Electrical Audio How-To: Recording Acoustic Stringed Instruments

[@dgerch]

We are so lucky that Steve was so generous with his time and knowledge. The guy truly loved to teach and his motivation was egoless. He just seemed to truly find purpose in teaching us how to fish. There are hours and hours of interviews with the guy going into precise detail, demystifying, never gatekeeping. He's gone but he's left us a lifetime's worth of information.

[@hessex1899]

One of the best things is to listen to an old, competent, engineer talk about applied engineering. I could literally watch this stuff all day long and never get bored.

[@stevedoesnt]

This is like going into dads garage and asking “what’s that do” then he explains it. I need more like this.

[@ScrambleLynne]

And dad is Steve Albini..

[@robf1557]

:(

[@seasonaldepression840]

And you don't have to hold the flashlight 😂😂😂

[@liminal27]

You don't know what you've got until it's gone.

[@jond63]

Thank you Steve. You will be missed by countless listeners and fans of music alike. RIP

[@MartijnFrazer]

When a Steve Albini video drops, you stop what you're doing and you pay attention. It's that simple.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Speaking for yourself is a great idea.

[@Virdae]

Before they started to play together I thought how funny it would be if they all played their own thing on top of each other. Did not disappoint.

[@studiokosmische]

Rest in peace Mr Albini. Eternal thanks for sharing all your knowledge with the world. Legend.

[@elliotcrane]

Love how the particular sense of irony and humor comes off so naturally in these. A very welcome added value indeed.

[@composerdorianbell]

It really made the video that much better. And it was amazing to begin with.

[@chrismerrill6060]

Wow, this janitor sure knows a lot about recording acoustic instruments.

[@dgerch]

It's a Goodwill Hunting situation

[@crackerfoot]

So amazing when an engineer asks what kind of sound you're looking for out of your instrument, rather than imposing only their ideas, and ignoring yours.

[@TheEnderBand]

Lmao the shot of steve grinning and nodding maniacally at the cacophony of the instruments all playing different things at once with the slow zoom- I love steve's sense of humor and his personality really comes across in these

[@unwavery]

lol Steve's glance to the camera after asking "So, an airplane broke your cello? Okay." really kind of is an encapsulation in one second of all I love about this guy's contribution to modern music and recording. RIP. Also fitting that, at time of my comment, it is the "lowest replayed" valley on the scroller.

[@fedesartorio]

Did Electrical Audio hire someone just to make the videos? Because the quality is stellar. Big love to all the people involved in the making of those videos! So crazy to see Steve Albini being all educational with drawings made for ants

[@ElectricalAudioOfficial]

We did. Bartered for studio time.

[@HalcyonGuitars]

@@ElectricalAudioOfficial That’s the way to do it!

[@N8oRMusic]

The Steve Albini Center for Kids Who Can't Record Good and Who Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

[@YTPartyTonight]

Even the little touch in the way they incorporated a well-manicured index finger, shifting ever so slightly to give it life, was endearing.

[@LordofDiamondsMetal]

It's so cool to see clawhammer banjo playing featured in this video. Such a neat style of banjo playing and it's always overshadowed by three finger bluegrass playing

[@bdmax17]

I would love to see a video on recording brass and woodwind instruments like sax, trumpet, trombone etc!

[@ElectricalAudioOfficial]

Cool idea!

[@andriealinsangao613]

Yes, please!

[@bennysuts814]

Yes please!

[@god0]

Yes!

[@bobbymehta1006]

Yes, I need flute recording techniques and mics suggestions!. Lately, I've settled on my SM7B for decent smooth capture in my crappy bedroom, out of my limited collection of mics. I really thought my Coles 4038 ribbon would win but it was too dark... MD421, SM57, RE-20 just didn't do it either & unfortunately I don't have a condenser mic. I used to own a Neumann TLM 103 but it just picked up wayyy too much surrounding noise & I sold it. YMMV.

[@sevenlines2238]

Thank you guys for maintaining the same DIY ethos and artist-centric code. Offering this information to artists is invaluable and will help to ensure the continuation of this underappreciated art.

[@chiefindisguise]

The comedic aspect really livens up Albini’s personality

[@User-jk8wq]

The idea of using two figure-8 mics to isolate the guitar and vocals from each other is nothing short of genius. Thanks Steve!

[@morbidmanmusic]

...or obvious...

