Acoustic Guitar Recording MASTERCLASS | Warren Huart At Sweetwater Studios

[@Producelikeapro]

What are some of your favourite mics for recording Acoustic Guitars?

[@jayjlyon]

KM84.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@jayjlyonmarvellous

[@WHPwellbeing]

your trick of putting a small condenser mic near the body you shared in a video yonks ago - has really worked for me when recording acoustic guitar as part of a mix. thanks Warren and team!

[@paolotonolo1140]

I don't have many mics , but I do have a 57 for acoustic

[@hancockgeorgejohn3309]

ATH4050 mic AND Rode NT5

[@okeanos222]

A wealth of info in this video. Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks

[@dachreport]

What people don't understand is the reason musicians used to spend so much time in the studio was because they used to experiment all the time to get the right sound

[@Producelikeapro]

Very true indeed!

[@HOTrec.]

Usually IT schould BE the work of the acustic-engenieer / audio& tec end. And of the Studio but the artist's should know a Bit or know how they wanna Sound Like 😊

[@Producelikeapro]

Great recordings are true collaborations!@@HOTrec. It's one of our jobs as engineers to get the artist's vision!

[@Blacktopcowboy]

It doesn’t necessarily have to be scientific, it just has to sound good. Love that.

[@The-End-Of-The-Line]

Warren, I didn’t know what a good acoustic guitar player you are. Great practical, informative video thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent

[@Producelikeapro]

My pleasure! Thank you

[@wolfhard2420]

This video is a complete gamechanger for me. I have a beautiful Takamine that I neglected totally in the last 5 years because I couldn’t make any sense of it in the studio. The fretboard slowly got funguses and it started to look terrible the reason being its cutaway. And here in the video you mention shortly that with cutaway guitars you can achieve almost the same results recording the upper position as a sweet spot. I got excited, cleaned the guitar, oiled the fretboard changed the strings and made it look beautiful again. Then came the moment of a test recording. And I got blown by the powerful sound. Beautiful lows but still enough clarity to make it sound brilliant. This video is a blessing, dear Warren.

[@MrTomDangerous]

Genuinely useful stuff, even for a mancave studio caveman like myself. Your guitar playing was a surprise! You're really, really good.

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad to be able to help

[@AllanEvansOfficial]

Warren you’re a pleasure to learn from. Cheers from Texas USA

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@12bar]

I've been watching tons of recording acoustic guitar videos... this video answers all my questions. And then this big great advice for recording Singer Songwriter! Thank you so much! Got it! 👍

[@aarondoerr2260]

Love the tip of soft-singing with the AG tracking, and then playing a dampened EG with the vocal tracking!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for picking up on that!

[@5DGuitars]

I like to do a version of this where I have the singer cut a whisper track with a dynamic mic positioned with the acoustic in the null zone so I end up with the acoustic track, the whisper track and then later the full vocal with the dampened electric gtr. Then I blend in the whisper track to the main vocal in lots of fancy and creative ways if it suits the track.

[@Producelikeapro]

That sounds very cool!@@5DGuitars thanks for sharing!

[@lippi2171]

I get the first part, gonna try that! But why do you need a dampened electric for the vocal tracking? Can you elaborate on that?

[@avishmusic]

​@@lippi2171 first part - track guitars while whispering to get the right dynamics / movement (as if both elements were tracked together) second part - for the same reason, track vocals while mimicking guitar play on a dampened electric (to avoid any bleed coming in to the vocal take) This was so good to come across Warren. I've done this before and thought I was being stupid. Not anymore!!

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I run my acoustics into the board to get a bit of the pickup. Been using a SM57 close at the 12th and a large diaphragm to catch a bit of the room. The magic is in the mixing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@ryanleeoakes2015]

Same. Exact same for me

[@MoreMeRecording]

Re: vocal and acoustic. I noticed you didn't put up a vocal mic. One tip I'd like to share that I was shown years ago for recording acc / vox simultaneously is use 2x fig.8 mics. You basically stack then where the top mic is aimed at the vocal and the bottom angled at the guitar. What happens when you use a figure 8 pattern is that you have 100% cancellation at all frequencies in the ring around the mic that is the null. The two diaphragms are charged in 180' opposite polarity so there is an electronic cancellation where the two diaphragms pick up the same sound.

