Acoustic Guitar | 10 Ways to Record, Mic Shootouts, Positions, and More

[@PhilbertQAverage]

There's a hell of a lot of tutorials on how to record and mix music on KZbin, but of all I have found I think yours the most informative and clear. I really like how you break down the process into different steps. Thanks for the videos!

[@creativesoundlab]

+PhilbertQAverage Thanks man! I appreciate that!

[@jorgepeterbarton]

always! it helps to listen to someone then find the resulting music isn't shit! ;)

[@off-meta-michael]

That sm57 really sounded pretty good, amazing how that mic just keeps being useful for everything, I usually always went with condenser mics for acoustic, but I might give those 57s a try, I have like 5 of them haha

[@amdenis]

Just found your vlog today. I go way back, with about 4 decades of media lab development and creative experience (MIT, SUNY, XEROX, Apple and other corporations, etc), and A/V tech engineering and content creation that goes back to early ‘80’s. You are freaking incredible- what amazing knowledge, passion and love of what you do. Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge and skills.

[@creativesoundlab]

Wow Andrew, thanks so much for your kind words. It's so easy to focus on negative feedback, and thank you for such kind words. What's one way I could improve?

[@yutuubfreak]

dude, when ever I get a notification that you posted a new video I go fucking crazy...(thnx bb)

[@creativesoundlab]

yutuubfreak This made my day! Thanks man!

[@monkeyxx]

man, you just nailed it. That is the most compact and complete overview of acoustic guitar recording I think I've ever seen. I could have really used a video like this 10 years ago and even now I'm still learning things from it.

[@monkeyxx]

+creativesoundlab Looking back I would have liked to have seen a stereo XY setup with some SDC as that is one of my favorite stereo mic schemes for acoustic guitar, but you covered all the large bases.

[@eliasstraat]

Coming here with the 1000th like! :D Such a nice video, thank you for creating all of your videos! Super interesting and nice to hear shootouts that you might not be able to do yourself.

[@YHRS]

Great video, man. The dual Figure-8 mic is a revelation. I've got 1 mic that can do a figure-8 and now I'm really anxious to experiment with it and its null sides.

[@mcsweet1966]

Having GREAT artists who Master their instrument like that guy make the life of the Engineer easier ... congrat to both of you for a great Job

[@matiascova]

wow, you really are a step above other tutorials on youtube. You are fast, precise and clear. No shenanigans, keep up the good work!

[@jollytreepin2168]

Hey Buddy, I write and record my own tunes (just for myself), and I use an acoustic guitar that I have had for 20 odd years. I used this guitar when I played live (I retired from bands about 15 years ago). One of the last gigs I had done, my acoustic was broken, someone put their foot through the side, at the top, nearest the neck. It is a good 5-6 inches long, and 3 1/2 inches tall. Remarkably, from this hole, is the best sound out of the acoustic. So I use a SM57 pointing slightly across this hole, I also use a Rode N1TA in front of the original sound hole, with another SM57 pointing at the main part of the body where the bridge is. I also record the guitar using an old electric guitar pick up, wired in just at the neck, where it meets the sound hole, and finally, the built in piezo/mic pick up preamp, that came with the guitar. I record each of the 5 signals to different tracks on my DAW (Cubase) and then I can mix/pan etc, until I get a great sound, but most importantly, once I have recorded all the rest of the instruments, I can play around with the acoustic tracks to get them to sit in properly. It may seem like overkill to have 5 different tracks, but my studio stays set up this way, meaning to record, all I have to do is get the Rode mic, and plug in the two guitar cables, and I am ready to record. I have just found your series on KZbin, and I have subscribed, and Liked all the Vids I have watched so far. Great channel, and thanks for sharing your knowledge and whacky ideas (garden hosepipe, anyone?), I will be watching for a long time Cheers

[@mattesau5630]

The different sounds you get as you move the mic are pretty striking. I'm a believer! I'll be moving my mic a lot more now. Great work man!

[@creativesoundlab]

Matt Esau Thanks!

