5 Mics, 1 Song | Cheap vs Expensive | Stereo vs Mono COMPARISON

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Guitar: Collings OM2H
Mics used:
Neumann KM 184 amzn.to/2vhnJ6I
SE Electronics Voodoo VRII amzn.to/2hnAUgn
SE Electronics X1 amzn.to/2hmTiG9
Neumann TLM-102 amzn.to/2vsuuTv
Shure SM57 amzn.to/2hnf5O3
I am showing 5 different microphones, in different setups.

[@PaulDavids]

The song I play is Autumn Leaves in in the key of B minor :) Enjoy! And if you like, please share your favorite microphones/setup and recording techniques!

[@cinematiccrewstudios8188]

hey Paul, how do you determine the placement on your microphones? seems very strategic, as I'm sure it is. What caused you to setup the mics the way you did on your favorite setup? Also, it looks like you're in a big open room. Don't you normally want a more acoustically advantageous room, or padding on the walls? Or does it not matter with this setup? Thanks in advance!

[@PaulDavids]

For me: treat small/low rooms so that the acoustics are as good as dead, with the least reflections from the walls and do whatever you want with it when mixing. Bigger rooms can pretty awesome without any treatment, especially on acoustic instruments. Mic placement was just trial and error, combined with what I find most handy. I'd quite liked the 2nd mice to be an overshoulder one as well, but that setup is harder to set up properly, and doesn't feel as free whilst playing as a simple stereo one like this!

[@larrylynch8113]

i love your setup :) i personally have a U87 aI ; but damn ; a ribbon mic for 400 euros ... it still something :/ and the other one is around 700 euros ... the guitar itself looks like a D 28 ... so 3000 euros basicly ; and i don't even talk about the hundred of hour of practicing ^^ I'm playing guitar for about 16 years now ; i wish i had the same skill that you have but even tho ... i couldn't afford such gear

[@a22fc]

Ahhhh Eric Clapton version. Trying to decide what Mic im gonna get

[@SufyMusic]

last one sounds good on speakers but headphones would get sound fatigue too long

[@MrAzul132]

Really underrated how great your videos are. No 5 minutes of rambling bs at the beginning, just straight to the point. Great Work :)

[@JoshTurnerGuitar]

Excellent video.

[@nicovilches8225]

Love u

[@mgmcgregorross69]

paul i need to say you are one of the greatest people to learn from. i have learned so much from watching your videos, weather that be theory, songs, or just life lessons. you have helped me so much, and i cannot thank you enough.

[@JohannesLabusch]

Well, here's my problem: I want to be a microphone snob, and I've spent thousands on mics over the years, but when I hear an amazing player like you, it ALL sounds wonderful, even with the humble SM75. When I listened to one of your videos for the first time I was struck by the great sound of that ribbon mic. But the painful truth is: When someone can play, the mic becomes an almost unimportant detail, and when someone's just an average musician, no 2000$ microphone (or preamp, or compressor, or eq) can make them sound much better. So I'll stop spending and start practicing.

[@SuperSnoopy1979]

Look mate (angry face) ... stop it ...gear is what make me sound great...but god dam you are right... need to start practicing and not buying ....

[@kristiangurholt59]

As painful as this realisation might be in the sense that one can’t buy one’s way to making great music, it’s also wonderful in the sense that you can actually make great music without having to spend lots, just using what you have. I’ve been considering upgrading my cheap microphone but honestly I’d be better of just keeping on improving my playing. Not to mention playing style, fingernail length, guitar pick thickness, and type/age of strings, are all variables that will make just as big of a difference in sound, an combined surely a much greater difference than any microphone could every make. And they’re practically free!

[@winstonzeb2842]

But its so damn fun to buy gear…

[@SubhraUltimate]

Also need some studio environment and good mix... That will change everything ☺

[@zdvxgf]

It"s SM57. I believe Paul mistakenly switch it to 75

[@user10cool]

This is easily one of the best videos on recording I've seen.

[@Henriquealexps]

Thank you! I always loved your acoustic guitar sounds, thats just awesome

[@Quintellectual]

Another awesome, practical, useful video with your magic touch on the guitar pulling it all together.

[@Luke-ih1oc]

Autumn leaves is such a fantastic song / chord progression. I love it. Your two-mic setup sounds fantastic, like I'm in the room with you.