[@edwardgordon4309]

I love how Warren's insights, tips and techniques are timeless. 👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you like them! Thanks ever so much!

[@cgsmithinnola]

Warren Huart, teaching the masses and making engineers better every day!

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much!

[@cgsmithinnola]

​@@ProducelikeaproWarren, I'm trying to thank YOU. :) Hope you are doing marvelously well, sir!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@cgsmithinnolaI am doing marvelously well thank you!

[@peterwilson2107]

This is gold!!! Thanks so much, Warren! Love the small diaphragm suggestion! I always have used large, but I'm going to try the small one!

[@wolfhard2420]

This is real good stuff! Thx a ton, Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks ever so much!

[@antjone]

A follow-up video on how to mix acoustic guitar would be useful now. How to EQ and compress for different results.

[@grahamnunn8998]

Another great video, Warren. Nice playing too, this is actually the kind of guitar playing you would you hear in a song so it is a really good demo.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Graham! I really appreciate it

[@homecookinmusicAZ]

Cool! I like the idea of automating the eq during different sections of the song. Never thought of that!

[@markotten1755]

Supercool tips in here, thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@joejurneke9576]

I love listening to Warren play.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@AlecBridges]

Perfect timing! Tracking acoustic guitars today and always looking for new tips.

[@Producelikeapro]

Perfect! Thanks ever so much

[@bigmike2149]

I have a plethora of high end mics and always go back to my tried and true Shure SM-81 going through a BAE 73 500 series preamp. Works 99 percent of the time. Great video Warren! 👍🏻

[@Charles-gs4os]

Unbelievably helpful. Thank you for this!

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeremythornton433]

This is just full of killer info! I'm in the middle of a track with just bass, drums and acoustic in parts, and then with keys and 2 electric guitars. I never ever thought of changing the EQ for different parts. Brilliant! Any more info on recrding acoustics would be welcome. Especially for ones tuned way down. I have one tuned to D as opposed to the standard E.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help

[@guprovasi]

Great tips! 🙏🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it

[@TedBarrett]

Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@cbrooks0905]

I recently tried my Royer R10's (matched pair) on a live performance, and it was absolutely perfect for eliminating bleed. Super simple, too, because the null points naturally point where you want to cut out the bleed(just had to flip the vocal mic upside down). The bleed was so minimal it was pretty much as if it was multitracked. The only thing I had to do was some high shelving due to my room being dead and the mics being so warm. It's pretty much my go to for capturing live performances now.

[@Producelikeapro]

Very cool! Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@meanmr.mustard]

Yup, ..direct and to the point. Thanks Warren 👍🏻.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Beatledave7]

I like your XY mic set up on the acoustic Warren. A little bit of width, some body to the left & shimmer on the right. I’ve had good results on acoustic guitar with a sdc placed at your BBC position or a valve LDC.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@Producelikeapro]

I do like the XY when recording a vocal and acoustic because it helps create space around the vocal

[@trailerparkchronicle5874]

Awesome video!!!!! Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@trailerparkchronicle5874]

@Producelikeapro I just got the prism lyra 2 and I have been recording acoustic guitar into ableton and I just can't get it to sound right no matter what I do. I have a sure sm57 and 2 AT 4040s, sometimes I record with on mic sometimes I use 2, when I use only one mic it actually sounds like it has more low noise and it just seems muffled or something. Tried many mic placements, hours moving mics around.

[@nana-ld4cr]

Thanks for the tips, Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@kbb149]

That guitar is a GEM.

[@anthonyrom3110]

Thanks Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@StratsRUs]

Thank you so much for these great explanations ! The whispered singing is a beautiful piece of advice. " These guys are smart.We learned from them ". And you are one of them too.

[@keithpowell5336]

Awesome!

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you think so!

[@hanaleibay6648]

Really, Really Excellent!!! Guidance__Thank You!

