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Originally Posted by tigerflystudio  WOW guys, some really great replies. Thanks a lot. I'll certainly try the variations you've all suggested. See what works / sounds best in my environment. Sorry to be a complete noob here, but what does "M/S" mean? And, again, this could just be my lack of knowledge spilling over/out again, but I thought condenser mic's were better at capturing room / ambience sound, and the dynamic (58) would be better for close-mic'ing. Am I off the mark on this one? Thanks again (maybe I'll post up the results (audio) when they're done! See what ya'll think?!) |
M/S recording stands for 'Mid-Side.' This technique is generally more advanced...not necessarily difficult...but not one of the basics. It involves a cardiod (the pickup pattern) mic (your 57) straight on axis to the source and a figure 8/bidirectional mic (which your rode NT2 can be set 2) off axis...that is with the capsule at 90 degrees to your source. This gives you individual control over the room sound in conjunction with the on axis sound. However you need to know how to combine these signals or use a plug-in or box to 'decode' the MS.
It's a great way to mic, but being new, I'd stay away from it for now.
The best idea I've heard is use the NT2 near the soundhole ish (i prefer aiming at the 12-15th fret myself) and adjust until it sounds best to you. Depending on the style, you could use the 57 aimed at the soundhole as well, almost at the same place...further away to pickup more room...or even aimed at the neck a bit to get the 'finger' noise (i like this...lots of people hate this)
Another thing to try is to put the mic (NT2) right by the players head and this can somewhat simulate what it sounds like to the performer...which can be great, or just okay.
I suppose it is worthwhile to record the output of your electric acoustic, but I have NEVER liked that and always dumped it myself, even with an expensive Martin with a really nice pickup system. If you do decide to do this, you could really mess with the phase and get 'comb filtering.' This will also happen if you use multiple mics.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using one mic and just finding the sweet spot. I'd start simple and get a sound like before trying anything fancy.