[@distortiontruthBOS-RP]

​@@morbidmanmusic

[@distortiontruthBOS-RP]

Doesn't a figure 8 microphone have the null at the side, with the front and back both being active, while a super cardioid mic has the rejection to the rear - meaning whatever the mic is not facing? I think of figure 8 as synonymous with bipolar.

[@DavidHartwig]

@@distortiontruthBOS-RP The nulls on the sides of a figure of 8 are well defined. A supercardioid pattern has small spikes on the sides, as well as a narrow spike coming straight out the back. In essence the figure of 8 has nice smooth round pickup patterns, and the supercardioid has spikes coming off it, with the front being largest long and narrow.

[@teddybullard941]

It can work beautifully. Others that I favor are Blumlein, ortf and my *personal favorite", Jecklin Disc.

[@Havreflan]

I love the style of humor. Feels like late '80s Letterman. Oh and the recording info was good too.

[@PerezBroz-p5o]

Wow i have to say I did not expect the isolation between the acoustic guitar and vocal mics to be that drastic. I will always remember this. Thank you.

[@amphlett7]

Kinda blown away by how good that crown mic sounded in all the examples. BRB, buying a dozen of em.

[@anstaffer8482]

Unfortunately it seems like they are out of production...

[@amphlett7]

@@anstaffer8482 that’s always the way

[@ElectricalAudioOfficial]

The glm-200 is in production, I believe, and sounds similar but has lower max spl handling. The countryman isomax line is also quite good.

[@6dbthreshold]

Even though I don’t speak French, I understood those little microphones perfectly. Sounded great! Excellent video. I was thoroughly entertained and educated.

[@seankent1807]

It amazes me that one of the greatest engineering / production / recording talents of our era took the time to teach & share his knowledge in videos like this…he passed away too soon. What a loss…thank you for enriching our lives, Mr. Albini!

[@SergioFilho]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin of all time

[@timstevens3183]

The king has returned and graced us with another lesson!

[@johncollins5552]

Steve was too good for this World, God wants his best audio engineer back. ❤

[@ArthurPerez-t2e]

This is such gold. This man was a treasure trove of knowledge. Rest in power Steve Albini.

[@scottgreiner1740]

I have not seen a finer demonstration of microphone technique and choice. The recording community owes you a debt of gratitude, Steve. Youngsters, pay attention.

[@maxludwig301]

That was fantastic. I have a next door neighbour who’s well into his eighties but was a professional cello player. I often hear him play in his house and he‘s still amazing. I always wanted to approach him to do some recordings in his house but since I don‘t want to bother him too much I don‘t want to spent too much time testing and comparing microphones. This video has encourage me to ring his doorbell. I was impressed how well the GLM 100 sounded. I obviously have neglected mine. I thought about using an AT4051, a 4038 or R88, but I might give the Crown a try as well.

[@mumbles215]

Get that geezer on tape! We need it. He’d love it. We would too as a society.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Just do your best with what you have. Don't wait. He may not be around long. His family would also love to have something like that.m

[@dooleyfan]

I’ve just started recording with my 80ish neighbour who plays harmonica. We’re having a blast introducing each other to tunes from each other’s generation.

[@ljosdreki]

I love this and appreciate the generosity of Albini and friends. He might be the most experienced engineer in recording acoustic instruments alive today. His acoustic records are amazing. Thank you🙏🏼

[@manhattanmixing2700]

This video is great and he is great. But there are a lot of engineers who record acoustic instruments...including the entire classical music genre, to say nothing of the city of Nashville.

[@ljosdreki]

​@@manhattanmixing2700 I´m aware. And it's true I phrased this a little bit wrong. It would have been better to praise his experience of any played instrument, electrified and acoustic. I know he's known for his punk rock albums but his aesthetics really lend them selves well to acoustic music as well. I love the Singing Ax by J.Tillman and the Nina Nastasia albums.

[@edgarcortes]

Excellent lesson Steve and a brilliant way to teach! Please keep the lessons, the invited talent and the gags coming. The quality of these videos is better and better each time. Thanks for keeping this content open for everyone.

[@Twongo]

I absolutely adore "the process". What a wonderful life to live.

[@ryanstauffer6785]

Awesome video, glad to see you're back at it. I'd love something like this with a drumset, showing how different mics in different places affect the sound.

[@carrott0pgaming844]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ6zaq1jrbmFsJI

[@adee2569]

Steve is the best!!! My wife recorded an album with him in 2006 and has the best stories of working with him. Long Live EA!

[@mark_fox_music]

Eloquence in simplicity that comes from years of learning and experience. True master of sound! To gift these lessons to with some humour is pure joy. First thing Im going to do now is get a microphone from the drawer and really learn it's patterns so I'm thinking way more visual shapes. Thank you so much!