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@chinmeysway]

very cool Warren thank you! the trick with the quieter vocals/ muted guitar is great to learn about (singer songwriter type tracking trick)

[@Producelikeapro]

My pleasure! Glad to be able to help!

[@badenhill1487]

Brilliant Wazza, your directly at the proverbial coal face (as opposed to vip hob nobbin) videos are the greatest in my view. On this subject ,where is best for the mic (I only have a Rode NT1A ,alas) for acoustic solo work,-similar to cockney rebel's make me smile-if you get my drift. leaving you in gratitude and awe, Baden (Dark Nurse of the New Forrest) Hill.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it

[@MrAcEsNeIgHtS1188]

Thanks for the video!! I wish Sir Martin would have recorded the vocals and acoustic guitar separately for Yesterday. I LOOOOVE the sound of that Epi Texan!! I've used a few different isolation software's but there's always vocal bleed. 😿😿😿😿😿

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@EddieVanAidan]

I often record solo fingerstyle guitar by myself, but I can never seem to get the mixing sounding natural! I have no idea how to get it sounding super even but not 'compressed' to preserve dynamics. Some of it is playing technique obviously. It's a never ending quest!

[@twitchgrass3849]

Magnificently wonderful Warren! Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@workingnights84]

wow!! really hope to find something to apply at my basic setup at home. Thanks big W 🙌🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for watching

[@Capture262]

Thanks Warren, great advice as always 🙏

[@Producelikeapro]

You’re very welcome

[@rubenjimenezsota6524]

Great video as always. Very helpfull information. Superb playing as well.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@kzustang]

Fantastic tutorial there, Warren. Loved the insights on the various miking options. Loved the seriousness of the video and the Sweetwater crew to this whole session. I'm also going more and more towards smaller diaphragms. I've been quite happy with recording acoustics with a combination of the Zoom H4n Pro built-in mics in 90deg config for recording a narrow stereo track with the guitar's Fishman internal pickup in the middle for a bit more body. Thanks for all these great tips on playing, singing, miking between the 12th and 14th frets. Shalom and Love!

[@mikoaja.2413]

Have you got any tips specifically for nylon-strung (classical/flamenco) guitars?

[@Producelikeapro]

If it's a solo Classical/Nylon strung guitar I would mic in stereo, pulled back a couple of feet, as long as the room is a great sounding room of course! If it's inside a dense track then I would close mic

[@Joey-rp5vg]

That was awesome. Down to the brass tacks. Great stuff, your missus was right, you do looks like a professor.....in a good way...he he. Thanks very much for the great video

[@Producelikeapro]

You Rock Joey! Thanks ever so much!

[@gbarge4]

Warren, listening to this one on headphones really seems a must. Unexpectedly, I sort of liked the two small diagrams in X configuration. In my limited experience, I’ve only followed the advice of a friend who’s recorded many incredible performances (can’t say who without permission) and only placed a small diaphragm condenser by the high E bridge pin and aimed upwards towards maybe the A pin and away from the sound hole. And close. Make sense? You’ve heard these records many times. Also, I was repeating “Yes” out loud as you described sort of mouthing with feeling the lyrics while playing the acoustic track. Again, my own experience is limited but I can’t perform an acoustic track without the lyrics right in front of my eyes and either mouthing or imagining the lyrics! Thanks, as ever, Warren. You’re helping loads of home guys out here grow.

[@guyjerry]

Warren such a killer video! I’m gonna try the SDC/LDC in xy using my new JZ v67 and a Lewitt into 1073 type pres

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

I'm sure you'll get great results with those mics!

[@IvanovBR]

You deserve 1 million subscribers! Soon you be there!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@IvanovBR]

@@Producelikeapro my pleasure to spread the word!

[@toddclarke1580]

A piece of foam pushed through the soundhole into the lower section makes the guitars lows easier to eq, you will find the bass is tighter , less hollow and more balanced. I use this also to help cut feedback at louder live acoustic shows. And then I don’t need to make any drastic eq changes. The sound stays full.

[@drewstephenson]

If i'm recording an acoustic that's going to be very exposed in a mix I'll often use a mid-side set-up. Then if the mix builds up it's easy to automate the sides level to make space without changing the tone of the guitar.

