Hi Friends, one of my first videos on UA-cam was called "Recording Acoustic Guitar," and ever since then I frequently get asked to talk in more detail about recording acoustic guitar. In today’s video, we’re going to be a lot more thorough than we were in that first video! We’re also going to go through a bunch of different mics, as well as micing techniques. To keep this as simple as possible, we’re only going to be using an Audient iD4, my trusty Yamaha LL16 acoustic guitar, and a few different mics. No compression. No EQ. Just straight into the DAW! This is a great real world example that you can recreate in your own studio!
So much better than the Rick Beato video on the same subject. He was using mics whose price points were way beyond what most home studio hobbyists would be comfortable with.
I've found that *most* of Rick's videos go over the heads of studio hobbyists (including myself). It's led me to the conclusion that he caters his content towards working producers, and that's okay!
I have about 30 mics in my locker and i LOVE SM57's on acoustic guitars. It softens the brashness of new strings and roll off some of the shrill of certain guitars that have a lot of top end (Taylor etc).
I can’t get enough volume from my sm57 when using it to record acoustic nylon strings finger style I add gain and get noise. I would like to use it more but I I lack know how,.
This video made be buy my dt1. After a week, I'm about to take advantage of the holiday "call in for savings" and order my second. Your genuine reaction to it was all the convincing I needed, and that judgement was sound.
I love that this shows that even affordable mics do fantastic jobs. And you show only ONE mic being used at a time. Two have their advantages, but using one can still be fine. But on another note (no pun intended... ok, a little pun), I am not sure if others noticed this; how the mic worked seemed to influence how you played. Different mics had different strengths and you slid into what the mic seemed to "do" better when you played. I find I do the same thing depending on what guitar I am using, what pick (or not), and even with the electric what settings I am going with. My playing changes and I slide into the "mix" for what it is. I may have in mind to play one thing, but end up playing something else. Great video. Cheers.
I was wondering if I really needed to watch a 42 min video to figure out how to mic my acoustic but by the end I wish it went longer. Fantastic video! Hell of a guitar player too!
This is the best acoustic guitar video that I ever watched in my life. First half of the video sitting on the edge of my seat. Midway had a smile on my face from ear to ear. Warren, you are the best!!! Thanks for sharing your skills.😊
I once traded picks with Mickey Moody. Mine was a 2.0mm, the dark purple Dunlop. He was using 1.14mm which eventually became my sort of standard pick. I still use the 2.0mm for darker tones. For bass I like the yellow Dunlop whatever that is. For strumming on the acoustic I like the .73mm. I have a little pick holder on my key chain that my daughter gave me for Father's day. In it I keep one each of those 4 picks, so I never leave home without them.
One of the best examples of acoustic guitar tracking I have seen. The repetitive nature of using the same techniques, regardless of mic really helped to solidify the concept. Great approach for future videos I think. Great job Warren!
yet another extremely informative video! You demoed all kinds of low cost mics while packing in recording techniques all throughout. Thank you so much Warren. Just saw the news about the studio move. Can't wait to follow the journey along with you. Much love to you and your family.
Already this is the greatest video on this topic I've ever seen, learned so much, and I'm only halfway through. Definitely have to get a 57. Thanks a million for sharing your wisdom, and cheers from Dick Wagner's hometown, Oelwein, Iowa, great to see his book there on display!
Warren Huart - I just recorded acoustic for the first time in a long time tonight and was using a really soft pick. Your comment about pick choice is spot on. I got that one wrong :) Will redo the tracks tomorrow.
Really pleased you used an Aspen Pittman, I've been using a pair of those for the last couple of years. A lot of the guys I have recorded using them have been very pleased with results.
One of my favorite things to record is an acoustic guitar. I believe this is one of the best, and most thorough videos I’ve ever seen on the subject. Thanks again Warren. Right on 🎸🎤🎼
One microphone tip I think was overlooked relates to players who can’t sit still, causing phase changes throughout the track. As a solution, I bought a K & K condenser mic that clamps (gently) to the body of the guitar, and has a little gooseneck that hangs a condenser mic wherever you choose to put it. I can’t tell you how much I love this feature. Worth trying, especially because it also sounds pretty good. Note: if you do try it, you may want to put a couple of pieces of that foam that they include in the box between the clamps and the guitar, because there is a little bit of transfer of vibration, and that solves it.
The SM57 usually ends up on acoustics I record, most often to the players' surprise. However, I will now be picking up an NT1 as it adds an ambience that sounds both near and slightly distant at the same time as if two mics. Quite What a lovely sound!! I also enjoyed the APD DT1. Very well done, sir.
Loved this video. Never thought of the different sounds using different picks, but I could really hear it. The thin picks gave a percussive sound like Pete Townshend’s recorded sound on Who’s Next. Enlightening!
You're a good dude Warren. Most gracious of you to share all of the tips and knowledge that you do. I'm always learning something new here and having a good time doing it.
The mic on the body placement works wonders for me! Aiming the mic at the strings always gives me a very brittle sound, but having it aimed below the strings rounds of a lot of the harshness.
Great video as usual Warren! It was great to see the differences between picks and mic position shown across all the mics. That showed that no matter what mic you have you can still influence the tone.
Great review of the mics you chose. Thanks. I'll make this short. 1 - Top pick Lewitt 240 - Very natural and good control of all string tones & guitar body. 2 - The Roswell - Same as the Lewitt but just a tad darker. 3 - Aspen - this one surprised me for the price but it slacked in the lower register tones. I have to admit the sure 57 was better than I expected but I feel it had that old school sound that lacked crispness and attack.
