Same tune, different guitars, SAME mics!, but different mic placement

[TBman]

Here's the first version I did the other day:




Here's my revised version I did tonight:



When I recorded the first version I had my two sE 8 small condensers off to the right of the guitar (bridge side), back about a foot or so. The mics were in a wide XY pattern, but vertically placed. The guitar was a Cordoba Fusion 12 (solid top, lam back and sides). I think I got too much player noise in the recording and the guitar sounded thin.

For the second version I used my Cordoba C12 (an all solid wood guitar) and the mics I placed vertically again, but this time I put the mics about 3 feet back from me and centered on the guitar's sound hole. I relaxed and gave it my best shot at playing better too.

Not exactly apples vs apples due to the different guitars, but still the change due to the mic placement I think is considerable.

[RodB]

The first recording is no longer accessible in the link above, but I listened yesterday and noticed what you describe. As I commented today in Show and Tell this latest recording is a lot better and lets your nice rendition of this lovely composition come through.

The change of guitar might have provided more warmth but I would agree that most of the improvement would have come from setting the mics back. I often use a near coincident arrangement myself, which for me gives a natural sound to the recording.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by RodB

The first recording is no longer accessible in the link above, but I listened yesterday and noticed what you describe. As I commented today in Show and Tell this latest recording is a lot better and lets your nice rendition of this lovely composition come through.

The change of guitar might have provided more warmth but I would agree that most of the improvement would have come from setting the mics back. I often use a near coincident arrangement myself, which for me gives a natural sound to the recording.

Thanks Rod!

I fixed the accessibility of the first version for comparison. It's amazing how the right mic placement can affect a recording.

[jricc]

Wow Barry, so nicely played and pretty melody!

I could definitely tell a difference in the mic placement. To my ears, the 2nd recording is a bit richer and warmer. Obviously the different guitars come into play as well.

Really enjoyed this haunting composition and your recordings.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by jricc

Wow Barry, so nicely played and pretty melody!

I could definitely tell a difference in the mic placement. To my ears, the 2nd recording is a bit richer and warmer. Obviously the different guitars come into play as well.

Really enjoyed this haunting composition and your recordings.

Thanks Joe!