Finally someone showing that you don't need to put mics pointing at the 12 fret and close to the guitar lol (unless it's a mic like a 57 that requires to be close)
You should be the top result when you search for acoustic recording. Thanks a lot man. Great production and quality on the videos. Keep at it! Some of these clowns that have way more views don't deserve it compared to what you are doing. What are some of your favorite plugins for voice over cause your voice over sound is on point!
Wow thanks!! I'm glad it helps! I actually normally just use some gentle compression, for voice overs I'm not too picky on the compressor and just grab what's handy but I really do love my vocal mic and that's most of the sound. I use the Lewitt LCT 441 Flex in cardioid or super cardioid mode (it has like 8 polar patterns lol), its like my Swiss Army knife of microphones. I've used it on everything from acoustic guitars to kick drums!
You're very helpful... I'm recording with a Zoom H1, and I'm so unsatisfied... you're microphones are much better (and you play well too!) Thanks again!
Thank you I appreciate it! Zooms are great but I definitely prefer mics and interfaces. You might check out something like a Focusrite 2i2, and my classical guitar gear guide video for ideas on microphones!
1 - I've had issues recording classical (a new endeavor of mine previously more steel string acoustic or electric) and was wondering: is your back close to the wall behind you? 2 - So weird that you played Preludio Saudade,I listen to it daily, with Andante Religioso 3 - Would you say your mic placement is about the level of your head? I've weirdly found often I seem to get better sound when not pointing directly at the body
This was very helpful, thanks a lot Colin! Now I know why my recordings sound like as if I recorded my songs under water! I will record from more distance...Stay safe and healthy!
Nice and all correct, only, if I am allowed mic placement at the level of your head it's weird, I am not a sound engineer (guitarist) but I work with sound engineers and they never used that mic placement, medium distance Y, one mic pointing the body and the other at the 12 fret... Of course there is not a rule and the sound you get anyway is nice.
Hey, first of all thanks for all the very useful videos! Do I see it right that your mics are positioned quite high? So they are not at the same level as the guitar, but around at the height of your head? If so, is there a reason for that? (But maybe I just see it wrong because of the angle :)) Thanks!
@@GBandi No worries! Yeah if I'm just doing audio I like them a little higher on average, but if I'm doing a video as well I don't mind putting them on a small stand and hiding them!
Great demo. I have a question about your sE8s - I know that on paper their self-noise is an impressive 13db. In practice, I've heard that they generate quite a bit more noise, the explanation being that sE only measure the noise of the mic body without the capsule rather than measure the noise of the body+capsule in a treated room. What's your experience with them? Have you had the chance to compare them with something like an Oktava 012 (rated at something like 16db)? Or do you find your mic pres fuzzing out way before mic noise even becomes an issue?
Thank you! I don't currently own both but I'd say they are very similar as far as noise is concerned. I've always been extremely satisfied with how quiet the SE8's are and you're right, I usually find the pre's will add more fuzz than the mic, at least for the situations that I record in. For instance in this video, even with high end mics, I'd never recommend moving them as far back as I did for demonstration purposes haha. But as long as you mic/gain stage properly, I really enjoy using these mics.
You're welcome! And generally speaking I go with 2-3 ft in front of me, depending on the space. If I'm in my home studio I generally will go on the closer side due to the acoustics, but if I'm in a larger space I might move them back a touch.
this is spot on main question when it comes to recording classical guitar. like 99% of everything else, like mixing bridge vs neck, is common sense if you play guitar. i was trying to figure out by looking at a john williams video and that dude was micing himself like a mile from the guitar i was like wtf but then i realized he was in a whole ass church
If I had to guess its most likely the preamps in the H8 vs my Focusrite Clarett! I'd try them out with another interface, or move them closer to the source and see if that helps!
Personally I really like small diaphragm. You might sacrifice a little bass response, but I enjoy how the small diaphragm mics respond to classical guitar and how they preserve the articulation. However, large diaphragms sound great as well and generally are more sensitive, do both are great in their own way! I hope this helps!
@@colindeibertmusic thanks. I have two large diaphragm mics and I like the sound but sometimes I have phase issues. I supose that's a problem with my room. It's not treated. Thanks anyway, Great and simple videos here.
It could be a problem with the room but what I would try is to place them closer together and try to make sure they’re both equidistant from the guitar and that’s probably what’s causing the phase problems. Hope that helps!
