More V76-1176 vocal/acoustic guitar micing

[Dynodawg]

Hello Richard,

Thank you so much for taking the time to come here and answer our questions!

Like you, I'm really big on the V76/1176 combo. I have a pair of V76's that I modded, recapped and racked myself and they are just incredible. Buddy Miller was kind enough to turn me on to using them with 1176's a couple years ago and I've been hooked ever since.

I'm a huge fan of the Cash "Solitary Man" recordings and have spent many hours trying to cop the sonics of Johnny's "in your face" vocals and the acoustic guitar tracks. I use my 1176's just like you do...12:1 or 20:1, slowest attack and fastest release. I believe that's the way Steve Earle likes it on his vocal tracks also.

I've taken the time to read all your posts on this forum and have a new pile o' questions for you...



1. Do you prefer close micing on vocals? How close? (I.E Solitary Man recordings)
I mainly use a Lawson L47MP on my vocals > V76 > 1176 > Cranesong HEDD.


2. Can you please give me some details on acoustic guitar mic placement, signal chain and compression details? Again, refering to American III recordings.


3. What about recording an artist singing and playing acoustic guitar? I've spent countless hours trying to get the correct stereo acoustic micing/vocal micing positioning, phasing, bleed and compression just right.


4. Do you ever record a lead vocal in stereo, especially on open, acoustic stuff? I've been experimenting with this by seperating 2 LDC mics with a Jecklin disc, panning hard L/R and doing the 20:1 comp. Not common practice on vocals, but I'm finding this can really liven things up in some situations.


5. Last question...how often do you strap a pair of 1176's across the 2 buss at mixdown? What general ratio, attack and release settings do you use here.



Again, thank you for bieng here and for sharing your insight and expertise with us, it is very much appreciated. thumbsup


Doug Ploss
Fertile Ground Studios
www.dougploss.com
americana-gospel

[neve1073]

You put an 84 INSIDE the soundhole? That is interesting. I guess you would have to tape it down inside and the player would have to be VERY still while playing?

[not_so_new]

I prefer close micing, subject to the Artist being smart enough. ER... (ditch the Lawson)

Okay so you knew that someone was going to ask right???



What's the deal??? What is your take on the Lawson, do you not like it or is it just not what you would use for something like "Solitary Man"???

[Dynodawg]

Originally posted by Richard
(ditch the Lawson)

Ouch! I hope Gene doesn't see that one...

I respect your opinion but I'd never sell it. It's a great mic IMHO.

I'll try my KM184 in the hole...good idea!



Thanks,

Doug

www.dougploss.com
americana/gospel

[Dynodawg]

Originally posted by Richard
2With J cash, I used 2 x 251's for vocals!
2 reasons,
a). he would move as he played, and this was a way to keep him on (one ofthe )mic.
b). if he popped, and under the circumstances, he did I had a mic without a pop to switch too.
neither of these is mandatory, but I did it anyway.

Richard, that kind of answered question #4...I can see why you used two 251's in that situation with Johnny but have you ever actually recorded a lead vocal in stereo? I know it can be very tricky and is not common practice as the vocalist must stay dead center on between the mics.


Thanks,

Doug

Fertile Ground Studios
www.dougploss.com