how to record acoustic guitar (1 mic)
mixing tip #014 - how to record acoustic guitar (1 mic)
Hallojis! This week, we’re talking about recording acoustic guitar. Specifically, recording acoustic guitar using only one microphone.
“…wait what Ravi, I thought you do tips about mixing…?”
Yes… but it ALL begins with the recording! We’ll see shortly that how you record the guitar affects how it sounds in your mix. Depending on your song, the acoustic guitar will play a certain role:
decorative - used as a “color instrument”, adds texture and without filling too much space (‘Crazy Kids’ by Kesha)
full body - used as a spotlight instrument, like in a song with only vocals + acoustic guitar (‘Shape of You’ - Acoustic by Ed Sheeran)
rhythmic - used to maintain rhythm, often felt and not heard (‘proud’ by ravi ray 🤡 in the chorus)
…etc
First let’s talk microphones- you’ll need a large diaphragm condenser mic. I personally use an AKG C-214 for this.
Next, is positioning. Place your microphone:
About 1 foot in front of the sound hole.
Angled at the twelfth fret.
I’ve found that if the mic is too close to the sound hole, the guitar will sound “woofy” and you might even hit it while you’re playing (lol). Keep it too far away and you’ll pick up more room reverb and less of the guitar.
Moreover, the direction you angle the microphone affects the color of the sound. Pointing it at the twelfth fret gives you a nice balance between the guitar low end and the shimmer of the strings. Pointing it more towards the sound hole gives you more low end color, and pointing it more towards the upper frets gives you more sheen.
Check out the video for more. Stay well, shine bright.