Great video Warren. The Lewitt LCT-240 and the Aspen Pittman sounded great. Roswell and good ole 57 great as well. Actually,...listening some more,.....the Roswell is really impressive.
Thank you once again! This was an enormously helpful video. All the little details, the background information, the little things to look out for are what makes PLAP my favorite place to go. The devil is in the details.
My favorite guitar chair is a Rok ‘n Sok drum throne, with or without the back, depending on how you like it. It’s quiet, it swivels, and it raises up and down with the hydraulic lift. Small footprint, too.
I really enjoy your videos. There's always an emphasis on the foundations, and you point out some really small but important little details that make the difference in an every-day and practical way. Your points of consideration give us something to think about and help us form our processes. There's no pretentiousness about your tools or anything (accessible!). Thank you!
I bought the LCT 240 Pro. Absolutely amazed. It is outstanding for the price. Plus the range, from miking instruments to vocals. Seriously fantastic. Gonna pick up the LCT 140 soon, as a good double, and recording both vocals with the LCT 240 and 140 on the guitar.
Thanks ever for this great video and the tips, which seemed to be obvious, but one never pays attention to them. I came here for a quick 3-5 min video on how to mic a guitar and ended up watching AND enjoying the whole 41:51 mins. Subscribed!
Another great video from Warren Huart. I will definitely be trying these mic'ing techniques with the mic's I have. Sometimes, I record the mic along with the pickup, and blend in just enough of the pickup to help the acoustic cut through a mix. I have also recorded the acoustic using two mic's in stereo, with good results. Great stuff. A veritable treasure trove, your channel is.
There's an old Tape Op interview with The Shins about their first record... they used the SM57's on drums, but everything else was the Rode NT1. They recorded it onto a PC using "Cool Edit Pro" (hah! Remember that program?!) ... they used the Roland VS-840 to record the drums, but then "mixed" them back into the PC's "Cool Edit Pro". Home recording has come a long way since the early 2000's.
I was on my way to my home studio to record acoustic guitar and saw you posted this video. The timing couldn't have been better. Wonderful video as always!
I just found my favorite cheap (used) acoustic mic and that's the Shure SM81. AMAZING sound and has 2 stages of low end roll off. Super natural. Super smooth. Go mono or pair it with any large diaphragm condenser mic or a ribbon like a Golden Age and you're set for a really really low cost.
Best tutorial I have come across explaining how to get the best results when recording acoustic guitar. Any chance of doing a similar tutorials using stereo miking?. Keep up the great work Warren. Regards Alan
@@Producelikeapro Hi Warren. I do understand how busy you must be and I also get the impression from your other UA-cam videos that you are not a big fan of stereo micing acoustic guitars but I'll wait until you feel like doing a tutorial. In the meantime I'll try and educate myself having watched and enjoyed your really brilliant and comprehensive video on using single microphones to record acoustic guitar without spending a fortune on both guitar and choice of Mic. Regards Alan
I hadn't heard of micing the body quite like this before. Man, does it sound DOPE, though!! I mic'd my Yamaha LS6 today with a Chameleon Labs TS-1. Fullest, most vibey, commanding acoustic tone I've ever captured in over 10 years of searching. Thanks!
Great mentioning the shirt, creaking chair, and so on! I learned all of that quickly when I started doing sessions as a guitarist. Something else I do is keep a headstock tuner on there, just for a quick tune between punching in, etc (and tuning it by ear of course to make up for any inconsistencies). So glad you mentioned pick choice, too! I always keep a pocketful of various ones when showing up. Great vid!
What a great video! I've been playing and recording guitar for so many years now but never asked how my Paul-Gilbert-electric-guitar-thick-shredding-pick affects the sound of my acoustic guitar. Now I realize why, despite attacky compression, I often lacked this percussive sound... 🤦♂️ Thanks for clarifying Warren!
Such a useful video thanks! Bought the LCT 240..what a bargain! As good as other mics I have that cost 3 times more. I paired it with a small condenser and at last getting a good recorded sound from my Martin.
Thank you for posting. Great suggestions. Love you favourite mic position as well. It works wonders on my J45. Not too bright, not too boomy. Nice balanced presence. Barely any need of eq. Call it "Warren's position" now.
i could watch Warren Play acousitc guitar all day! Nice playing man! so much great advice. just attention to detail, and doing what sounds good! never thought of different picks. doh! I liked how the mic and placement changed the way you instinctively played the instrument! i've wanted to snag a lewitt drum mic kit and see how the lct 140 (and whatever the higher pencil from them is) do on acoustic instruments. as i'm a big fan of the AKG C451b, and even the C1000s. thanks for including it! Was scrolling down reading comments, when i heard something glorious and zoomed back up and saw the Roswell there! i've definitely handed an acoustic guitarist a set of fingernail clippers after a minute or so of sound checks/warmups/setups! wireless Sennheiser open-backed headphones are great for tracking instruments, (and believe or not usually work for vocals too- vocalists like them cause they can hear themselves in the room naturally- haven't had any significant bleed problems yet). not to diss on double booms, but they do make counterweights that can be applied to single booms. they work great. (also non-olympic size weights fit perfectly on the vast majority of music stands- if you've got them laying around). but always check your booms between takes. if the mic hasn't moved, chances are your player has!