[@TasosTsimpoukidis_Guitar]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@JohnGauge790]

I tracked once with a small condenser and u87 on the front and a stereo (c24) behind my head (reversed image) and it sounded incredible.

[@jasper_north]

Love your tuner too…

[@cuulcars]

I love how when asked if a SDC or LDC is better for a busy mix Warren answered SM57 😂 ol reliable never lets you down

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha whatever works!

[@KellyDavidMusic]

For a great overall sound, I suggest 90 degree X-Y with a matched pair of small condenser mics on a mounting bar, picking up between the lower bout and twelfth fret area usually has very good results. With this configuration, I've also used a pair of Audio Technica AE 5100 mics, which are small body mics with large diaghrams and the result sounds amazing. A combination of large and small diaghram mics can achieve a lot depending on placement. Of course it depends what you need to achieve. Warren, as you suggest, sometimes a 57 or something cheap is just what's needed to a get a percussive sound that sits well in the track.

[@kpnutz52]

And how do/are you bringing theae out on the desk when mixing? Blended on 1 channel or out to 2 channels. And panned left & right?

[@Producelikeapro]

If it's stereo then keep them separated and pan them the way they sound best! Not usually full L and R, however there may very occasionally be a reason to do that

[@MrTimdriver]

Cheers Warren, I hope Santa brings mics this Xmas! Great video.

[@Producelikeapro]

I hope so too! Haha

[@mckayuk]

Do we know how and with what equipment Roy Harpers "Stormcock" album was recorded. In my humble opinion that was and remains one of the best sounding acoustic guitar recordings ever

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi I’ve Roy Harper fan! Hats off to him! Also, ‘when an old Cricketer leaves the crease’ is a favourite of mine

[@user-yk4gd1fl4z]

I like to use a SD and a LD in fig 8 and do MS for acoustic guitar. Then have control over the width in the mix.

[@Producelikeapro]

Interesting! I assume for vocal acoustic?

[@gutekzpoligonu]

Another great one Warren! You also shown in one old video a technique that one pen mic is on the 12th fret and the next one is behind the bridge but not in Y position but just pointing straight into their positions. I wonder if YOu could recomend this technique with like two U47/U87 type-o or only with pencil mics? BTW: beside the 1073'ish type of pre/eq would You go also with a little bit of LA-3A/Inward connection Brute for some vibe?

[@DonnTarris]

Instead of xy stereo horizontally, go vertically for more effect - low strings to high strings becoming left to right.

[@Producelikeapro]

Interesting! Will have to try that

[@sicknoterecordings]

Will probably get laughed out of the room, but I often use a CAD 179. It also works well on fig 8 as the side mic on mid-side. I do have other more expensive mics but this seems to get me results I like.

[@Producelikeapro]

That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@fokeyjo]

Would you do anything different for nylon acoustics?

[@Producelikeapro]

Great question!

[@Producelikeapro]

For classical pieces I would pull back the mics, mic in stereo and make sure the room added just enough ambience!

[@Producelikeapro]

If it's not a solo piece and just part of a denser mix then I would record it just like the methods shown here!

[@jamesmonahanmusic]

Wonderful video. 😊

[@jameslifetimelearner]

Funny(to me) when you positioned the two mics to the sound I liked on that Yamaha,you quickly moved off because that wouldn’t work in a mix. Very educational!

[@joejurneke9576]

A plus for content

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Joe

[@darrylweller6143]

What was the recording chain?

[@ericfreget]

hello ! I saw your older video with the use of the Roswell K47 mini. Is it still a good choice for the recording of an acoustic guitar ?

[@mattbigelow4355]

What about using an Audix 51 to record a Takamine Dreadnought?

[@Producelikeapro]

I’ve never used that mic unforced

[@vminator]

I've been using a rode tf-5 for acoustics. Does a great job. Gonna try an LDC in combination like you did there. Stereo pair is nice but might be too much for most mixes.

[@L.Scott_Music]

Just want to give a shout out to the Aspen Pitman Designs DT1 ultra-cardioid medium sized capsule microphone. As a medium condenser it sits between small and large (of course) which can be pretty great on acoustic guitars. It can be the best of both worlds in one mic.