[@danknittel1250]

I stumbled across your channel last week and I've finished all of your videos. Really great material and i love the delivery. Thanks for putting these out there. I can not wait to continue watching what you have planned for the future.

[@creativesoundlab]

Dan Knittel Thanks Dan. That's such a high complement and it means a lot. It takes a lot of time for me to make the videos. I have people say that they binge watch my videos...I always get a kick out of it. Thanks for watching and let me know what topics you want to see more of!

[@danknittel1250]

creativesoundlab I would love to hear your take on bass. I am usually working with more aggressive styles of music i.e. rock, metal that I'm used to getting tones for but i am not very confident in getting good tones for softer styles of music and hardly ever mic an amp up.

[@sethadam4266]

I like that your open to other options & ideas, I record directly through the guitar with an EQ, I use Taylor's that have mic's glued to the sound board & a neck pick up, not all guitars sound good this way, no issues with voice bleeding over the guitar. As for mixing, recording four tracks at once lets you pan top to bottom or left or right while boosting or killing bass, mid's & treble.

[@creativesoundlab]

I'm sure Taylor has real nice electronics on the inside. I wouldn't mind doing it that way if the built in mic sounds good, but would want a room mic to help fill it out a little. My friend had a real nice acoustic that actually sounded amazing, so I know there are good ones out there.

[@gsargen1]

Best acoustic guitar recording lesson I've ever seen. Thanks for making this!

[@creativesoundlab]

+Griffin Sargent Thanks man!

[@StephenTack]

Yep, when I'm recording simultaneous acoustic guitar and singing I almost always use two figure-8 mics...mostly ribbons, sometimes an LDC...it works SO well at separating sources! I've been burned in the past when sibilance from a loud singer snuck into the SDC on the acoustic, and made it so I couldn't pan, or add sparkle to the guitar without accentuating the nasty parts of the vocal. When I'm not recording vocals concurrently and I want want a big warm sound, I still default to my homemade long ribbon mic, position: height=just above top edge of guitar, distance=10"-15", centered on the 10th - 12th fret, angle=pointing halfway between the sound hole and 12th fret (with edge null pointed at singers mouth, eliminating loud breaths). This seems to consistently yield a realistic/transparent, yet warm, and large sound. Another great, great video. Cheers!

[@creativesoundlab]

Stephen Tack Sounds like you and I record acoustics about the same way depending on with or without vox. I love the ribbon on acoustics. I think ribbons can beat SDCs unless you go in the high price point.

[@bencawood]

i was all ways told to be 1 foot away when i record acoustic guitar but never like the sound but when you said 2 foot i was blown away how much better that sounded.

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, further back will sound more natural as long as your room is ok.

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

Once again you've cut thru a great deal of the blather that permeate so many "How To" vids. Well done mate; all solid examples here.

[@creativesoundlab]

MARSHOMEWORLD Thanks! That's a high complement considering there are so many other tutorials out there. Glad you thought it was well done!

[@dcp10200]

creativesoundlab I really like your tutorials Ryan for the simple fact that they are tutorials and not "look what I can do with a $300 studio setup" videos. The gear is never really put at the forefront and you focus on showing different techniques for recording. You, Ryan Bruce, and Glenn Fricker have the best audio tutorials on youtube.

[@beskidwood]

Thank You for this video. As I am getting into homerecording I am about to record tracks of acoustic guitars. Your video was first to mention (and question) the role of instrument (frequency, panning) durring the song. And... I am going to check new mic positions with my 57 (still don't have condenser mic) vs classic 12-14th fret orientation.

[@elliotignasiak5152]

Some of the best music tutorials on youtube. Thanks!

[@MisterNiles]

I play pool with a cue stick. I record acoustic guitar with some of these techniques. My favorite is a cheap electret. The mics in my old Panasonic boombox a foot or two away from the sound hole. sound great, especially when coupled with a small diaphragm pointed at the 12th fret from 9 inches away.PAIA mid side mic is good for that sound too.

