What is the bet mic to record an acoustic guitar?

[JohnnyMan]

I currently have two RODE NT1s (large diaphragms) going into a Behringer Ultragain Pro 2200 stereo mic pre. My budget is not that big (as you can tell by my gear). My dream is to get close to that Led Zeppelin III sound but I just can’t get that tone. I have a Norman 6-string and a Taylor 12-string. I realize I’ll never be Jimmy Page or have their budget BUT I’d like to do a lot better than my current sound.

I’m wondering: could it be my above sound chain? Will better mics or mic pres dramatically improve my sound? Should I have the gains of the mic pre cranked? Or maybe I should fool around more with mic placement?

[giles117]

I'd have to ask 1st does you Gtr emit that Zeppelin tone? r close to it? And if so, what is missing sonically? I Know your mics and use the same Mic-Pre. The listening sessions demo shows this pre holds it's own surprisingly against an API pre which to me is the best sounding pre they've auditioned for instruments (bass/gtr's etc...) Plus it sounds great on vocals....


Also did you pose this Q at www.homerecording.com/bbs

Bryan Giles

[JohnnyMan]

Bryan,

Thanks for the reply. No, my guitar doesn't have that Led Zep tone but I'm trying to get close to it. Yes I have posted this in Homerecording.com and I have received some helpful tips. Some agree with you that the mic and mic pre may not be the problem. I'm beginning to believe that I’m going to have to spend more time and experiment with mic placement and maybe adjusting the gain on the Behringer. (I was hoping a new mic was going to solve my woes.)

I’m somewhat relieved that I don’t have to spend more money even though I am sick with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

Regards,

John

[cannikin]

Ribbon mic like the M160 would be a good start.

[Guest]

I second the Beyer M160 for acoustics - I got mine 2 months ago from BHphoto for only $445 + $11 shipping and NO TAX (I live in CA)

not the end all be all mic... but a nice addition to my collection - everyone shoudl have at least 1 or 2 ribbons in their collection! [/url]

[Fuzz]

i guess the wombat hole DOES require Re-login - how strange - my post is above as guest

Fuzz

[John Sayers]

can you post a sample of what particular acc sound you want - like a sample from the Led Zep track you are referring to - it's probably a production technique like multitracking the acc or doubleing with a high strung or something. Just a short mp3 would be cool

cheers
john

[jatougas]

I've gone a long way towards getting that LedZep shimmery tone by using electric guitar strings (11's) on an acoustic guitar (an old Yamaha dread, with good bass response). Little shimmery jangle bit to it...

- jatougas

[dave Paul]

Okay, listen up. If you haven't yet tried a Mann M21 microphone, hunt one down as quick as you can. In Australia we have a great importer who handles these, Nexo speakers, Camco amps, Drawmer, Digico etc.
These are a Chinese mic, like the Rode. The Rodes are actually assembled in Australia and ithought they were great until I got a Mann.
Firstly they also make a penciltype condenser, called the M11. When they first came on the market, they were $100US approx. God, you can't get a good Karaoke mic for that, let alone any type of condenser. So we bought them for the amatuer/ kiddie bands, so the good ones didn't get broken. When I went touse them I nearly died. Unbelievable. I was at a flok fest. so put them to work on instruments, they were amazing.
Then we found the M21. Looks like that famous German mic model 89, U know. Apparently Mann buy their reject caps and make their own pre-amp. I wont let a Rode on y stage or in my studio anymore. You won't either when you work out they are half the price, not fake and sizzly up high, and so fat you gotta hear it.
They also have a limited run of valve/ tube mics too.
Check out this review
http://www.gtaust.com/filter/04/05.shtml[/url]

[LeonX]

Gear Acquisition Syndrome

AVALON M-5
NEUMANN U-87

I believe it's the best concept to get the sound as it comes from
your Guitars and add some caracter from the M-5....
Then comes FX and technics..........

[knightfly]

Bottm line here is STILL relatively simple - if the instrument doesn't sound the way you want it, no self-respecting mic or pre SHOULD EVER FORCE it to sound that way. If your EAR can't hear the sound you want anywhere in the room, neither will a mic.

Not to say that some combinations of EFX can't/won't get you where you want to go, but don't expect gear that is supposedly DESIGNED to make no changes to a sound to do this for you... Steve

[audiomixsdm]

If you can find them... AKG c747. Pencil thin, condensor. Placed a few inches off, pointed straight at the part where the neck meets the body. Great sound.

[worm]

First and foremost make sure your guitar is producing the sound you want. If it isn't you in for heartache..... Also, take note of Knightfl's post above about room position etc.

Secondly, the best mic for acoustic (in my humble opinion......) is a Groove Tubes GT-44. This mic is a little more expensive but it produces a well rounded sound and picks up all of the harmonics of the guitar. This is essential when recording full range instruments........

Mine sounds sweet direct into my desk without any additional processing. Adjust EQ to taste.........

[Aaronw]

My opinion on tracking an acoustic...

U47 Mic
V72 preamp
LA2A compressor
and Analog tape

What an airy, open, warm sound...

[Creature82]

I'm very happy using an AKG C451B. It sounds very natural and has plenty of detail.

Creatch