[@gopilotmusic]

you got the goods man.. love all this tightly packed audio information.. really appreciate getting so much in a bit over two min.. 👍

[@Axional_X]

The way you let our ears decide was the best one. Short but so on point video! Great one, my friend! Greetings from Greece

[@aramichaelian7320]

Love your favorite setup/mics...!

[@clasesfernandoandres]

Thank you so much! I like theses microphones and your Autumn Leaves.

[@pederbroch-due2576]

I can watch you play for hours... You are incredibly talented and you are one of my heroes! Keep doing what you do, this stuff is great!

[@TheBlues088]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnbNp3-GrN6Bq68

[@repmusic]

Nice vid, easy to hear the differences and well explained!

[@sliedude]

Great demonstration. Thanks mate

[@chadbierman8058]

Thanks so much for the great video!! God bless!

[@ericktheone]

Nice! After this I think I should get the vr2 , loved the sound of both mics combined.

[@RezaJam]

This is awesome man!

[@dantonzanetti]

Great video as usual, Paul. It would be nice if you could do more videos about gear used to record. Cheers

[@officialWWM]

That ribbon sounds beautiful!

[@RockWeller]

Love the sound of the KM184!

[@JasonFiske]

Incredible demo. I learned more in 2:20 than I thought possible. Thank you.

[@sirbladechannel4730]

holy... your favorite setup is so great man

[@ottomanmuzic5744]

Ur favorite setup sounds awesome..any phase issues since you use different mics? What pres u using?

[@michaelyolch79]

EXCEPTIONAL video! Thanks! :)

[@KevinElamMusic]

folks i'm pretty sure the mic around 1:40 is an sm57, NOT 75 as the in-video text indicates.

[@theguitarclubonline]

How about EQ, compression and your mastering chain?

[@tierangreen]

Nothin - hey?

[@iamtorrego]

As important as the mics themselves.

[@Tigerex966]

@@iamtorrego player is the most important, but yea they are also important.

[@weyland1452]

Hy Paul. This one is very good, very instructive. Thank you

[@holyshapes]

you're super helpful man. thank you.

[@asentz]

There's a reason the KM-184 is the standard (for this use), but dang the SM-57 is incredible for the money.

[@Josh_GS__]

Man.. you really know what is all about.. you are the top.

[@LifenLifestyle2023]

Can you make a video on the optimal way to hold a pick? I find it hard holding a pick for strumming/picking, as sometimes my grip slips.

[@kevinlong4657]

You should do mid/side with that neumann in the middle and the ribbon as the side(s) I think that would sound better than having them kindof out of phase and hard-panned. My favorite sound was the km184 alone, sm57 held up surprisingly well jeesh those things never cease to amaze me ..

[@graysonkemp8870]

0:29 can you go into detail about the mic placement/configuration here please!!!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Thanks Paul!

[@onlyonSiMPLE]

youtube compression hides the high ends, ill be great to downoad it in 320kbps

[@thealeons3179]

The hell with the microphones what you just played was so cool

[@TimMilliken]

I think 60-80% panning would sound more natural. Especially for critical listening as I do. Thanks for all your great videos Paul!!!!

[@steverok67]

Nicely done. I have the sE Voodoo VR1, which seems similar to the VR2, but passive.

[@sfn4702]

great video, man! At :31 its just the Voodoo and Nuemann, or is there another mic out of frame? sounds so good... @pauldavids

[@joaquinosorio8152]

my options: -camera mic -camera mic

[@PaulDavids]

That's a killer stereo setup bud!

[@georgehill6098]

There are rather affordable high quality mics you can just clip on to your phone. That's how I've recently started recording and it works fine.

[@solamsdale9568]

George Hill could you name any? I’m looking to buy one 🙃

[@giuliano8031]

Joaquin Osorio :3 Record with your phone mic is a much more viable option trust me!

[@bigcladwolfdetecting6017]

@@solamsdale9568 Røde makes a cell phone lav mic that's pretty great

[@redrock1963]

One of the most informative 2:20 on YT.

[@phyfts]

Do you use any of these on electric guitar amps?

[@OverJam52]

A very interesting video, once again.

[@bradreynolds4415]

Question: Thanks for the videos, great job and very informative. If you were going to also add a vocal element to your setup as a live performance, and you wanted to get the same stereo acoustic sound you display here on the guitar, would you add a 3rd mic for vocals or just reposition the 2 to capture the vocal? Im considering that 3 mic set up but have not purchased the mics yet. The plan is to interface with a ZOOM H6 connected to the camera for youtube videos of live acoustic vocal performances, but want the option of the stereo width on the guitar. I would then import the WAV files into garage band and do some minimal eq and reverb. For mics I am considering an AT4040 for the vocal (works well for my voice) and a matched pair of Rode M5's for the stereo guitar. Am I on the right track or spending too much unnecessarily?

