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Thank you for the great advices! I will try everything, what about the input level? I assume that the more I move the microphone away the more I have to increase the input level, right?
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05-15-2024 02:19 PM
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That is called "gain staging" so basically yes but...in the digital realm you dont have the analog noise issues but you also have digital clipping if to hot. This really cant be covered completely in a forum thread but there is much written about it,, would be worth your time to do some googling.
Originally Posted by Dave93
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Hi guys,
I’m trying out new way to record myself, these are recorded with an Oktava MK012, with my new beautiful 17’ Schottmüller’s archtop.
Let me now what do you think about it and I hope that you like it!
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Great sound. Great playing. Thanks for posting.
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I like the sound better on your new recordings.Enjoyed your playing very much.
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Thank you guys
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Hi everyone, I’m trying out different recording methods and I’d really appreciate your opinions and advice.
In this video, I’m recording with a condenser mic placed in front of the lower bout of my archtop, without an amplifier, and adding just a touch of reverb in post-production:
In this video, I’m using the same recording setup, but in this case the microphone also picks up some of the amplified sound coming from the amp:
In this one, I’m using a blend of the iPhone sound and the amplifier sound:
What do you think about that? I’m not very experienced with recording and could really use some external feedback.
I also have the option to use two microphones, but I’m not sure if that would actually improve things, do you have any advice, or suggestions for different mic placements?
Thank you!
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I"m curious how these expensive arch-top guitars react to temperature changes in winter and summer....?
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They don’t have any particular issues, at most, I might need to give the truss rod about half a turn when the seasons change. I do keep an eye on humidity and temperature at home, though. When I take them outside, they don’t have any problems. Originally Posted by kris
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Nice playing!
I like the second one (blended) the best. The two-mic option you mentioned at the end is fairly common, so I'd try that, too.
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Thanks a lot! Glad you liked it. Yeah, the blended one felt the most natural to me too. I’ll definitely experiment with the two-mic setup next and see how it compares! Originally Posted by marcwhy
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Seems you've been at it since 2024 and still searching. Have you considered booking a recording session studio? Originally Posted by Dave93
So you can cocentrate your effort and time solely on your playing.
Just a thought.
Life's good!
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You’re right but I like to try different recordings methods Originally Posted by Zack
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I get it, though I still think you could benefit from spending a few sessions in studio with a sound engineer to explore different approaches and find what works for you. Originally Posted by Dave93
You’re right but I like to try different recordings methods
Your playing is awesome, and so are the instruments you play, so it would make sense to invest in a pro sort of recording, and you'd pick up a few useful tips from the experience too.
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Thanks, I really appreciate that. Honestly, I hadn’t really considered it before, but the more I think about it, the more it sounds like a great idea. Originally Posted by Zack
Spending some time in the studio with a sound engineer could definitely help me explore different recording approaches and understand what really works best for my sound. It would also be a great opportunity to learn a few professional techniques along the way.
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Yes, there's only one way to find-out for sure. Originally Posted by Dave93
I sort of speak by experience. I had been spent time, and money in recording gears to in the end just see all this stuff filling space and remaining unused. Because at heart, I'm only a musician, no techie at all.
So yeah, give it a go if you can. I'm sure you you'll enjoy the experience.
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If you can find an engineer with a great room and the knowledge and experience it could be worth the trip. But, finding that combo might not be so easy. I record a lot of guitar locally (recorded Bruce Forman recently) and had to learn how to deal with less than perfect venues. For home recording the room sound may or may not be helpful. I would suggest getting a second 012 and mic in stereo experimenting with distance. There are many ways to set up an array but starting with near coincident (look it up) and distance you will learn a lot about the effect of the space on your sound. I often also use a single room mic sometimes card sometimes omni to pick up ambiance. Neuman offers a free stereo mic placement calculator that is an education in itself. This takes time and experimentation but its fun and you learn more about your playing and guitar sound in your own space without the clock running $. Also Oktava capsules are excellent and "cheap" treat yourself to a pair of omnis read and experiment. Your playing and instruments deserve the attention and although its work youll ultimately get better results, even when your in the "studio" youll find you know more about recording your guitar than the "engineer"
as a bonus I never have to use EQ, comp or verb...ever
Last, remember to listen back on a variety of systems, earbuds, car, computer, average home system, insane home system....
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Oh maaan! Originally Posted by Rickco
I rest my case
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Having such guitars, I wouldn"t know which one to take to a concert.
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Thanks a lot for the tips, really helpful. I actually already have a second Oktava 012, and I’ve been meaning to start experimenting with stereo miking using the pair. I’m planning to begin with a near-coincident setup and then play with distance to better understand how the room affects the sound. Originally Posted by Rickco
I’m also really curious about using a room mic to capture some ambience, especially switching between cardioid and omni. Do you have any go-to starting points for placement or distance that have worked well for you?
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I feel really lucky to own them, I have two Schottmüllers and two Moffas, all amazing guitars. I have to admit, I pick one based on my mood in the moment Originally Posted by kris
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The methods for room micing in a "sound" room will be found in a number of good guides one is "classical recording" but for most home and small clubs those methods wont work. In a living room for example I recently used a single 012 card for the room after moving it around a bit away from reflections in combo with a 012 with omni cap about 1ft from the guitar (this took some time). If you play in the same room at home try everything. keep notes (i always take a pic of the setup) you may find 1 omni placed fairly close does the job. If you have the patients to experiment youll end up with best results. Find the best and worst playback systems for evaluation. I can listen back on my fancy schmancy system but I always check it on my desk speakers in my car and on my tablet. I went from just doing it for evaluating my playing to now retired doing recording for local college and performance at house concerts and other challenging acoustic venues. Im might add you can also do a good job with a "Zoom" if you want the easy way!
go to the Neuman site and download the calculator!!!
Have Fun
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And which of these guitars is the most comfortable? Originally Posted by Dave93
I feel really lucky to own them, I have two Schottmüllers and two Moffas, all amazing guitars. I have to admit, I pick one based on my mood in the moment
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FWIW ,I think there's too many variables in your recording trials. Start with a simpler setting. I hear a lot of unpleasant room tones that you can't really control with the setup you're using, pointing the mic at the guitar that also picks up the amp, shooting at the ceiling with an angle projection .
Fellow member (Mark Kleinhaut) has achieved much of what you are looking for and has shared his tech skills with the community, I'm sure he would be very glad to answer any questions you might have .
Mark's audio miking setup
Hope that helps
S
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with full respect for the above, a technique that will work well. I disagree completely. If you learn how to mic you can and should be able to eliminate the post production chain thats become popular. I record top artists in compromised acoustic environments regularly. Learning how to mic takes a lot of trial and error. Start with that Decca book and learn about the mics, get the calculator, you really want to record a world class guitar with plugins to make up for insufficient miking? I use a minimum of mics but have a good selection of capsules for various situations. I was told by one of the top engineers "trying to eliminate the room with close micing is making 2 mistakes" and Al Schmidt said "use bleed" 2 things most "engineers" say the opposite. The other plus is in order to get good you have to record a lot which means you have to play a lot, win win
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