[@rogerclemens826]

Outstanding, especially the part on what role the guitar is going to play in the mix. Really great info Thanks!

[@creativesoundlab]

Thanks man, this is not my most popular episode, but one of my best for those that need the information.

[@rogerclemens826]

Where is your studio?

[@scohills]

Nice video Ryan. I'm looking forward to trying the stereo setup, where one mic is above and the other in front (equidistance), although I'm curious to how it would sound with 57's being so fare away from the source. But, I suppose for heavy strumming, the signal would be sufficient. Another M/S technique, is to place the sdc on the 12th(ish) fret, then put the figure 8 in front of the soundhole, with the null pointing at the hole. Beautiful low end on the sides, with all the direct mid clarity. Cheers

[@wilconwel]

I just found your channel and I'm so happy I did. Thanks so much for the helpful tutorials and for sharing your knowledge for free.

[@creativesoundlab]

Glad we found each other!

[@pitol678]

Ive watched this video several times and have even taken notes! Im sure you have a backlog of videos to make but I would love to know more about your diffuser and how you use it. Thanks again for all the info you're putting out there!

[@creativesoundlab]

+Eric Davidson Thanks Eric, yeah I have the diffusers on here just to look cool! They do change the sound of a room, and they can be very useful at times. I won't say that they are a must have though.

[@pitol678]

+creativesoundlab Thanks Ryan that's good to know. I'm recording in a 13x20 room with 7 1/2 foot ceilings and am trying to find ways to improve the boxy sound I'm getting. So far, it seems like just going for that 70s dampened sound may be my best bet :)

[@creativesoundlab]

+Eric Davidson Yeah, it depends on what your floor is and the construction of the walls. I have a concrete floor and block walls in my control room and it's a similar size with about 7.5 ft ceilings. I've done room mics in that room and while not as complex sounding, it can still work. You have to really take your time to shape the sound of the room with panels, rugs, and hanging panels from the ceiling.

[@konstantinrzaevich]

Recently I've discovered a nice technique for two cardioid microphones: vertical spaced pair. My setup is one mic at the level of my head, and the other at the level of my knees. Both are pointing somewhere in the direction of the soundhole, and both are about 1.5 feet from it. The signals from the mics are hard panned. This technique allows me to have rather wide but still symmetrical stereo image.

[@creativesoundlab]

Константин Рзаевич That's a really cool technique.

[@2tallB]

Nice vid! I do a bunch of recording for people from my place on a variety of fretted instruments, typically for jingles. My go-to method is to put a KM84 and an R-122v close together in front of me. (I realize many would consider this a no-no with the risk of phasing) Then with good iso headphone on, I change my guitar angle to the mics to find the sweet spot, as needed. I'm typically 8 - 16" from the mics, aimed towards to top frets (depends on the instrument and the attack needed). The ribbon mic has a preset EQ channel that sounds natural to me but is still warmer/ smoother than the KM84. Then I just adjust the two faders to whatever EQ/ smoothness works the best. Even though they sound different, I'll sometimes spread the pan of the two mics if it's more of a featured part. I'm sure folks would find this flawed but it seems to work well for me. (I have other mics and methods, but this often seems to work.) What do you think?

[@creativesoundlab]

+2tallB Yeah I think that's just fine. Whatever you like the sound of. You might want to try the over the shoulder technique and perhaps use the km84 up top, and the 122 out front. Might be cool. Just thinking out loud. Usually you use two of the same mics for that, but both positions are going to sound different anyhow. One mic may sound really great in one position.

[@DacianGradaMusic]

Great tutorial! Whenever I'll be getting an acoustic for my "softer" mixes I'll come back to this, on par with the Neumann one IMO. Thanks a lot for this, subbed, can't wait for more tutorials! :)

[@creativesoundlab]

Right on!

[@rhwaddell]

great video by the way. Best sounding best looking production of a "how to" video, keep up the good work! wish I still lived across the hill from you in Flag Pond TN!

[@creativesoundlab]

+Robert Waddell Thanks!