Hey Warren, great video! Loaded with so much common sense. I loved the sound of the Lewitt, I must pick one up. One thing that I noticed that you didn't touch upon (and I'm not criticizing, I realize this is a demonstration) is the intonation of the instrument. Your Yamaha had an intonation issue that is quite common and can be a source of frustration when tracking. I mention this because I am a pro luthier and my ear recognizes this when I hear it. Your guitar has intonation issues down by the nut. When you play an open G major it sounds fine, same with the open A major.....but, when you play an open C or D major it goes sour. This is usually a problem because of the string slots in the nut being cut too high, and so the extra amount the string travels to get to the fret makes it sharp. Sometimes believe it or not this can also be remedied by simply moving the nut forward towards the first fret by a small amount. Or if one wants to get ultra fussy a nut can be built with individual string compensation. But most often, just moving the nut towards the first fret makes a huge difference in sweetening the temper. I build that compensation right into guitars I make (depending on the scale length)...
The most common problem I deal with when recording acoustic is finger noise. A healthy application of skin moisturizer to the finger tips helps kill it at the source. Would be nice to hear Warren's thoughts on minimizing finger noise.
I try not to slide my fretting fingers, and just jump to where I want to go. It takes practice, but it allows you to intentionally make squeaks when nuanced. Coated strings help reduce that as well
Great video! I actually use the DI next to the mic sometimes... I blend the sounds... I love the close micing technique on the lower part of the body. I actually use only this technique at the moment. On my acoustic Yamaha you can sometimes here the small piece of strings from the nut to the tuning keys ring/resonate as well so I put a small piece of blanket in between them to dampen that sound. I heard some squicky chairs on professional records btw...It gives a natural feel (if you're going for that of course).
Really like this video. You clearly explained the real differences in sound and the reasons. Moreover it's one fo the very few videos on youtube, in which you can listen to the differences (besides the youtube compression etc). You clearly put in highlight many aspects that can help people to record with more sureness their guitar (and not only)
Great video Mr. Warren! Thanks for covering so much ground here. They all sounded incredible and the LCT 240 and the Mini K47 ended up being my faves. All incredibly affordable, great sounding mics here. Great education and playing!
I've been flailing around with ideas about recording for decades Warren, and your videos are helping me to focus on getting basics right. Very much appreciate your unique and inspiring style of lesson delivery. Thank you.
Great video. So nice to hear all those mics. One thing that I learned about pick choice; I play with a person who is a fantastic songwriter but has a tendency to clunk the pick into the top of the guitar pretty often. Drives me nuts. So, then I noticed that I DO IT TOO. One day I happened to pick up one of those little Jazz III picks. It's shorter so I end up with less pick poking out and it pretty much solved the problem. It took me a little getting used to but I feel like it has perhaps tightened up my picking or made me more economical in my movements. Also, I have a pair of those Roswell 47s and I really love them! I might try one of those Aspen Pittmans too! Thanks again.
Warren, thanks for all the wisdom man. Seriously. I’m doing all the academy stuff because I was just handed a studio (long story) and just when I thought I was done with music. The universe had another idea. So I’ve needed to brush up and berthing you’ve been doing has helped so much. Seriously. You’re the man.
the aspen sounds the best to me by a long shot im looking for something that brings out alot of high end and sounds quite bright and none of the others did anywhere near the job of this mic, thanks so much for the video btw, really useful :)
Wonderful video, especially the covering of "small things" like pick choice (a different sound for $ 1.50 anyone? There you go ...), keeping buttons and bijouterie away from the instrument and the "quiet stool". Also, nice to see that it is true: you do not a big budget to get a good acoustic sound (but you need a good guitarist). One comment though: the BOOM is not in the soundhole, it's more in the proximity effect of the mics. Go and try an omni in a good, quiet room ;o)
Thank you for all of your advice. I just started recording and your videos are very helpful. Speaking of creaking chairs...one of my favorite acoustic guitar solos follows a chair creak... Paul McCartney's "Somebody who Cares" -Tug of War
I had a kid once in my studio (let's call him Mr Smart Ass!!) Who once said to me (in a cocky manner) " All the professionals use really expensive mics and set it at 12th fret...... what do you use?" I looked him straight in the face "What do I use???.... get ready kid cos you're gonna learn something here" - I put my arm around his shoulder and whispered....... "I use my ears!" Lesson learned Great video proving clearly that with the correct application and understanding your guitar, studio acoustics and mics at your disposal - there aremany ways to capture the sound. Incidentally - I normally use an Sm57 or a Rode NT1-A ...... but I am loving that Aspen Pittman mic. Awesome man!!
Haha great stuff! Yes, the biggest compliment I ever got on my acoustic guitar sound was from Mark Endert, he asked me how I got such a great acoustic sound, I said an SM57. He said, go figure, that’s how I get the best acoustic guitar sounds too!
Thank you for this nice and helpfull video. Could be nice to have some parts of all mics on your favourite spot next to each other to compare side by side directly.
Excellent video Warren! I agree picks makes a huge difference. Using a .50-70mm pick for strumming chords will give a nice bright percussive sound. For leads a 1.5-2mm will give a nice fat and warm sound. Im using a KM 184 that i like a lot, but some of these affordable mics sounds really good. The Lewitt mics sounded great! Oh.. I really like the Rowell as well. Nice! Thanks Warren! You rock!
Excited to find out what kind of mic I should purchase for this. Everything I’ve done has been in the box so far can’t wait to move up to analog! Thanks warren!