[@GoldenProductions2019]

Keep making music man and keep recording I also do a lot of mixing and recording tips on my channel so if you need any keep up the great work man keep making great music

[@LPdave99]

Hey Paul, nice video! I'd love to know your thoughts on single stereo microphones such as the Rode NT-4. Would it be a good option or is it better to stick with a large-diaphragm condenser mic for the added flexibility? Also, at 1:40 you wrote SM-75 instead of SM-57. Thanks in advance!

[@box88]

Very nice! Apart from the mics, what reverb? and did you have compression when you recorded it? Thanks

[@mosthart5310]

very interesting thank you for sharing

[@user-nc4ez5kg8w]

Fantastic! I like the first combination, it's sm57 instead of sm75 though, right? Not quite sure,just asking

[@zHumanfactor]

Hi Paul, nice demo. Love the Collings OM2H. Great sounding guitar. I have limited funds so the X1 A Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone would be a good choice for me. What would you recommend for a basic no-thrills interface to my MacBook, that would do a good job?

[@eddyaugusto2162]

Hi Paul, could you explain how you got that spaced stereo sound? I have tried what you do but you only feel the sound left and right without the space that is achieved in your mix. Thank you. Greetings from Peru.

[@butterecording1973]

great vid! i will use it in class! thanks

[@phugenla]

how did you get tha spread in the stereo recording technique. i tried it but the guitar is still sounds at the center and has no spread as it sounds here.please help me get that spread

[@orryfishburne5326]

I really like your tone. I cant wait until i can afford a Se Voodoo R2. Such a good sounding mic that doesnt cost an arm and leg to acquire. Do u ever use it for a mid/side technique? I love the way mid/side sounds on acoustic guitar with a ribbon as the sides.

[@ninjapanda9570]

Hey I don't know if you made a video about this but I was wondering which guitar you would recommend for finger style Any help would be much appreciated

[@satchiemusicprod7347]

Nice recording. No post prod? Noise gate ou eq?

[@julianjimenez7669]

Where can I find that jacket

[@deanmo1982]

Your Favourite setup does sound amazing and does shine above them both. Can you use either of them for voice to? The Voodoo VR2? I know theres probably better mics for vocals but trying to keep cost down :)

[@mrwnbdx4116]

Hello. I have a very beginner question. I love your setting voodoo vr2 + km 184. But what gear to use to record. I mean something really simple to use. I was thinking of a tascam DR 100 or zoom H4 but does it makes sense to put such good mics on this kind of gear ? Thanks for this great video !

[@SamRommer]

Great video. Which preamp did you use?

[@joacos79]

simplemente hermosa interpretacion

[@baliguitaracademy9500]

How many inches is the microphone placed away from the guitar?

[@deanmacka4975]

I like the sound of the voodoo vr2 active ribbon set up the best.

[@ahmedbakhsh9010]

Paul! What is the best way (in terms of recording) to get that 60s 70s acoustic sound?

[@Yevi_Games]

Hey Paul, can you go through your recording setup as far as your interface/mixer and what digital audio workstation you use? I would also love to see a video on just general recording process and mixing as well as what kinds of compression and effects you use.. Your videos always sound so crisp and clear, its great! Thanks for making high quality content, my man!

[@PaulDavids]

It's on the to-do list!

[@rafbass]

What do you think of using the acoustic guitar cable (the pickups) for one channel and a microphone for the other channel?

[@DanielRosenfarb]

Hi, I have the v2 and a small condenser. What was your mic placement like? Sounds wonderful!

[@ulisselodisseo]

Great!!

[@andreasahlers-dummer1574]

As far as I can see you are recording in a usual living room without any acoustic treatment. How do you get rid of the room reverb? You can clearly hear it in the beginning (probably camera microfon) but then you switch to the microphones and the room reverb is gone?

[@JiihaaS]

I don't think the SM57 lacks some detail 'cause it's passive, but because it's a dynamic mic. This is due to the fact that their diaphragms are thicker and slower in general than those of condenser mics.

[@bdelaney101]

Do you need to account for phase when mic'ing in stereo? Thanks.