[@eddiegomez4134]

Awesome! Great video, I'm going to be recording a singer-songwriter next week. She sings and plays acoustic guitar. I'm thinking of ideas on what mics to use. I'm pretty sure she'll be playing/singing at the same time when we record. I also want to build some of her songs and add other instruments, like drums, violin. Thanks again!

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, if you can get good tracks then you can build on them from there. Check out Ryan Bingham Junky Star, there is a studio session video on KZbin. Figure 8 mics can be really helpful in this situation.

[@anthonysilva5312]

Nice job. Very informative

[@polescalante]

oh man... I keep coming back to this video every few months or so and always enjoy it so much! The last time I commented on it, I asked about the "cheap SDC" mic. We had a bit of a back and forth until I mentioned (maybe?) that I was listening on apple earphones (I wondered if that was insulting or what!? lol...). Well, I just listened again (on a few good sources) and man! I stand by my previous post. That´s my favorite out of the 3! Ryan! Can you please share what model they are and where to get them? I would be in debt man. As always, thanks! and keep it up!

[@creativesoundlab]

Thanks Pol! All I remember, as I can't find the mic anymore, but it's was marked as a "Mogami" mic, but that is the type of cables I use, so we always thought it was a bit strange. I think for real though, it's actually a MXL. I can't remember the model number, but I think it's the one that Oktavia mods works on.

[@polescalante]

Ryan! you the man! Looking at some pics of the MXL and I think you might be right, though I once compared an MXL to an sm81 and didn´t get the impression I get on your video. Gonna have to reconfirm that though. Thank again! Love your channel! ohh. Can I ask you something? I´m on the process of upgrading my recording gear. I have a focusrite scarlett 18i20 2nd gen (love it!) along with a Robbie preamp and a Grace Design 101. I´m thinking of going all the way though and get something like an RME fireface UFX II (converters) along with some nice preamps. I´m comparing at the moment the Daking mic pre IV to the ones on my AI and will soon get the UA 4-710D to add to the mix... Crazy thing is, I kind of like the preamps on the focusrite better than the Daking!?? I´m afraid I won´t be "impressed" with the UA 4-710D either. At this point, I´m kind of uninterested on the RME UFX II as well! I find the differences too subtle to invest so much money. Where I definitely find big and cool differences is on mics! So I may just invest on a couple of great ones. Any advice or words of wisdom on this whole matter? All the best!

[@brianpatrick6102]

A technique I use to get a different sound at times: have the player (me :p) right up against or near an untreated wall or even in a corner with one mic towards the guitar, rejecting the reflections and another mic towards the wall, rejecting the guitar. I use an SM57 and an AT4040. If I am playing arpeggiated stuff I use the 4040 on the guitar and the 57 on the wall, for more strummy or loud, busy type rhythms I use the 57 on guitar and the 4040 on the wall. Then just blend them together to taste and experiment with panning. I havent really had phase issues, I am guessing because the frequency content is so different. Or maybe I am and just dont hear it. Either way, I have had good and interesting results.

[@creativesoundlab]

brian patrick This is a really interesting technique. I'll have to try it sometime. It reminds me of how I like to record louder sounds (Electric guitar) in a room when I like to have the guitar on one side, and the room sound on the other. Where is the sm57 pointing on the guitar? And the 4040 is super close to the wall or maybe a foot out?

[@brianpatrick6102]

creativesoundlab Hi, with the 4040 on the wall it's usually at a foot or more depending on how loud I am playing. The 57 I typically aim somewhere from the neck joint up towards the 10th or 12th fret. I almost always get one dialed in at a time and then fine tune them together. Almost always a pain in the ass, but it can have some interesting results. Thanks!

[@Mineiro426]

This is an amazing tutorial, one of the best I have seen - and I have seen a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[@creativesoundlab]

+I Carvalho Wow, thanks for that feedback. I thought this video was good too...