Produce Like A Pro Thanks Warren! I just started recording this year, but I was watching a lot of UA-cam on it for months before hand and your tutorials have been a massive help. Keep up the great work and I promise to do the same. 👍
Thanks, Warren. This is a great video with lots of helpful information. Have you considered doing a similar one on fingerpicking the guitar using different mics and placements? I'll bet a lot could be learned from that.
Just saw a recent video from Joe Gilder of Home Studio Corner about recording finger picked acoustic guitar. He suggested recording in stereo wiht a pair of small diaphram condensers in an XY pattern, directly across from the sound hole. I'm curious as to your thoughts on that technique. Thanks.
That's a great tutorial ... I find it very helpful to hear the different mic positions on the neck! That´s is a good starting point to look for the sound you're going for, before putting on eq and compression. great video here! Many thanks, hang on
Phenomenal video! It really helps that you just focused on the actual recording part and didn’t skip to a bunch of DAW stuff. I have two small condensers (SM 81). I’m wondering what the advantage or disadvantage of using both at once is, especially in a situation where I can’t hard pan them left and right. Cheers!
Thank you so much on another informative video as always!! Thanks for always taking the time to show us your thought process and how you go about recording even with a super simple set up!!! You’re amazing as a person and as a teacher!
1- what are mic placement suggestions for a bedroom compared to your treated control room? 2- why LDC upside down? Sinatra vibe or for sonic reasons? Thank you!!
Hi Peter, all room differ, all 'professional' studios sound very different from each other! You Should be able to get great results whoever you are! You can do the LDC upside down, however it's not the only way and everyone has a different opinion!
The reason why people sometimes mount LDC microphones upside down is mostly historical. See, long ago the built-in preamps/impedance converters of condenser microphones were based exclusively on tubes, because back in the day there were no other devices capable of achieving the needed input impedance, which has to be very high in this case. Tubes generate heat, but you don't want the microphone capsule to be disturbed by the upgoing stream of heated air. So people mounted microphones in a way which allowed the capsule to be placed lower than the body with the preamp, away from the stream of hot air from the tube electronics, in other words, upside down. Today built-in preamps are mostly based on FETs, solid state non-heated devices, so there's no technical reason to mount the microphone in a specific way. Place it in a way which works best for you in terms of wiring and/or aesthetic. :) But of course, if you are using some specific model which has a tube preamp, you better place it upside down.
I love the idea of the guitar being a rhythmic percussive instrument like a shaker. Reminds me of the Holy Trinities - Guitar video where Jack Stratton describes the guitar as 'a tambourine with a ton of different pitches'.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Friends, one of my first videos on UA-cam was called "Recording Acoustic Guitar," and ever since then I frequently get asked to talk in more detail about recording acoustic guitar. In today’s video, we’re going to be a lot more thorough than we were in that first video! We’re also going to go through a bunch of different mics, as well as micing techniques. To keep this as simple as possible, we’re only going to be using an Audient iD4, my trusty Yamaha LL16 acoustic guitar, and a few different mics. No compression. No EQ. Just straight into the DAW! This is a great real world example that you can recreate in your own studio!
Great video! Just goes to show with a little know how you anyone can record acoustic guitar!
Thank you ever so much warren for this amazing video!
Thanks ever so much Spitfire!
Thanks ever so much Harmony!
Loved this! thanks so much! will be watching again. Off topic question, on the top right of the screen is a computer monitor displaying what?
So much better than the Rick Beato video on the same subject. He was using mics whose price points were way beyond what most home studio hobbyists would be comfortable with.
I’m glad to be able to help. I do have expensive Mics as well, I just want to be able to show that great results can be achieved at any price point
I've found that *most* of Rick's videos go over the heads of studio hobbyists (including myself). It's led me to the conclusion that he caters his content towards working producers, and that's okay!
@@stevensauls2013 I think this guy gets just as deep into the subjects as Beato.
We need access to both.
beattos a showpony
I have about 30 mics in my locker and i LOVE SM57's on acoustic guitars. It softens the brashness of new strings and roll off some of the shrill of certain guitars that have a lot of top end (Taylor etc).
Hi G Baxter! I agree! I love my 57 on Acoustic guitars!!
I can’t get enough volume from my sm57 when using it to record acoustic nylon strings finger style I add gain and get noise. I would like to use it more but I I lack know how,.
@@kenscorner5226 How about a FetHead? ☺️
@@kenscorner5226 I've had good luck with condenser mics on nylon. I find it easier than regular strings.
I have a 77 Winter Wheat- Mossman sounds fantastic through one.
22:41 “The moment I realized; YEP this is the choice for me”
Wow what a sound. Great GREAT microphone
Thanks ever so much Thomas!! You Rock!
This video made be buy my dt1. After a week, I'm about to take advantage of the holiday "call in for savings" and order my second. Your genuine reaction to it was all the convincing I needed, and that judgement was sound.
I love that this shows that even affordable mics do fantastic jobs. And you show only ONE mic being used at a time. Two have their advantages, but using one can still be fine. But on another note (no pun intended... ok, a little pun), I am not sure if others noticed this; how the mic worked seemed to influence how you played. Different mics had different strengths and you slid into what the mic seemed to "do" better when you played. I find I do the same thing depending on what guitar I am using, what pick (or not), and even with the electric what settings I am going with. My playing changes and I slide into the "mix" for what it is. I may have in mind to play one thing, but end up playing something else. Great video. Cheers.
I was wondering if I really needed to watch a 42 min video to figure out how to mic my acoustic but by the end I wish it went longer. Fantastic video! Hell of a guitar player too!
