweaking, more fun.

[GTR1960]

I’d stick with 2 mics, put the condenser pointing slightly downwards and towards the neck joins the body for a good starting point. Set it cardiod so it doesn’t pick up as much of your voice. Use the dynamic mic on your voice. A 57 is good choice. You can use the mics the other way around but, usually the guitar will shine better with the condenser mic. You should also try the two condenser mics in cardiod make sure the vocal mic is angled up, and the guitar mic is angled down.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Beakybird

I'm finally recording some original songs that I am super proud of. I've procrastinated so much, but now I'm super excited.

I have two Behringer C-3 condenser mics which are cheap but highly rated, and I have a Shure SM-58. I have three mic stands.

I want to record voice and guitar simultaneously because I play guitar more spontaneously while I sing.

For me to use the third mic, I will need another sound card - like a Behringer U-Phoria UM2.

I know to point the condenser mics down towards the guitar and the voice mic up towards my mouth to minimize bleed.

Do you think adding an extra mic for the guitar will improve the sound enough that it's worth the hassle?

The C-3 mic has three selectable patterns including a figure 8. Would it be recommended to use a third mic in a figure 8?

Thanks for your opinions!

There are a bunch of previous topics that might shed a light on what you're trying to accomplish. Start here:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=314110

...and I'd especially check out Bob Clearmountain's take on doing acoustic guitar and vocal simultaneously:

https://youtu.be/3WrMhr2nUJI

[MikeBmusic]

Looks like you are all set, but adding a 2nd audio interface is not the answer anyway - except with some Mac computers (and some work to set up), you cannot run 2 audio interfaces at one time. You would need an audio interface with (at least) 3 mic preamps to use 3 mics.