[@polescalante]

Hey Ryan! I can´t believe it took me this long to come across your channel! I´ve been watching videos non-stop since last night and obviously subscribed. I keep coming back to this one though. It kicks every video´s ass about recording acoustic guitar that I´ve ever seen BY FAR! I love so many things about all your videos, including your lighting and surroundings! Charming spaces man. I am truly surprised that you don´t have WAY more views?? Expect a "short as possible" email from me man. There´s a subject I´m passionate about and would love some of your expertise! Where in the US are you?

[@creativesoundlab]

+Pol Escalante Hey thanks man. Yeah the channel is still pretty young, but being consistent will help it grow. I'm in Asheville NC in the mountains.

[@drewsleyy3836]

Excellent video(s)!!! So happy I found this channel.

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Great vid, people keep telling me to have my sdc right up almost touching the guitar, but it sounds muddy. I notice yours are always , what, 8 inches away? Gonna try that! Cheers man!

[@thenorthernguitarduo6224]

very useful informations, we will work on it.Thank you very much!

[@creativesoundlab]

Schröder & Ulleweit - The Northern GuitarDuo thanks!

[@KingsDenStudios]

Awesome video brother! Very concise, precise, subbed :)

[@rockinrican83]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing.

[@creativesoundlab]

rockinrican83 Thanks!

[@leonk6950]

Any tips on recording a lute? I have really limited possibilities (only a sm57beta & a stc20 large membrane ), and I'll soon be recording my father's lute for a little project. Any tips on micing, and mixing? The only other instrument will be a recorder, so the lute needs to have a pretty big and full sound

[@erikthorell9678]

Great video! Could I do the same thing using my two Coles 4038?

[@christiaanbezuidenhout6984]

I use DI out Plus a close mic around the hole. Pan DI left, Mic right. Very cool stereo sound.

[@creativesoundlab]

I try to avoid using the DI because I always need the mic sound, and I don't like to have to phase align.

[@samcmusic3031]

So I actually really like how the guitar sounds while the mic moves, what if you made a video of how to make a microphone move around? I'm not sure if I'm communicating that well

[@Faridbenmiles]

First, thank you SO much for these great videos! Second, I understand that the different techniques are mainly focusing on the point of view of a mix within a band. But what about instrumental guitar? How to get the fullest spectrum possible to have the possibility to hear properly each element of the guitar (bass, melody, percussions...) ?

[@creativesoundlab]

Think of the guitar as several areas of tone, and then find the placement of the mic that is getting each of those areas in a balanced way. Most likely out front about 18 inches. It's a match against your room though, because you'll have more balance, but if your room is too live, then the room sound will take over. Better acoustics means more distance options for mic placement.

[@Faridbenmiles]

Creative Sound Lab thanks a lot! Would it make sense to have different mics at different placements getting the different areas of tone and be able to mix them like if it was a little band? Or are there high risks to have them canceling each other?

[@Ali_ReBORN]

Love the videos brother! Btw, what tuning is that guitar on? :)

[@creativesoundlab]

Ok, I asked him. It's open C. Highest to lowest strings, that is E C G C G C

[@Ali_ReBORN]

I thought so :) Thanks brother!

[@colinjansen2001]

The same tuning Devin Townsend uses on almost everything

[@lec1212]

Newbie here. Would you change the high C one octave up for some slide maybe?

[@downwarddog7771]

The SM81 is awesome! very natural sound and it did not have that annoying high end hype that the 184 did.

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah I was really surprised at it. I thought it was going to be brash.

[@SufyMusic]

hi mate, wondering with stereo recordings how do you go about which side closer to sound hole with mid side? or do you just distance it more, or should both be aimed same distance from that hole?

[@AidenBradley95]

You don't seem to have any major or noticeable plectrum noise. Is there a few little tricks to minimize that? Or is it more of a player-oriented thing? Great video, by the way, the AEA88 sounds amazing. I've subbed.

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, that r88 does sound amazing. The noise you are talking about is most likely from the players technique. He's really really good, and I'm sure that would be a different story if it was another player. Also, having a room that is treated helps. An untreated room is death for acoustic tone in that upper frequency range.