This is the best acoustic guitar video that I ever watched in my life. First half of the video sitting on the edge of my seat. Midway had a smile on my face from ear to ear. Warren, you are the best!!! Thanks for sharing your skills.😊
I once traded picks with Mickey Moody. Mine was a 2.0mm, the dark purple Dunlop. He was using 1.14mm which eventually became my sort of standard pick. I still use the 2.0mm for darker tones. For bass I like the yellow Dunlop whatever that is. For strumming on the acoustic I like the .73mm. I have a little pick holder on my key chain that my daughter gave me for Father's day. In it I keep one each of those 4 picks, so I never leave home without them.
Tnx Warren. Your a great teacher. And fun to watch. Even for this elderly guy that has been playing and recording for over 35 years now.
Thanks ever so much Johan! I am so glad to be able to help!!
One of the best examples of acoustic guitar tracking I have seen. The repetitive nature of using the same techniques, regardless of mic really helped to solidify the concept. Great approach for future videos I think. Great job Warren!
Thanks ever so much my friend! You Rock!!
I'm so glad your using the same stuff the rest of us can afford.
Most others demo gear that is waaay beyond our grasp.
That Aspen mic sounds amazing!
Absolutely! Thanks ever so much
yet another extremely informative video! You demoed all kinds of low cost mics while packing in recording techniques all throughout. Thank you so much Warren. Just saw the news about the studio move. Can't wait to follow the journey along with you. Much love to you and your family.
Already this is the greatest video on this topic I've ever seen, learned so much, and I'm only halfway through. Definitely have to get a 57. Thanks a million for sharing your wisdom, and cheers from Dick Wagner's hometown, Oelwein, Iowa, great to see his book there on display!
Aw shucks thanks ever so much Jesse! I am so glad to be able to help! Yes, Dick was an amazing friend and a huge talent!
Warren Huart - I just recorded acoustic for the first time in a long time tonight and was using a really soft pick. Your comment about pick choice is spot on. I got that one wrong :) Will redo the tracks tomorrow.
I’m glad to be able to help!! Thanks ever so much for sharing
Really pleased you used an Aspen Pittman, I've been using a pair of those for the last couple of years. A lot of the guys I have recorded using them have been very pleased with results.
One of my favorite things to record is an acoustic guitar. I believe this is one of the best, and most thorough videos I’ve ever seen on the subject. Thanks again Warren. Right on 🎸🎤🎼
Wow! Thanks ever so much my friend! I really appreciate it Ryan!
I pretty much listen to Warren talk shop steady for 10 hours a day. Warren you are my hero
Recording some songs from my home studio and this was infinitely helpful.
One microphone tip I think was overlooked relates to players who can’t sit still, causing phase changes throughout the track. As a solution, I bought a K & K condenser mic that clamps (gently) to the body of the guitar, and has a little gooseneck that hangs a condenser mic wherever you choose to put it. I can’t tell you how much I love this feature. Worth trying, especially because it also sounds pretty good. Note: if you do try it, you may want to put a couple of pieces of that foam that they include in the box between the clamps and the guitar, because there is a little bit of transfer of vibration, and that solves it.
The SM57 usually ends up on acoustics I record, most often to the players' surprise. However, I will now be picking up an NT1 as it adds an ambience that sounds both near and slightly distant at the same time as if two mics. Quite What a lovely sound!! I also enjoyed the APD DT1. Very well done, sir.
Sm57 is better on a meeh resonant room right?
This video is excellent.🙌🏿
That 'BBC' mic position is killer! Thanks for the tip, Warren!
Thanks ever so much Dean!!
Sorry, I think I missed that. What would be the "BBC" mic position? Is it pointing the mic at the top of the guitar below the fingerboard?
Loved this video. Never thought of the different sounds using different picks, but I could really hear it. The thin picks gave a percussive sound like Pete Townshend’s recorded sound on Who’s Next. Enlightening!
You're a good dude Warren. Most gracious of you to share all of the tips and knowledge that you do. I'm always learning something new here and having a good time doing it.
Thanks ever so much! I appreciate that!
The mic on the body placement works wonders for me! Aiming the mic at the strings always gives me a very brittle sound, but having it aimed below the strings rounds of a lot of the harshness.
thanks wonderful walkthrough of mics and 2 positions!
Oh my! I stumbled into some gold: my audient!!!
Thanks ever so much
Great video as usual Warren! It was great to see the differences between picks and mic position shown across all the mics. That showed that no matter what mic you have you can still influence the tone.
Thanks ever so much Terry! I really appreciate it!!
I like all your videos before they start. Always gold nuggets!
Thanks ever so much
Great review of the mics you chose. Thanks.
I'll make this short.
1 - Top pick Lewitt 240 - Very natural and good control of all string tones & guitar body.
2 - The Roswell - Same as the Lewitt but just a tad darker.
3 - Aspen - this one surprised me for the price but it slacked in the lower register tones.
I have to admit the sure 57 was better than I expected but I feel it had that old school sound that lacked crispness and attack.
Great video Warren. The Lewitt LCT-240 and the Aspen Pittman sounded great. Roswell and good ole 57 great as well. Actually,...listening some more,.....the Roswell is really impressive.
Agreed with your whole assessment my friend!
Thank you once again! This was an enormously helpful video. All the little details, the background information, the little things to look out for are what makes PLAP my favorite place to go. The devil is in the details.
Thanks ever so much Jürgen!