[@mitekillem]

Man, I can't tell you enough how much I love and appreciate the extra detail you go into on these videos. It's just enough not to drag on, but also it fills in a lot of holes in my current understanding. You're a scientist.

[@marks6051]

So glad this video was posted. I had it on my mind to ask about acoustic instruments next time Steve popped up on some Q&A/reddit AMA or whatever, particularly after hearing the most recent Nina Nastasia record, which sounds beautiful both in performance and production. Thanks EA for addressing this topic!

[@jpm9628]

The pro-tip about using painter's tape as a prophylactic made me incredibly happy. The same concept can be applied in a lot of different situations. Always keep a roll handy!

[@fgoindarkg]

Prophylactic? Where are you putting the stuff?

[@jpm9628]

@@fgoindarkg 😐

[@ThomC]

Awesome video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us :) I also loved seeing Rob playing as I've seen him perform a few times live with The Frames / Glen Hansard.

[@hermano8160]

My kind of humor, guys. Thanks for the informative yet entertaining videos!

[@nelesound]

First video I've watched, such fantastic content, feeling grateful for the technical advice, and also for the production ~ video editing team is hilarious with so many wonderful additions, great job team!

[@gabrielhill9058]

This video was great from beginning to end, thank you Steve!

[@snarfusmaximus]

Wonderfully useful information. So many videos on how to mic a guitar cab out there but this micing acoustic instruments is an art. I love the fact that you focus on what it is that the musician themselves finds unsatisfactory and showing how to avoid that.

[@douglasromayne]

Best sounding banjo I've ever heard. Best sounding everything, for that matter. Thanks!

[@tonynemec1598]

This is a master class on acoustic isolation recording. What a gift Steve left for us.

[@fredericdb4079]

Hey I've seen plenty of videos, and this format and formula is so agreeable and instructive. I find it cool that you take a moment to talk with the musician. Thanks so much.

[@unclemick-synths]

0:20 such an important point. I had a digital piano module (back in the 90s) and even though I knew it was sampled from a real piano, it didn't sound as realistic as other modules.

[@allancrow134]

People that are really good at what they do can explain things in such detailed and succinct terms it makes it very easy to take a lot in. Thanks Steve. :)

[@brainwasher3742]

Just.. priceless stuff here.. what a time to be alive

[@sebastianschneller3938]

That Banjo playing was soothing

[@kevinalanmattson]

Exactly what I've been waiting for. The ensemble at the end brought many tears...

[@ImRichardShepherd]

Wow! What a masterclass on mics and mic placement!

[@lucaslutzerler5429]

Thank you Electrical Audio Team! Second video I've seen from you and you've made my day. Thanks for all the info, tips and your humour! I still have tears in my eyes. A thousand thanks 🌺

[@miikaroysko9591]

I know the "how important is is to buy expensive mics" was a joke but damn this video did a nice job of showcasing how beautiful these high end mics sound!💸💸💸

[@pursharthchawla8306]

the best and the most useful video I've seen online on recording acoustic instruments. We'll miss you Mr. Albini for the many talents you had but moreover for the person you were and the ideals you stood for.

[@1800nodavid]

These ribbon mics are insane at rejecting, fuck... thank you for this video!

[@DavidMorley]

Such a well made, educational video. Fantastic!

[@Theclashcast]

Thank you Steve you helped us so much & with these videos continue to help us forever… rest in peace eternally. ❤

[@mikeythemaestro]

S-Tier educational content Steve. Your diagrams, analysis, and humour provide more education than most schools. At a more affordable rate. The lavier microphone trick is genius! I know a lot of people might be seeing this and think, well shit, I can't afford these microphones. And well, you're most likely right. But I also do think there are comparable ribbon and condenser microphones that are available to rent from your local music store. Happy recording friends!

[@danthegeetarman]

How the heck did this channel not pop up on my feed earlier? So many amazing gems from the mic Maestro himself 🙌🙌🙏🙏

[@imdeaf81]

That ensemble was EPIC! :D

[@Jordannofun]

Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@panchoburboa]

Steve you're the best. I'll be showing this to my students.

[@bdmax17]

Fantastic video as always

[@UdiKoomran]

So much inspiration So much to learn from Mr. Albini Thank you Sir

[@FoxUncleCharlieKing]

These are so informative, funny, and enjoyable.