[@polescalante]

Hey Ryan! I keep coming back to this video for different reasons when it comes to recording acoustic guitar. The reason I came to it this time is that I'm looking to upgrade my acoustic guitar mic. I have a SM81 that I use all the time and I really like. I've been considering the KM184, but man, I gotta say, I might like the SDC the best in this comparison! What's up with that? Can I hear some of your thoughts on these mics? Hope all is well! Happy New Year!

[@creativesoundlab]

I'm really not sure I know a whole lot about the other SDC in the video. In fact I don't know where it is currently! Ha. With any SDC you will get what you pay for. I would listen to how a mic can pick up the mid and the lows in the sub $1000 range. With more expensive mics, I would listen to the smoothness of the top end. I look for a full sound that is balanced. The KM184 has more lows than the cheap SDC but it is not night and day. I do think it has better tone, so the instrument sounds more like itself and you can hear the mid range a little better. Again, lots of speculating here, and most from memory.

[@polescalante]

Ryan! You are the man! (a machine of a man!)... I don't know how you do it... Make all your awesome videos, keep that studio running, and... answer virtually every question or comment in such thorough and generous way. I am sincerely grateful and impressed. So... I will confess. I often listen to these videos with cheap earphones (apple's). I know it's not the best way, but imo it counts as much as listening with my good headphones or monitors just because it's what I use the most to listen to music. I will even check my mixes and masters on these little guys. So I won't go into details of what I hear. But again, my ear really liked that SDC (more than sm81 for sure)... It just sounds the most neutral in terms of the true sound with the KM184 boosting those highs a bit too much and the sm81 having some color in the low mids and lows. It sounds like that SDC sits perfectly in the middle. When I asked about these mics, I was referring to the 3 in the video, not the SDC brand (which I would only ask what model it is. Is it the Polsen 2150?)... I was asking what you thought of my opinion. Keep it up Ryan! The best to you, your loved ones and your channel on 2017! Looking forward to what you bring.

[@robehickmann]

Love the sound of the r88 when the guitar is solo. Do you use different mic positions for different parts of a song?

[@leymo541]

Great Video ! Thanks fam.

[@FrankyMaze]

Hi Ryan, thank you for this great video! I'm curios to know if, about the mic placement of the 4th method (414+Neumann), you took care about the phase issues in some way (I heard a lot about the 3:1 rule and ask my-self if it's worth to follow)...

[@creativesoundlab]

The 3 to 1 rule is definitely at play here, but you really can't ever follow it. You have to use mic polar patterns to avoid issues. The best is two figure 8 microphones so that you can null out the other element and minimize phasing effects.

[@renanbonfa27]

Amazing material man!

[@creativesoundlab]

Thanks!

[@yydmzkz09]

Hey Ryan I really like your videos! Really learned alot from your videos! I'm just wondering what do you think about the Rode NTR? I am thinking about buying one and use it as my main mic ( for acoustic guitar, vocal, and guitar amp) Do you think this is a good decision? I know this is a very amateur question, thanks! Eric

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, I really like the NTR. It's a great mic for all round stuff. I lent out one of mine to a friend and he was able to make some real progress with his recordings. It gets you the fullness of the mids so everything is very easy to layer. It has a lot of gain, which is great for vocals and acoustic, but for electric, you may need a pad on the mic pre or a padded cable.

[@yydmzkz09]

Thank you very much!!

[@pablozerynger6020]

Your channel is awesome!!

[@creativesoundlab]

Pablo Zerynger Thank you!

[@MadJack122]

Hi Ryan, I'm really curious about those wooden bass trap acoustic treatment you have located behind the guitar player in this video, they look really easy to make are you literally just different sized blocks of wooden fitted together in a square?

[@creativesoundlab]

MadJack122 It's actually to a plan that I found online. They are easy to build but very time consuming. You can google "skyline diffuser" for plans on how to build it. Mine are grids of 12 x 12 blocks, and the blocks are 4 sizes.