My favorite guitar chair is a Rok ‘n Sok drum throne, with or without the back, depending on how you like it. It’s quiet, it swivels, and it raises up and down with the hydraulic lift. Small footprint, too.
Getting ready to buy microphones this is the perfect guide to help choose.
Thanks ever so much Mark! I'm glad to be able to help!!
I’ve been waiting for a vid like this! I’m so glad you included the Nt1!
Suede Lacy thanks ever so much!!
what level were you at using the rode?
I really enjoy your videos. There's always an emphasis on the foundations, and you point out some really small but important little details that make the difference in an every-day and practical way. Your points of consideration give us something to think about and help us form our processes. There's no pretentiousness about your tools or anything (accessible!). Thank you!
I bought the LCT 240 Pro. Absolutely amazed. It is outstanding for the price. Plus the range, from miking instruments to vocals. Seriously fantastic. Gonna pick up the LCT 140 soon, as a good double, and recording both vocals with the LCT 240 and 140 on the guitar.
Thanks ever for this great video and the tips, which seemed to be obvious, but one never pays attention to them. I came here for a quick 3-5 min video on how to mic a guitar and ended up watching AND enjoying the whole 41:51 mins. Subscribed!
Another great video from Warren Huart. I will definitely be trying these mic'ing techniques with the mic's I have. Sometimes, I record the mic along with the pickup, and blend in just enough of the pickup to help the acoustic cut through a mix. I have also recorded the acoustic using two mic's in stereo, with good results. Great stuff. A veritable treasure trove, your channel is.
There's an old Tape Op interview with The Shins about their first record... they used the SM57's on drums, but everything else was the Rode NT1. They recorded it onto a PC using "Cool Edit Pro" (hah! Remember that program?!) ... they used the Roland VS-840 to record the drums, but then "mixed" them back into the PC's "Cool Edit Pro". Home recording has come a long way since the early 2000's.
I was on my way to my home studio to record acoustic guitar and saw you posted this video. The timing couldn't have been better. Wonderful video as always!
Wow! That's amazing to hear Aohoid!
Amazing quote behind you: "There is no off position on the genius switch"! Thanks for the video - I learnt a lot!
I just found my favorite cheap (used) acoustic mic and that's the Shure SM81. AMAZING sound and has 2 stages of low end roll off. Super natural. Super smooth. Go mono or pair it with any large diaphragm condenser mic or a ribbon like a Golden Age and you're set for a really really low cost.
All bases covered, thank you so much. I'm ttempting to get a nice sound dual micing with an SM57 and an SM58.
Best tutorial I have come across explaining how to get the best results when recording acoustic guitar. Any chance of doing a similar tutorials using stereo miking?. Keep up the great work Warren.
Regards
Alan
Wow! Thanks ever so much Alan! I really appreciate it
Maybe? I have so much to do! I’ll add it to the list! Thanks for your great comment
@@Producelikeapro Hi Warren. I do understand how busy you must be and I also get the impression from your other UA-cam videos that you are not a big fan of stereo micing acoustic guitars but I'll wait until you feel like doing a tutorial. In the meantime I'll try and educate myself having watched and enjoyed your really brilliant and comprehensive video on using single microphones to record acoustic guitar without spending a fortune on both guitar and choice of Mic.
Regards
Alan
You are so rad. Seriously.
Thanks ever so much
Warren's a great guitar player! I need really hear him play.
I hadn't heard of micing the body quite like this before. Man, does it sound DOPE, though!! I mic'd my Yamaha LS6 today with a Chameleon Labs TS-1. Fullest, most vibey, commanding acoustic tone I've ever captured in over 10 years of searching. Thanks!
Thanks for having fun and really communicating well to those of us with not much experience and helping us to walk away saying, “I can do this.”
Good video it's not easy to get a good acoustic guitar sound. But I think I got it now after 40 years. Your videos are fantastic mate
Great mentioning the shirt, creaking chair, and so on! I learned all of that quickly when I started doing sessions as a guitarist. Something else I do is keep a headstock tuner on there, just for a quick tune between punching in, etc (and tuning it by ear of course to make up for any inconsistencies). So glad you mentioned pick choice, too! I always keep a pocketful of various ones when showing up.
Great vid!
What a great video! I've been playing and recording guitar for so many years now but never asked how my Paul-Gilbert-electric-guitar-thick-shredding-pick affects the sound of my acoustic guitar. Now I realize why, despite attacky compression, I often lacked this percussive sound... 🤦♂️ Thanks for clarifying Warren!
Nice to see a new version of one of your first videos.
Thanks ever so much David!!
Such a useful video thanks! Bought the LCT 240..what a bargain! As good as other mics I have that cost 3 times more. I paired it with a small condenser and at last getting a good recorded sound from my Martin.
This video was of great help, sir!
Thank you for posting. Great suggestions. Love you favourite mic position as well. It works wonders on my J45. Not too bright, not too boomy. Nice balanced presence. Barely any need of eq. Call it "Warren's position" now.
Thanks ever so much
Glad to be able to help
I was rethinking this subject the past couple days! Good timing, and thanks Warren!
Me too! So glad he made an update :)
i could watch Warren Play acousitc guitar all day! Nice playing man!
so much great advice. just attention to detail, and doing what sounds good! never thought of different picks. doh!
I liked how the mic and placement changed the way you instinctively played the instrument! i've wanted to snag a lewitt drum mic kit and see how the lct 140 (and whatever the higher pencil from them is) do on acoustic instruments. as i'm a big fan of the AKG C451b, and even the C1000s. thanks for including it!
