Recording an acoustic....Help!

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:27 am

Just got my recording unit, a Korg D1200, out to record a few of my new songs, and am having a terrible time getting my acoustic to sound good through the playback.... I've tried using three of the different amp model options, and they seem to sound okay through the headphones until I actually play the tracks back--they sound tinny, muddy, and completely lacking in depth.... I was hoping I could just use the guitar's pickup and record directly into the unit instead of miking the guitar, because my family room has far from ideal noise conditions for recording--especially since the kids are out of school for the summer, LOL! Any suggestions? Or should I just give up on the acoustic, and use an electric instead? I've had okay luck in the past recording with 6 and 12-string Ric electrics.

Also, I am one of the most technologically challenged people in the world, so that doesn't make recording any easier for me!

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:04 am

Melissa, it does sound like you have a challenge on your hands. Whichever pick-up system you have, it will never produce the same richness and depth as the guitar itself. I think of acoustic pick-ups as more of a live performance thing, but I don't have kids in my house. I would recommend recording late at night, with a condenser mic, when the kids are sleeping. You may want to record the guitar with a mic, while also recording the pick-up. This will allow you to mix to your tastes, later on.

jsm610 · Post by **jsm610** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:13 am

MB: I seem to recall you have an iMix? If so, record with a stereo patch so you have each pickup on a separate track. Don't use the amp models with the acoustic. With two tracks, you can EQ one with more bass, and one with less and then blend them. Add some reverb (a plate would sound good) and you should get a good sound. If you're still sounding too thin take a look at the adjustments on the imix...

I agree with Steve that with most pickups you won't get a great sound, but the imix will give you good results. Not like recording with a top quality tube mic, but still really strong. The imix page on the baggs site has some samples...

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:41 am

Thanks, guys.... I think the problem I'm running into is that I don't know enough about how to choose all of the options with my recording unit--or how to bypass the amp models altogether.... these things are never as straightforward as it seems they should be for the technologically impaired!

I may just re-do the track on my 12-string to save me more headaches; I don't record very often, because it is such a slow and painful process for me....

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:47 am

I know that this adds a layer on top, BUT I'd record as John M. suggests, but I'd also use a good cardioid condenser mic positioned about 6" from the soundhole, aimed toward the back edge of the soundhole, on a third discrete track. You will need some "outside sound" and "pick sounds" for immediacy...a mix of the three will give you a lot of options so you can get your ideal sounds.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:08 am

Is there an echo in here ?

Agree with JM to turn off any amp models when recording acoustics. Just record the guitar dry. Does your iMix have a stereo output jack ? If so, you should take his advice and record the two pick-ups seperately. Also, set the tone controls flat, before going into the recorder. You can then EQ and mix to your desire during playback.

Melissa, I know it is painful. Recording is grueling work for many people, myself included. However, in the end, you will forget how hard you worked on it, but you will always remember that great-sounding track. Maybe get your hubby involved. Men tend to be better at the technical side of things. OMG, was that a sexist comment ?

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:17 am

Melissa, if your D1200 software is like that in my D16 and D16XD, when you create a New Song, make sure that you use new settings, not the ones for the last song. This will give you the default settings for all effects etc., and may help, too, if it is the amp model (and/or equalization, which is what I'm thinking is making it tinny) that is affecting the sound.

I actually got good sound from the 730L using a Shure SM57 with no amp model, just straight in. I do have a recently acquired Røde NTK tube condenser mic that I need to try out for recording some day when I find the time ...

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:27 am

Thanks guys.... I will give it another try--using the stereo option from the iMix and with a mic on the guitar after the kids have gone to bed...

Steve, the last time my hubby got involved in trying to help me with a recording project he was ready to divorce me by the time we were done, so I think I would rather cause my own headaches and heartbreak this time around, LOL!

Thanks for the help, everyone--you all are terrific.... I think you're helping me get on the right track!

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:34 am

OK, I see your point. Perhaps he can at least help you get set up. Recording music can be like going to war, at times.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:09 am

1- Who or what is an iMix?

2- What kind of mic(s) do you own or have access to, like at a church you could borrow from???

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:11 am

....I'm half tempted to go back to recording my Comstock using my cheap little $12.00 desktop microphone directly into the free Audacity software on my computer--that was my first attempt at recording, and it sounded a whole lot better than what I've been able to do so far with the fancy gadget, LOL!

Like I said, I'll try your suggestions out tonight, and hopefully it will be better!

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:25 am

BTW, JDog, the Baggs iMix is the type of pickup that is in my Comstock.... it's the same pickup that PW is installing in his custom Ric acoustics.

As far as mics, I've got a couple that work fine for vocals, but I've never tried them with my acoustic guitar. If I need to, I can borrow a good mic from my friend Billy D., who has enough gear for an entire band....

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:57 am

I always blend one channel of line and one channel of microphone. I use a Neumann TLM103, but any phantom powered condenser (redundant wording, I know) will capture the highs that are given off from the 12th fret area. If you're feeling jerky, use a 3rd channel with a dynamic mic on the body of the guitar, not near the soundhole. It's bad form to mic the soundhole, since you get a nasty rush of sound that usually sounds muddy to trained ears.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 11:05 am

Melissa....you wont get a great recording sound from an acoustic pickup, no matter how great it is. Fantastic for live, but not for recording. As a rule, if you have a good vocal mic, then that will do for recording acoustic gtr. I always place it around 6-12 inches from the sound hole & pointing slightly towards the neck/treble strings area & you should get a good sound. I use the same mics for acoustics as I do for vocals (although it is always large diaphragm).
Some will mix the DI with mic, but I've never found it neccessery.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 11:07 am

Sorry Jason....we crossed posts!