[@andrewdanis]

My buddy likes to play and sing at the same time. I have him hold his guitar and make the motions, but don't actually strum. Worked for him. He's able to record both separately now which I prefer! Definitely tough micing both at the same time and dealing with bleed from both. Thanks for the in depth video! Learned a lot.

[@sonofdrcross]

Hey there. great video. when using the AEA R88 for this application are you panning the recorded tracks l and r like a blumlein pair or treating them as 2 mono recordings if that makes sense..

[@creativesoundlab]

+sonofdrcross This application meaning where he is singing into the R88? Yes, like two different mics. Instead of "Left" and "Right" it is seen as "vocal" and "Guitar".

[@sonofdrcross]

Thanks Man!

[@FernTeather]

Thank you! This is really useful :)

[@creativesoundlab]

Thanks!

[@jazzbeats8168]

such a good tutorial

[@apoxi92]

May sound a little novice, but any suggestions on how to mic two acoustic guitars playing the same thing in the same room with priority on the guitars as they would serve as the foundation of the composition. Love from Ohio!

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, use the nulls of the mics as best as you can. That's the trick.

[@apoxi92]

creativesoundlab so, two dynamic mics? Would a couple of MD421s work well?

[@tweedguitar9103]

What is your preferred small diaphragm condenser for recording solo steel string acoustic guitar - without vocal ? thank you for your advice. cheers

[@creativesoundlab]

I would pry use the KM184. I wish it was a little warmer though.

[@MikleShnikle]

you're both super talented

[@creativesoundlab]

MikleShnikle Yeah, I didn't Jonathan could play like this until I started watching is strumming. That three stroke strum he does is awesome.

[@dailyhabitz]

Hi, Im interested in the "asymmetric mic technique" shown towards the end of the video.... what mics can be used to achieve this, and what polar patterns are necessary?

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, I just covered it in a new video, and in that one I used two ribbon mics. I have used two sm57s and it sounded amazing. I think any mic/polar pattern that can sound good at a 3 foot distance will work well for this. Start with fast mics like condensers, and if you can't do that, even sm57s sound amazing with that asymmetric technique.

[@dailyhabitz]

Thanks for the response! - I currently have the following in my mic cabinet right now: Groove Tubes MD1B FET, (2) Groove Tubes Convertible Mics, Sennheiser MD 421, and a Audix CX212B.... Would any of these work for this technique?

[@natedavid3873]

How do you feel about a DI signal and a mic or two at the same time?

[@dcp10200]

I always mono mic an acoustic guitar with a LDC (mainly my Sennheiser MK4). In my experience, recording mono acoustic guitar and double tracking gives me better results because acoustic guitar in most modern rock and pop is more so a thickener and at the end of the day I have more control over where the acoustic lies in the LCR Scheme. Just my 0.2 cents.

[@creativesoundlab]

Doug Payne Yeah, I prefer the same. I like doubling with a mono set up so that it's a tight sound, and can be panned outward for thickening. I think having two performances of mono acoustic is better than having one take of supper big stereo.

[@thane_snipes]

That R88 is pure fucking magic. If only I had two kilos to drop on that thing :D Awesome video!

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, it was an expensive buy, but I didn't it early before I could talk myself out of it. It was worth every penny. I've used it as a mono channel tons because it's just so good.

[@dlauen]

Really great video. Thanks for making it with such high production and sound quality! That helps a lot. :-)

[@creativesoundlab]

Thanks!

[@rhwaddell]

in the asymmetrical set up with the M179's what pattern did you have there mils on? Thanks.

[@creativesoundlab]

+Robert Waddell Yeah, that would have been Cardioid

[@renopowers]

I can't be the only person who is hearing "a cue stick"?? hahaha. Good video though.

[@creativesoundlab]

+Reno Powers Haha, yes, one of my things. It's gone for almost 10 months and this is the first I've heard of it this week. You and someone else.

[@chrisshaw4307]

What was the cheap small diaphragm condenser mic used in the comparison section?

[@creativesoundlab]

+Chris Shaw I forget, please check the other comments. Someone has named it below.