Was scrolling down reading comments, when i heard something glorious and zoomed back up and saw the Roswell there!
i've definitely handed an acoustic guitarist a set of fingernail clippers after a minute or so of sound checks/warmups/setups! wireless Sennheiser open-backed headphones are great for tracking instruments, (and believe or not usually work for vocals too- vocalists like them cause they can hear themselves in the room naturally- haven't had any significant bleed problems yet). not to diss on double booms, but they do make counterweights that can be applied to single booms. they work great. (also non-olympic size weights fit perfectly on the vast majority of music stands- if you've got them laying around). but always check your booms between takes. if the mic hasn't moved, chances are your player has!
Hey Warren, great video! Loaded with so much common sense. I loved the sound of the Lewitt, I must pick one up. One thing that I noticed that you didn't touch upon (and I'm not criticizing, I realize this is a demonstration) is the intonation of the instrument. Your Yamaha had an intonation issue that is quite common and can be a source of frustration when tracking. I mention this because I am a pro luthier and my ear recognizes this when I hear it. Your guitar has intonation issues down by the nut. When you play an open G major it sounds fine, same with the open A major.....but, when you play an open C or D major it goes sour. This is usually a problem because of the string slots in the nut being cut too high, and so the extra amount the string travels to get to the fret makes it sharp. Sometimes believe it or not this can also be remedied by simply moving the nut forward towards the first fret by a small amount. Or if one wants to get ultra fussy a nut can be built with individual string compensation. But most often, just moving the nut towards the first fret makes a huge difference in sweetening the temper. I build that compensation right into guitars I make (depending on the scale length)...
The most common problem I deal with when recording acoustic is finger noise. A healthy application of skin moisturizer to the finger tips helps kill it at the source. Would be nice to hear Warren's thoughts on minimizing finger noise.
I try not to slide my fretting fingers, and just jump to where I want to go. It takes practice, but it allows you to intentionally make squeaks when nuanced. Coated strings help reduce that as well
Great video! I actually use the DI next to the mic sometimes... I blend the sounds...
I love the close micing technique on the lower part of the body. I actually use only this technique at the moment.
On my acoustic Yamaha you can sometimes here the small piece of strings from the nut to the tuning keys ring/resonate as well so I put a small piece of blanket in between them to dampen that sound.
I heard some squicky chairs on professional records btw...It gives a natural feel (if you're going for that of course).
Brilliant advice, even down to choosing the correct non-creaking chair and mic stand! Thanks Warren, great stuff.
Aw shucks thanks ever so much ShiningHourPop!
Really like this video. You clearly explained the real differences in sound and the reasons. Moreover it's one fo the very few videos on youtube, in which you can listen to the differences (besides the youtube compression etc). You clearly put in highlight many aspects that can help people to record with more sureness their guitar (and not only)
one of the most thorough videos I have ever seen on this. Great job, Warren & thank you!
I paused this halfway through and got my mics out and did some testing of my own. As always Warren you inspire us all. Thank you.
Always great content, helpful and I learn something new. thanks W.
Such USEFUL information! Thank you so much for your generous thoughtful insight and presentation.
Great video Mr. Warren! Thanks for covering so much ground here. They all sounded incredible and the LCT 240 and the Mini K47 ended up being my faves. All incredibly affordable, great sounding mics here. Great education and playing!
I've been flailing around with ideas about recording for decades Warren, and your videos are helping me to focus on getting basics right. Very much appreciate your unique and inspiring style of lesson delivery. Thank you.
Great video. So nice to hear all those mics. One thing that I learned about pick choice; I play with a person who is a fantastic songwriter but has a tendency to clunk the pick into the top of the guitar pretty often. Drives me nuts. So, then I noticed that I DO IT TOO. One day I happened to pick up one of those little Jazz III picks. It's shorter so I end up with less pick poking out and it pretty much solved the problem. It took me a little getting used to but I feel like it has perhaps tightened up my picking or made me more economical in my movements.
Also, I have a pair of those Roswell 47s and I really love them! I might try one of those Aspen Pittmans too! Thanks again.
My take from this is you made all of them work
Warren, thanks for all the wisdom man. Seriously. I’m doing all the academy stuff because I was just handed a studio (long story) and just when I thought I was done with music. The universe had another idea. So I’ve needed to brush up and berthing you’ve been doing has helped so much. Seriously. You’re the man.
This video is what I have needed to see! Thank you so very much!!
the aspen sounds the best to me by a long shot im looking for something that brings out alot of high end and sounds quite bright and none of the others did anywhere near the job of this mic, thanks so much for the video btw, really useful :)
Ooooh..... that Lewitt sounds lovely!
I agree Gerry!
give a man a guitar and he will never get old . Nice
Wow! That shirt! It's making you go back and forth between dimensions!
Wonderful video, especially the covering of "small things" like pick choice (a different sound for $ 1.50 anyone? There you go ...), keeping buttons and bijouterie away from the instrument and the "quiet stool".
Also, nice to see that it is true: you do not a big budget to get a good acoustic sound (but you need a good guitarist).
One comment though: the BOOM is not in the soundhole, it's more in the proximity effect of the mics. Go and try an omni in a good, quiet room ;o)
It's kinda both I think. I get boom from some even on the 5th fret, so proximity matters too. Good recommendation on pick changes, it matters.
I'm still trying to get my hands on a Shure SM57. Very nicely done video. Thanks for sharing.