[@ravinaidu5873]

Hi Paul, when you use the KM 184 why does it sound stereo vs the other mic? Also if I were to buy a KM 184 do I need another mic for the lower bass frequencies? Also would the KM 184 work for recording vocals (compared to a SM beta 58 which I have? thanks

[@janjahnke6432]

How did you place the Voodoo VR2? Does anybody know how it sounds in comparison to the AT4081 by Audio Technica?

[@farflownfalcon1076]

Very helpful

[@vinhnghihuynh8907]

Your favorite setup is now my favorite setup XD

[@khanadnan4147]

Nice! Any place to by a used Neumann KM 184??

[@jacobcervantes2552]

roughly how far away are the mics placed and at what angle/where do you point it for the mono examples.

[@laurentmiller387]

Hi, thanks. Wich preamp do you use ?

[@jimmychen1823]

Can you do a video about perfecting vibrato technique?

[@SoaresSteve]

What are your thoughts if I was to replace the? Km184 with a rode nt5 and matched that with the Voodoo vr2?

[@MurdaMetz]

Hey Paul David what acoustic guitar are you using ? Also are you using a tonewood amp in this video ?

[@dewetstrydom3597]

The stereo setup sounds great. Got to get me a ribbon mic some day. And the SM57 does not disappoint!

[@koenroels4549]

The ribbon is further away from the soundsource. How does he not have phase problems when recording in the stereo setup?

[@MaleInMarchMusic]

Hi Paul) nice set up. Try Miktek c5 small condenser ...really good ... like old km84

[@jeetray11]

Your favorite setup sounds so much better than every other. Such a beautiful song and played so well. I am not interested to find out more about ribbon mics. Two questions for you For solo acoustic stringed instruments such as classical guitar, banjo do you think a stereo setup results significantly better than a mono setup? What do you think of a stereo setup of a small condenser + one large condenser vs 2 large condensers vs 2 small condensers? Is adding different type of mic for the stereo setup results better? I hear people say great things about paired microphone (i.e. identical microphones).

[@soliano1604]

Hi, need your opinion on playing Fingerpicking guitar at outdoor or open area. What type or mic should i use? Thanks.

[@underwolfemusic673]

Hi man! thanks for this? where exactly is the Voodoo looking? this would be of great help thanks Underwolfe

[@filipecruz7024]

Great video! Is the Vodoo a figure 8 mic? I found it so funny that a lot of Duch audio guys say 75 instead of 57 :P I guess its because you say 7-50 (zevenenvijftig) and 5-70 (vijfenzeventig) Cheers from Portugal!

[@ancientslav4863]

Any advice on best strings for fingerpicking on a dread Takamine cedar top, rosewood b/s, mahogany neck?

[@chifungChan]

Could you share the Tab for this song? it is amazing

Helpful

[@korento3000]

Dear Paul, I'm a big fan of your videos. I am struggling with a mic issue.. I bought an SE Electronic x1 mic (condensed) for vocal and instrumental recording. I tried it with GarageBand and Logic Pro X, via Scarlett 2i2. No matter what settings I use on my Logic, my MacBook Pro mic sounds way better than my mic, particularly vocals: the condenser mic sounds "boxy" (as you explain in your video), muted, deep and muffled. My gain and output settings are as they should, without clipping. I heard it's a good mic, so how can it sound so bad for vocals?

[@volkySt]

Sm57, not 75, Right?

[@PaulDavids]

YES

[@goodcommentman1512]

Good catch.

[@khanadnan4147]

SM57 is flat and missing mid-tones.Its not good for acoustic but good for drums, electric guitars etc. I returned mine and bought Lewitt 240.

[@dinoschachten]

Right, someone caught this already. :D

[@gezor20]

what would you ideal for recording vocals with guitar?

[@chuck1804]

I need to turn my gain WAY up to get the SM57 to even pick up the slightest sound of my guitar. Am I doing something wrong?

[@soonerpilot625]

Hey Paul, sounds fantastic. I am on your patreon. Love the content. But I gotta ask… is this a paid promo for sE? It feels like a promo.

[@luisalbertoestrellas.3877]

Lovely song.

[@valentingiaccaglia2075]

nice played

[@NicoPerezMusic]

@1:32 why did you mention the frequency response? Is it bad if a mic captures this high of frequency?

[@RaysTrack]

as no one's replied I'll chip in - No, not a bad thing; a good thing as you need to capture high end frequencies for that sparkle of acoustic guitar strings or if you're recording cymbals. Ribbon mics usually sound smooth and warm but don't catch the top end - the Voodoo V1 and V2s can also capture the top ends.