Recording Critique

D. Churchland · #1 06-15-2010, 12:23 PM

Hi all, in the past I've posted some recordings but I have gotten advice (which is much appreciated) that I should go for a more natural recording sound, ie less effects and less EQ. I also tried recording with a lower volume so as to allow more headroom with the sound.

So I made this one recently in an attempt to "natural" up my recording sound, I only used 1 LDC mic so the sound isn't quite as bassy as I might've gotten with 2.

I was wondering if anyone could offer some criticism with my recording. Good or bad I want to hear it all!

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9279114

moon · #2 06-15-2010, 12:30 PM

Sounds good. I'd be happy with that.

rhancox · #3 06-16-2010, 06:35 AM

First of all, nice playing.

Where did you place the mic and how far away?

The sound is pretty good. One could argue that the bass is a little overbearing on the highs, but it's a pretty decent sound overall.

You could play with it for a month of Sundays and I don't think you'd be able to improve on it enough to justify the time spent.

What about adding a second mic, with the right placement, to get a fuller stereo effect?

rick-slo · #4 06-16-2010, 07:01 AM

Not bad for one mike but some muddiness due to proximity effect and/or pointing towards soundhole.

In a tune like this with strumming and some aggressive playing you need to back off the mike more to to keep the sound clean.

I always prefer the sound of stereo mic'ing on solo acoustic guitar.

D. Churchland · #5 06-16-2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Not bad for one mike but some muddiness due to proximity effect and/or pointing towards soundhole.

In a tune like this with strumming and some aggressive playing you need to back off the mike more to to keep the sound clean.

I always prefer the sound of stereo mic'ing on solo acoustic guitar.

I'll probably try two mikes once I get a replacement stand.

Do you think that a low cut switch on the microphone would help relieve some of the muddiness?

moon · #6 06-16-2010, 01:51 PM

Didn't sound muddy to me, just a nice sonorous depth. Mind you I was listening on some Sony MDR 7506 cans which are sometimes criticised as being too bright. It's sobering to think that all the trouble you go to in recording can be undone by the user's equipment...

I wouldn't cut out any frequencies for a solo guitar piece, although for a multi track song you might want to "zone" different instruments so they don't fight each other.

rick-slo · #7 06-16-2010, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Kirk

I'll probably try two mikes once I get a replacement stand.

Do you think that a low cut switch on the microphone would help relieve some of the muddiness?

It might help. Give it a try if you can't get a better mike position to work. As moon mentioned it does depend on one's playback. The Sony MDR 7506's are very bright indeed (I have a pair). I listened on a pair of Grado 325s which seem pretty well balanced to me on most music.

Fran Guidry · #8 06-16-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Kirk

I'll probably try two mikes once I get a replacement stand.

Do you think that a low cut switch on the microphone would help relieve some of the muddiness?

The low cut switch is there to counteract proximity.

Fran

runamuck · #9 06-19-2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Not bad for one mike but some muddiness due to proximity effect and/or pointing towards soundhole.

In a tune like this with strumming and some aggressive playing you need to back off the mike more to to keep the sound clean.

I always prefer the sound of stereo mic'ing on solo acoustic guitar.

Will,

I'd recommend that you listen to Rick-SLO's advice.

Rick-SLO,

I just listened to a few of your pieces from your site.

Beautiful.
Are you in San Luis Obispo? I'm in Ojai.

Jim McCarthy