Sweetwater!
Thank you.
Your guitar playing is enjoyable to listen to because inspired.
Peace.🙏
Thank you for all of your advice. I just started recording and your videos are very helpful. Speaking of creaking chairs...one of my favorite acoustic guitar solos follows a chair creak... Paul McCartney's "Somebody who Cares" -Tug of War
I always like to do both a di-out to the di in of my Audient mixer and get a microphone to record the guitar and then mix and blend it in post.
I had a kid once in my studio (let's call him Mr Smart Ass!!) Who once said to me (in a cocky manner) " All the professionals use really expensive mics and set it at 12th fret...... what do you use?"
I looked him straight in the face "What do I use???.... get ready kid cos you're gonna learn something here" - I put my arm around his shoulder and whispered.......
"I use my ears!"
Lesson learned
Great video proving clearly that with the correct application and understanding your guitar, studio acoustics and mics at your disposal - there aremany ways to capture the sound.
Incidentally - I normally use an Sm57 or a Rode NT1-A ...... but I am loving that Aspen Pittman mic.
Awesome man!!
Haha great stuff! Yes, the biggest compliment I ever got on my acoustic guitar sound was from Mark Endert, he asked me how I got such a great acoustic sound, I said an SM57. He said, go figure, that’s how I get the best acoustic guitar sounds too!
@@Producelikeapro first studio I ever worked in and learned my trade was set up by Brian Eno.... Great guy!
Thank you for this nice and helpfull video. Could be nice to have some parts of all mics on your favourite spot next to each other to compare side by side directly.
Excellent video Warren! I agree picks makes a huge difference. Using a .50-70mm pick for strumming chords will give a nice bright percussive sound. For leads a 1.5-2mm will give a nice fat and warm sound. Im using a KM 184 that i like a lot, but some of these affordable mics sounds really good. The Lewitt mics sounded great! Oh.. I really like the Rowell as well. Nice! Thanks Warren! You rock!
Excited to find out what kind of mic I should purchase for this. Everything I’ve done has been in the box so far can’t wait to move up to analog! Thanks warren!
That's amazing to hear Shaun! I'm so glad to be able help!
Produce Like A Pro Thanks Warren! I just started recording this year, but I was watching a lot of UA-cam on it for months before hand and your tutorials have been a massive help. Keep up the great work and I promise to do the same. 👍
Thanks, Warren. This is a great video with lots of helpful information. Have you considered doing a similar one on fingerpicking the guitar using different mics and placements? I'll bet a lot could be learned from that.
Thanks! That’s a great idea. I love using the single small diaphragm on the lower part of the body for finger picking
Just saw a recent video from Joe Gilder of Home Studio Corner about recording finger picked acoustic guitar. He suggested recording in stereo wiht a pair of small diaphram condensers in an XY pattern, directly across from the sound hole. I'm curious as to your thoughts on that technique. Thanks.
3 of my 6 guitars are classical. I use 2 mics: 1 by the bridge and 1 at the neck. Serves me very well.
The Aspen Pittman DT1, great! And I really have probs because my chairs are creaky! And great demo about recording guitar! 👍
i use a .73mm dunlop nylon pick for everything.
super versatile.
That's a great tutorial ... I find it very helpful to hear the different mic positions on the neck! That´s is a good starting point to look for the sound you're going for, before putting on eq and compression. great video here! Many thanks, hang on
Phenomenal video! It really helps that you just focused on the actual recording part and didn’t skip to a bunch of DAW stuff. I have two small condensers (SM 81). I’m wondering what the advantage or disadvantage of using both at once is, especially in a situation where I can’t hard pan them left and right. Cheers!
Impressive video, you just had saved us years of hard work and a lot of headaches. Thank you so much.
Very detailed and helpful. Thank you
Amazing video! Just what I needed. Thank you so much!
The 57 was surprisingly amazing! Heck, I’ve already got two or three of those things. I will give it a go.
Thank you so much on another informative video as always!! Thanks for always taking the time to show us your thought process and how you go about recording even with a super simple set up!!! You’re amazing as a person and as a teacher!
Thanks ever so much Josue!!
1- what are mic placement suggestions for a bedroom compared to your treated control room? 2- why LDC upside down? Sinatra vibe or for sonic reasons? Thank you!!
Hi Peter, all room differ, all 'professional' studios sound very different from each other! You Should be able to get great results whoever you are! You can do the LDC upside down, however it's not the only way and everyone has a different opinion!
The reason why people sometimes mount LDC microphones upside down is mostly historical. See, long ago the built-in preamps/impedance converters of condenser microphones were based exclusively on tubes, because back in the day there were no other devices capable of achieving the needed input impedance, which has to be very high in this case. Tubes generate heat, but you don't want the microphone capsule to be disturbed by the upgoing stream of heated air. So people mounted microphones in a way which allowed the capsule to be placed lower than the body with the preamp, away from the stream of hot air from the tube electronics, in other words, upside down.
Today built-in preamps are mostly based on FETs, solid state non-heated devices, so there's no technical reason to mount the microphone in a specific way. Place it in a way which works best for you in terms of wiring and/or aesthetic. :) But of course, if you are using some specific model which has a tube preamp, you better place it upside down.
@@baroque_engineer Thanks for clarifying. Always wondered about that.
I love the idea of the guitar being a rhythmic percussive instrument like a shaker. Reminds me of the Holy Trinities - Guitar video where Jack Stratton describes the guitar as 'a tambourine with a ton of different pitches'.