Recording Acoustic Guitar?

Callum McGaw

Callum McGaw

Well-Known Member
I have done a number of acoustic recordings on my channel...

But I want better quality...

So could anyone recommend:-
1.Software
2.What kind of microphone
3.What kind of Audio interface
4.any other hints or tips.

Thanks guys :)
 
1. I don't think the software matters that mach in terms of quality. Personally, I use Cuabase 5.
2. You wanna go for a condenser microphone if you want to record acoustic guitar. Right now I use a single Rode NT1-A, it has served me well but I'm also looking to improve my quality so I'm planning on getting a matched pair of Rode NT5's.
3. I recommend getting a Focusrite product (I use a Scarlett 2i2), they are good. Just look out for the number of inputs.
4. Mic positioning is crucial. Also, a little mixing can do wonders (lately a fellow YouTube guitarist does the mixing for me and the results are -even with just my single mic- amazing!)
 
Peter said:
1. I don't think the software matters that mach in terms of quality. Personally, I use Cuabase 5.
2. You wanna go for a condenser microphone if you want to record acoustic guitar. Right now I use a single Rode NT1-A, it has served me well but I'm also looking to improve my quality so I'm planning on getting a matched pair of Rode NT5's.
3. I recommend getting a Focusrite product (I use a Scarlett 2i2), they are good. Just look out for the number of inputs.
4. Mic positioning is crucial. Also, a little mixing can do wonders (lately a fellow YouTube guitarist does the mixing for me and the results are -even with just my single mic- amazing!)
Click to expand...


Thank you, man! I also have a single Rode - NTA-1 Mic... However I want better quality recordings. Mines dont sound nearly as good as people like... Eddie Van der Meer or Max Roest..

I'll look up some tutorials to help me out... Thanks again!

P.S Nice Video (Passenger - Let her Go) - I've Subbed, also!
 
Callum McGaw said:
I also have a single Rode - NTA-1 Mic..,
Click to expand...

What kind of interface are you using?

I think people tend to focus on equipment, when a little acoustic treatment and attention to the room you're recording in can help a lot. You can try something as simple as hanging some heavy blankets from the walls and working to reduce ambient noise in the room (watch out for electronics, heaters, air conditioning units...) Play around with microphone positioning and room positioning as well.

In whatever software you end up using (I personally use Logic Pro) compression, EQ, and reverb will probably be the main tools you'll use to tweak and improve your sound. I've found Sound on Sound articles really helpful for learning about different techniques.
 
Callum McGaw said:
Thank you, man! I also have a single Rode - NTA-1 Mic... However I want better quality recordings. Mines dont sound nearly as good as people like... Eddie Van der Meer or Max Roest..

I'll look up some tutorials to help me out... Thanks again!

P.S Nice Video (Passenger - Let her Go) - I've Subbed, also!
Click to expand...
Yeah, Eddie uses a matched pair of Rode NT5's and also he's the one doing my mixes, it really makes a difference (my older videos sound a bit.. duller). :P
 
Callum McGaw said:
I have done a number of acoustic recordings on my channel...

But I want better quality...

So could anyone recommend:-
1.Software
2.What kind of microphone
3.What kind of Audio interface
4.any other hints or tips.

Thanks guys :)
Click to expand...
The software isn't as important as the equipment.
As long as you have a good microphone you are set.
We personally use Mixcraft 6 with the Audio Technica 2020.
We ran them through a mixerboard for a while but it was actually more trouble than it was worth.
We just used mixcraft's interface and used that to mix down our tracks.

If you really want to spice it up get an electric acoustic and plug directly in and you will be golden =)
 
Callum McGaw said:
I have done a number of acoustic recordings on my channel...

But I want better quality...

So could anyone recommend:-
1.Software
2.What kind of microphone
3.What kind of Audio interface
4.any other hints or tips.

Thanks guys :)
Click to expand...
I can not check right now, since my internet decided to go have a "1999 nostlagia trip" in terms of its speed.

But, have a look at ultimate guitar forums, they might have some sub sections or topics on that. And also if I recall reddit has a sub reddit called "we are the music makers" and a few others, where they might cover that topic.

I would also recommend reading about acoustics itself, since every case is unique, depending on your place of recording alone, and reverbs and echoes and dampening are unique to every situation.

As for recordings software, I use REAPER, and I enjoy using it, due to its interface and just all around stuff.
 
Peter said:
1. I don't think the software matters that mach in terms of quality. Personally, I use Cuabase 5.
2. You wanna go for a condenser microphone if you want to record acoustic guitar. Right now I use a single Rode NT1-A, it has served me well but I'm also looking to improve my quality so I'm planning on getting a matched pair of Rode NT5's.
3. I recommend getting a Focusrite product (I use a Scarlett 2i2), they are good. Just look out for the number of inputs.
4. Mic positioning is crucial. Also, a little mixing can do wonders (lately a fellow YouTube guitarist does the mixing for me and the results are -even with just my single mic- amazing!)
Click to expand...


Could you elaborate on why you suggest condensers?

My personal recommendation is a Shure SM-57 which is a dynamic mic. One of the best standard instrument mics on the market IMO.
 
Tarmack said:
Could you elaborate on why you suggest condensers?

My personal recommendation is a Shure SM-57 which is a dynamic mic. One of the best standard instrument mics on the market IMO.
Click to expand...
As far as I know, condenser microphones have much better high frequency reproduction and much better transient response, which you need for acoustic instruments. It's just my opinion though. :) However, my first mic was a Shure SM-57 and it sounded nothing like my Rode NT1. Maybe it works with some post-production on the recorded track if you're using it in a mix (I mean multiple instruments, even vocals) but if you're playing solo acoustic guitar like I do (and I think OP too) then it just simply won't cut it.

That was just my experience anyway. :P
 
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