[@MrKablesp]

RIP Steve, you will be sorely missed

[@brunocerous]

Just a wonderful, helpful and talented human being. I watched the whole thing and have no role in a recording studio ❤

[@dooleyfan]

The generosity of sharing this information is so admirable. But from everything I’ve read and heard about Steve Albini, also typical of him. I can’t afford those mics, but I can definitely apply the concepts in my modest home studio with some inexpensive directional mics.

[@wychwoodmusic]

I expect to never actually need this information, but I would dearly love to hear Steve explain how he mics a harp. I remember Joanna Newsom saying he miked a harp in a way that had never been done before and I always wondered about that.

[@manuelinfante58]

I love how much he has thought about this. Great explanation of pick ups versus microphones.

[@mrmooch2163]

Always had a respect for steve albinis realism and straight forward communication. Very cool to see him dig into a subject

[@cspace1974]

Those Crown mics sound great! I wasn’t expecting them to be so pleasing. Good to know!

[@sonikboom007]

Damn the flame on that banjeeee neck is beautiful

[@rjj3178]

Excellent video, especially with the inclusion of Alison Chesley. Long live the mighty Verbow!

[@BataraKado]

these videos are both hilarious and very informative i really hope Steve Albini and the team at electrical audio keep doing these types of videos, very very helpful to us sound engineers over the other side of the planet get the job done correctly.. thank you Steve Albini \M/

[@OficialDanielSolares]

Appreciate the hard work put in this video to learn each little tip in a practical setup. ❤ Thanks!

[@johnqpublic2718]

Hell yes. Any time I can learn from the best, I'm down - even if I'm just listening.

[@MichaelClearyBand]

Lovely. Rest in peace, Steve.

[@percewoodbury1893]

Great video and super instructive, It would be great if you could do a video on resonator instruments (such as the wooden body Dobro and steel body guitar), mandolin, and especially upright bass, with their unique frequency responses... just an idea?.

[@myguitardidyermom212]

Albini is a natural teacher, holy cow

[@carlsvensson6970]

Great! The figure of 8 for git/voc was new to me. Suggestion for next video is: voice recordings with face masks.

[@ElectricalAudioOfficial]

That would reallllly get the trolls going. "FACE DIAPER FACE DIAPER FACE DIAPER"

[@peterpicker850]

Great video. Brilliant engineer, as always.

[@nigelcristobal1185]

i think one important thing to know here is the role of the recording engineer to know about the player and the instrument. not just put up mics and record. the best recording comes from a collaboration of the musician and the engineer.

[@jeff40177]

Informative and entertaining!

[@adamhenaghan4417]

insane how good the contact mic on the cello sounds

[@rickhbrown]

Well done Mr. Albini!

[@jazzlehazzle]

Similar to isolation, another good use case for mixing in a little pickups with the mics would be (as long as you have a clean signal) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and when mic placement isn't cooperating or there's not enough time for getting that perfect, to round out the fullness of the sound by filling in anything for which the mics aren't perfectly working.

[@frankmcclusky7870]

Great video and very useful! Explains why my Taylor sounds better through the Shure 57 than my amplifier. Sometimes record the direct input and the acoustic with a mic simultaneously to try and get the full tone and a distorted/effects copy

[@morbidmanmusic]

Should have been obvious listening, though

[@frankmcclusky7870]

@@morbidmanmusic of course, its one thing to hear a thinner sound with less texture and another to know the reason why however

[@simccaffrey]

This is so great! Thanks Steve, EA, et al!

[@rickenbacker40011]

I was not ready or prepared to hear everyone playing something completely different at the end xD i love it!

[@gregorycampagna8138]

So glad you guys are back - great vid

[@xfreedwillx]

Yes!!! Please keep making these videos! Thank you

[@gregdale1066]

Anybody else been playing 100 years and never put 2and 2 together about how the darn thing makes the sound ? Well im that person. I feel dim and enlightened at the same time:)

[@JClay-lf7nx]

Wow, I never would have thought the polar pattern of the Beyer would make that much difference in minimizing vocal bleed.

[@CamiloVelandia]

Amazing. Thank you Steve and friends!

[@tekis0]

Invaluable information.

[@Daniel-ec8fj]

te amo steve albini, gracias por estos videos!

[@matthewweimer5861]

How I wish I had a course like this in college. Albini is my sensei!

[@coreykeller881]

Make sure if you use painter's tape on the guitar that you take it off immediately after you're done. If it sits for a longer period of time it will adhere stronger. I cant tell you how many times I see people leave painters tape on walls over night then it rips up paint.