[@chrisshaw4307]

+creativesoundlab I appreciate the response. Thanks very much

[@hbrookes]

Very surprised how dull the sm81 sounded as I use them all the time on acoustic!

[@creativesoundlab]

Yeah, I liked that though. The 184 almost is too bright sometimes for me.

[@pastorkev777]

Creative Sound Lab The 184 had great transients but not a warm voice. A 184 a a ribbon together create a accurate representation of an acoustic.

[@tc5315]

Cooool!!!!!!!!!!!

[@creativesoundlab]

Евгений Чекулаев Thanks!

[@camfre4k]

No matter what I do to record my acoustic guitar it doesn’t sound just right. I think my mic (rode nt-1a ) has way to much low end or otherwise the rooms I record in are just rubbish. I also get a lot of squeak sounds from the strings. First I thought it was my technique, but I then recorded some of my friends and stille the same problem, and they’re better at guitar than me./8 annoying. Maybe it’s because I havd to use a compressor to get enough sound out of my mic. Maybe I need a pre amp ?

[@joshlewis5065]

Sick

[@creativesoundlab]

+Josh Lewis Thanks!

[@josephrogers9796]

Josh Lewis r

[@popodopulus3826]

What guitar tuning is that?

[@dewaynehenson9149]

The "Cheap SDC" looks like an MXL 603, is that correct?

[@creativesoundlab]

+Dewayne Henson Yeah, you might be right. It has a lable of "Mogami" which I find odd. I seem to think that when I looked it up, it was an MXL mic.

[@dewaynehenson9149]

+creativesoundlab Thanks. Oddly enough, I recognized the sound before recognizing the mic in the video. I got a couple of those for free a few years back and have struggled to find a good use for them. If you want to hear something truly ear-shattering, but in a very cool way, mic up a metal-bodied Dobro with one or two of those and smash them really hard through a fast attack compressor..

[@jocknarn3225]

Excellent; can hear and see what’s happening. Performer would feel he’s getting his money’s worth with engineer so actively involved ... and listening.

[@ryanfoster2194]

"Ah-que-stick guitar" XD. Fucking adorable. Great tutorial though!

[@creativesoundlab]

Old habits

[@Shmerpy]

He sounds like he's from Vankewver. That's how they pronounce it there...

[@peterbartalesi6655]

hey what guitar is that?

[@creativesoundlab]

Seagull Mahagany Folk

[@rmv9194]

What was the cheap sdc???

[@creativesoundlab]

I think it was by Mogami/MXL

[@utubehound69]

The Cheap Mic sounded more like the Numann than the Shure mic.

[@creativesoundlab]

Right on. The beautiful thing of doing lots of demos is they can go beyond words.

[@utubehound69]

creativesoundlab Yes that was very beneficial. Great Job!

[@PLAYER2UP]

Lovely sound from the Seagull, but someone get him a pickguard. :)

[@dr.banana2828]

9:13 whats this song in the background ?

[@creativesoundlab]

It's this one: vimeo.com/107501759

[@dr.banana2828]

thx

[@JoeyAndersonMusicProducer]

Darn you. lol Now I NEED to buy that freaking expensive AEA R88.

[@creativesoundlab]

Well it is like buying two mics at once. Cheaper than two R84s

[@JoeyAndersonMusicProducer]

+creativesoundlab True. I've used AEA mics on overheads at a couple of studios I've produced at but I don't own any yet. I enjoy your vids man.

[@JuanNungaray]

Great videos bud, but is it me or that guitar sounds bad and out of tune?

[@rossmillington8700]

Akyewstik

[@_jajajaja_]

"acyoostic guitar"

[@naegleriafowleri76]

I always hated the recording aspect of music, you can be a great guitar player, but if your recording equipment (just for youtube) suck ass, you will sound like shit, you will have to invest hundreds of dollars in proper microphones, sound cards, recording software, mixing, so much shit, and all for what, so some suckers on youtube can listen to you? and probably point out mistakes? lmao rather spend all that money on good guitars