Microphone or Pickup?

dreadnought · 04-20-2018, 07:34 PM

When recording an acoustic guitar, is it better to use a microphone or pickup? I've been told a microphone is better since it will record the percussive clicking of your pick.

**Frownland** · 04-20-2018, 07:40 PM

2 mics is best. One pointed at the sound hole and one pointed at the neck. Pickups are best for convenience or very active performances.

dreadnought · 04-20-2018, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frownland

2 mics is best. One pointed at the sound hole and one pointed at the neck. Pickups are best for convenience or very active performances.

Thanks. Why the neck?

**Frownland** · 04-20-2018, 08:06 PM

It's because it gives you a more natural sound. While the sound hole is used for projecting the guitar body's tone, a lot of the guitar's timbre comes from the way that the whole instrument vibrates. The second mic also picks up inflections such as string scrapes and tapping better than pointing it at the sound hole. If you're the kind of person who likes to play the headstrings, then it will pick that up better too. You can also isolate the different sounds of the guitar later on in mixing. There are many factors though, what is your recording space like?

If you're into it and want to create a great record, just pick up a mic and use that. If you have a smart phone you can get a free app and a $10 aux mic. Be creative.

dreadnought · 04-20-2018, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frownland

It's because it gives you a more natural sound. While the sound hole is used for projecting the guitar body's tone, a lot of the guitar's timbre comes from the way that the whole instrument vibrates. The second mic also picks up inflections such as string scrapes and tapping better than pointing it at the sound hole. If you're the kind of person who likes to play the headstrings, then it will pick that up better too. You can also isolate the different sounds of the guitar later on in mixing. There are many factors though, what is your recording space like?

If you're into it and want to create a great record, just pick up a mic and use that. If you have a smart phone you can get a free app and a $10 aux mic. Be creative.

We'll be in a small room, two of us, playing acoustic guitars, and then coming back afterwards with the vocals. Thanks.

~~Dude111~~ · 04-20-2018, 10:13 PM

I say MIKES are better... MUCH better

dreadnought · 04-21-2018, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude111

I say MIKES are better... MUCH better

Thanks.

~~Dude111~~ · 04-30-2018, 05:12 AM

Your welcome my friend

04-20-2018, 07:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
dreadnought Bitter Rock Star Wannabe Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 67	Microphone or Pickup? When recording an acoustic guitar, is it better to use a microphone or pickup? I've been told a microphone is better since it will record the percussive clicking of your pick.

04-20-2018, 07:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Frownland SOPHIE FOREVER Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: East of the Southern North American West Posts: 35,541	2 mics is best. One pointed at the sound hole and one pointed at the neck. Pickups are best for convenience or very active performances. __________________ Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth. d e a f b o x

04-20-2018, 08:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Frownland SOPHIE FOREVER Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: East of the Southern North American West Posts: 35,541	It's because it gives you a more natural sound. While the sound hole is used for projecting the guitar body's tone, a lot of the guitar's timbre comes from the way that the whole instrument vibrates. The second mic also picks up inflections such as string scrapes and tapping better than pointing it at the sound hole. If you're the kind of person who likes to play the headstrings, then it will pick that up better too. You can also isolate the different sounds of the guitar later on in mixing. There are many factors though, what is your recording space like? If you're into it and want to create a great record, just pick up a mic and use that. If you have a smart phone you can get a free app and a $10 aux mic. Be creative. __________________ Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth. d e a f b o x

04-20-2018, 10:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
~~Dude111~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 758	I say MIKES are better... MUCH better

04-30-2018, 05:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
~~Dude111~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 758	Your welcome my friend