Recording Ac Guitar with small diaphragm condenser

[mhecker]

hello everyone,

this is my first post on this forum (but i'm a passive (only reading) member for quite a long time).

i know this has been asked about a hundred times. but again, i am looking for a small diaphragm condenser for recording acoustic guitar.

1) do i need a stereo pair (i know it depends on the music style)

2) could you please give me reference examples of the different miking techniques mono vs. stereo?

3) what mics do you recommend. been thinking about rode nt5 or akg c451

4) what about dynamics and ribbons?

as it all depends on the music style: i like doing things like ryan adams, beck, nick drake, wilco etc. i am not into this pop background bright strumming sound;)

thank you,

martin

[JustinW]

Here is my recommendation for #3-

Okatava MK-012 pair, great bang for your buck.

EDIT: but it also depends on your price range, I recommend the Oktavas since they are in the Nt5 range, how much are you willing to spend? (this is the low end forum so........maybe I should know)

[Karl J]

you can get very good results with an SM57 in the popular 12th fret area pointing towards the soundhole. I place mine about 10 inches from the guitar and more down towards the E,B,G strings (makes it a little more balanced).

Stereo is not necessary for miking an ac guitar.

[dannygold]

Ribbon mics are kind of a special sound... I like them, but wouldn't recommend them as an everyday mic (unless your doing some very specific task a ribbon works on everyday).. Also, ribbons usually operate in a figure 8 pickup pattern which makes them less flexible than a cardiod pattern condenser.

Dynamics are not super common for recording acoustic, but sticking a 57 on any source is almost always acceptable, and often surprisingly good.

For acoustic, condensers are the standard, either small or large capsule. Certainly the Oktava 012 is common for acoustic and not that expensive. Google fake Oktava and you'll see that there's a russian and chinese version... Both are probably good, but they are different and many prefer the russian version (that's what I have an I enjoy it).

If you want to do a lot of solo acoustic stuff a large capsule cond. might capture the bass better than a small capsule... especially a bass-y guitar like a jubmo or something. Plus a large cap will be good for vocals... not something the Oktava 012 is great for IMHO.

Stereo is a nice option, but probably not required.

I love Ryan Adams. Except when he talks on stage... always sounds stoned and confused.

Too much information?

[warhead]

Any Oktava mic bought from an authorized dealer in the USA is genuine Russian made. The Chinese thing I thought was over with now.

Anyhow, I strongly suggest the MK-012 for acoustic guitar use. Fits it like a glove.

War

[dannygold]

Originally Posted by warhead

Any Oktava mic bought from an authorized dealer in the USA is genuine Russian made. The Chinese thing I thought was over with now.

Anyhow, I strongly suggest the MK-012 for acoustic guitar use. Fits it like a glove.

War

Obviously Warren would know... he's a dealer... don't listen to me... I'm a well known rumor monger.

[Beyersound]

I strongly suggest the Audio Technica 4041, quite possibly the most underrated small diaphragm condenser out there. It is a deal at around $250 new. Check out the Sound On Sound review. I own a pair, they are very true sounding and can be used just about anywhere. Have used them for about 8yrs on just about everything. Have astonished many SM-81 believers with it.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by dannygold

Obviously Warren would know... he's a dealer... don't listen to me... I'm a well known rumor monger.

Well, then again if he buys on the used market he will want to know!

Oktava: Attention - fakes!

But I do think for the most part it's a non-issue these days.

War

[mhecker]

Ribbon mics are kind of a special sound... I like them, but wouldn't recommend them as an everyday mic

could you please describe this a little forther? any examples? what musical styles do you use these for?

Stereo is a nice option, but probably not required.

do you have some examples who is using stereo technique? is it common for this folky/americana style i am looking for?

Too much information?

no, thank you,

martin