Recording Acoustic Guitar with Two Microphones: A Comprehensive Guide

Acoustic guitar recording can be a rewarding endeavor, especially in genres like Bluegrass. When using two microphones to capture that rich, full acoustic sound, the approach can be both art and science. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve professional-sounding recordings.

The Basics of Acoustic Guitar Microphone Setup

With no electronics in your guitar, the goal is to capture the natural sound of the instrument. Microphones play a crucial role in this process, with the sound hole and the guitar body each providing unique tonal contributions.

Mic 1: Sound Hole Microphone

To begin, place a dynamic microphone, such as the Sennheiser MD 57, about 3-4 inches away from the sound hole. Avoid placing it directly over the sound hole to avoid a possible buzz if there's any pick-up of the metal. This mic will capture the warmth of the body and the direct sound of the strings.

Creating Natural Reverb with a Condenser Microphone

The key to a spacey, natural reverb lies in the second microphone. For this, a condenser microphone is ideal, such as the Rode NT1. Position it about 4-6 feet away from the guitar, slightly higher than the guitar. This setup mimics the natural reverb produced by the guitar in a live setting, adding depth and richness to the recording.

Experimenting with Placement and Distance

The art of microphone placement is in the details. Start with the suggested distances, then adjust based on your specific acoustics and desired sound. It's a balance between warmth from the first mic and clarity from the second. Don't be afraid to move the mics around to find the perfect sound.

If you have a hard wall behind the condenser mic, you'll get more reverb and a crisp sound. Walls can affect the reverb characteristics, so experiment with the room's acoustics to fine-tune your sound.

Left and Right Angles

An alternative technique is to position mics at the 10-12 fret range. This approach gives you a balanced sound with warmth from the mic near the sound hole and tonal definition from the mic pointed at the 10-12 fret.

For a left-handed player, place one mic near the bottom of the guitar body, facing the bridge and soundboard. The second mic should be positioned above the neck and pointed roughly at the place where the neck meets the body. Keep a distance of three times the distance from the source between the mics to avoid phase issues.

Compression and Room Miking

Once you have your basic sounds, you can mix the inputs to achieve the desired blend of direct sound and room sound. A compressor, especially when set up properly, can help tame peaks and smooth out the overall sound, making it more pleasing to the ear. An input compressor, like the Joe Meek from the 1990s, can be invaluable in creating a balanced and professional-sounding recording.

For more natural reverb, consider using a condenser mic at the sound hole, about 12 inches away, and a clean mic like the AKG 414 over the shoulder. The direct sound from the condenser mic combined with the ambient sound from the shoulder mics can create a full, rich sound that fills the room.

Conclusion

Acoustic guitar recording with two microphones is an art form that requires practice and experimentation. By placing your microphones strategically and using a compressor, you can create recordings that truly capture the essence of the instrument. Happy recording!