[@bocook6167]

Cool tip on using two different mics in stereo.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@kevinborders4387]

So, im new. Im limited by a 2 channel input, but im getting an 8 channel. Question is though, my idea was to record direct input, mic in front, and a room mic and blend the sound. Will i run i to phasing issues and could it be fixed if i do?

[@pietrogelati817]

hi, does anyone know the name of the mixing engineer he is referring to at 6:00? thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Mark Endert

[@cassiuswest]

First get the performance spot on. That is what matters 👌

[@markkjacobson]

For me a 12 y/o Apogee One with that tiny condenser mic cuts all the low end and helps it fit just right.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@denniskielton2447]

Well damn there Warren, way to show those acoustic skills haha that was one sweet chord/solo part there at 1:40

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much

[@jayjlyon]

How do you handle a boundary mic? I have been using a Shure Beta 91, experimenting with placement and not finding the best yet.

[@Producelikeapro]

I like boundary mics for ambience. Great on drum room mics!

[@jayjlyon]

Yes, I get that - I was asking for thoughts on placement when recording acoustic guitar. I have been using a D91 and trying to find the best positioning for it. @@Producelikeapro

[@HOTrec.]

Damn i need it also i was decidind the SE electrics VG7 billyG edit. ..for stage .... But was thinking about a Lewitt... Just needed some other impressions and Feedback thank ya

[@jimc2384]

Warren, ever record using a 57 and put a ribbon, figure of eight, pointed to the side for a mid side and copy the ribbon track and flip phase. I could see it being useful on a sparse Vocal acoustic track where you want the acoustic up the middle but still poking out the sides of the mix..

[@thaddeuscorea]

That Schoeps in XY was great! But, no Ken Caillat special? (omni condenser electret taped to the body)

[@maxhammer4067]

How would i set up neumann u87 ai and mk184 to record vocal and guitar, and a bit of harmonica, i have mk184 pair would it be better if i used all 3 mics, i know nothing about recording lol

[@lahattec]

Acoutastic!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much!

[@thiago-kaz]

6:10 1:44 12:07 10:14

[@vidtrax662]

Stayyyyy awayyyy from the hole! 😂 Great demo 👍😊

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha yes, indeed!

[@treborretlaw]

Working Class Hero! I heard that

[@treborretlaw]

Oh man ...than you started singing it, which makes me look less clever now😁🤣

[@Producelikeapro]

It’s ok! At least you know the song!

[@BowMediaBanff]

What song is he strumming at 12:08? Thanks

[@tomgoulart61]

working class hero by john lennon i guess

[@lenmusic123]

Funny how the single SDC is the simplest to set up and also (to me) the best sounding

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, it certainly can be the best!

[@rrrafiel]

No love for the spaced pair?

[@Producelikeapro]

Maybe for room tones? Thanks

[@CoeMusicStudio]

Step 1 of getting a great acoustic guitar tone: a great player.

[@Producelikeapro]

Indeed! With a great part, great performance and wonderful sounding instrument!

[@CoeMusicStudio]

@@Producelikeapro Did you ever play my acoustic that I built? Rick really thought highly of it, and of course I do too!

[@heyitsmekid]

Gefell m930, Soyuz 013, AT 4033a

[@Producelikeapro]

Love Gefell!

[@mastermindesrpr]

SM 57 period...

[@Rohme.33]

I liked the sound of that small condenser! $99?!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes! Very cheap!

[@cozmos21]

nice one but I only have 57 and a AKG C414 large diaphragm

[@DonAlderOfficial]

what about an acoustic as the only instrument playing and instrumental to take up all the sound field

[@Producelikeapro]

Then I would probably mic in stereo

[@DonAlderOfficial]

thanks for replying, have been doing that just trying to work on the sound after recording to get a big lucious soundfield @@Producelikeapro

[@Producelikeapro]

Maybe either 1) Capture the room sound or 2) try different reverbs etc@@DonAlderOfficial

[@Blueberrystop]

❤

[@renatofonte]

SM57 + Lewitt 540

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous!