Best way to record an Acoustic? I need some advice.

[Boy_Narf]

Hello Everyone,

So I've been saying that I will be recording an acoustic project for over a year now, and I really do intend to start it soon, I swear Anyhow, I have a set of SM81 mics, and have either recorded them in the usual X/Y around the 12th fret, or gone direct in via DI. I lost those recordings due to a hard drive failure, so I'm not able to listen back and judge. I've been reading stuff all over the internet saying to:

1. X/Y around 12.
2. Two mics, one at neck joint and the other behind bridge.
3. Single mic only, don't even dream of using two.
4. Single mic, but two separate takes hard panned.
5. Double mics with two separate takes panned 100,100,75,75.
6. DI, who cares what it sounds like?
7. DI blend with both mic configurations above.

Unlimited options TBH, I have no idea which one to go for. So the recording setup is as follows:

Acoustic, Vocals, Fretless Bass, Kick Drum, and Synth.

The acoustic needs to be front and centre for sure, as it's the only guitar. What do you guys suggest for a setup like this? I was thinking two takes on the mono track panned hard, vox/bass/kick in the middle, and synth panned 75% ish.

Or would it be better for me to do the single X/Y take?

Thanks everyone

[thejay]

I have had great results mic'ing at the 12th fret, around the sound hole and DI. I usually record that way and take whatever blend works for the song. No two ever seem to be alike though on the final mix, plus you also have options etc. just my 2 cents. Good luck

[bclaire]

Mic'ing single good condenser mic at the 12th fret sounds really good.

[Boy_Narf]

So if you use a single mic, do you copy/paste and pan? Keep it down the middle? Record two takes?

[bclaire]

So if you use a single mic, do you copy/paste and pan? Keep it down the middle? Record two takes?

Depends. Sometimes right down the middle or record the pickup as well on a second track and pan LR

[JRogero]

I really like to use a ribbon mic at around the 12th fret. Ribbon mics sound great with any stringed instrument. I always record the guitar parts twice with the guitar tracks panned left and right. It sounds crazy but I always use a different gauge pick for the second track. Using different pick gauges seems to make the pick noises less noticeable. Putting a de-esser helps reduce pick noise too.

[Norrin Radd]

This is the Orange Amps forum. There is only one proper way to record an acoustic guitar:

https://youtu.be/NqpNQ9AJYgU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Boy_Narf]

In that case, I'll mic the 12th fret, and run a DI through my TT and R30. Pan the amps L/R, and run the mic down the middle.

Should sound Orange enough for ya