Mostly personal preference, but also for some practical concerns. If I put the mics below the guitar it gets a little muddy as high frequencies are more directional, and if I put it level with the guitar it just sounds boomy (I play a fairly loud doubletop), and so to capture a little more highs or "air" I tend to raise the mics up to just around head height. It also has the added benefit of avoiding reflections from the floor if you happened to be on hardwood or something. I hope this helps! Thanks!
I can relate. My first real mic was a Sennheiser dynamic bundled in with a Fishman acoustic amp lol. I might as well have tried to put it inside the guitar to get enough signal.
@@colindeibertmusic Yeah to use the mic pair included with my Mackie mixer/interface I have to maximize the gain, which produces so much noise (I can also hear everything in the room, including all the little chair noises, better than the actual guitar; slightly better for violin but I'll just pick up actual condenser microphones, probably small-diaphragm, eventually)
Try listening on studio monitors or good headphones if you have them! The further away examples have more noise to signal ratio as well as you can actually hear the sound of the room (which is fairly well treated) and if I were to add reverb it could sound pretty strange since you’d hear the sound of the room PLUS the sound of the reverb 😅 Plus due to the nature of the Cardioid mics’ proximity effect, the further away the mics gets the more bass you lose.
Hi! Yeah that close you really wouldn’t! 😋 This was more how you would mic a classical guitar for a concert sound. Generally the 12th works great for steel string or if the guitar is going to be in a mix, but doesn’t necessarily give a complete picture of the guitar.
@@colindeibertmusic I make it a habit to never ever visit the Sweetwater or Musician's Friend websites... That's because whatever you look at there will put cookies in your browser and you will be absolutely inundated from them with ads for that very same product as soon as you open Facebook (not that I'm even a FB fan either). It's so irritating to feel like I'm being spied upon. If one feels like they absolutely must visit those two music store websites, at least use "incognito mode" in your browser to keep them from tracking you. I'm so irritated by them, that I never ever would buy a single thing from either of these stores. (Not to mention they call their sales people "sales engineers"... I wonder where they got THAT engineerin degree. Ha ha! 😅 😂 🤣)
Lol I do too! I'm just curious how most of my audience who are usually classical guitarists would respond to that haha. But if you want to hear what it sounds like I have a year old cover of Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times" on the channel!
@@colindeibertmusic Btw, how do you organize the FX chain when mixing? What do you put at the top? Right now I'm going Signal > Compressor > EQ > Subfilter > Stereomaker > Reberb. What do you recommend to go first in the chain?
@@LucianoClassicalGuitar Generally speaking for those effects, EQ (with filter)>Stereoize (if not recording in stereo)>Reverb>And maybe a compressor if its insanely dynamic. I wouldn't necessarily compress first because that compression can bring out bad acoustics in home studios. And I almost never actually use a compressor on classical guitar unless its a really dynamic piece and the rasgueados are just too loud.
@@colindeibertmusic Cool man, thanks! I just finished recording something using a bunch of your tricks. Also, my final mix is a bit quiet. How can I make it loud?
@@LucianoClassicalGuitar No problem! And for that check out my Mastering tutorial video. Basically at the very end of your mix you're going to want to put a Limiter on it to raise the volume! It acts like a compressor with a brickwall threshold, and you just steadily increase the volume until it reaches its limit without over compressing it.
third position is by far the most natural/beautiful in my ears
Finally someone showing that you don't need to put mics pointing at the 12 fret and close to the guitar lol (unless it's a mic like a 57 that requires to be close)
You should be the top result when you search for acoustic recording. Thanks a lot man. Great production and quality on the videos. Keep at it! Some of these clowns that have way more views don't deserve it compared to what you are doing. What are some of your favorite plugins for voice over cause your voice over sound is on point!
Wow thanks!! I'm glad it helps! I actually normally just use some gentle compression, for voice overs I'm not too picky on the compressor and just grab what's handy but I really do love my vocal mic and that's most of the sound. I use the Lewitt LCT 441 Flex in cardioid or super cardioid mode (it has like 8 polar patterns lol), its like my Swiss Army knife of microphones. I've used it on everything from acoustic guitars to kick drums!
He now is
You're very helpful... I'm recording with a Zoom H1, and I'm so unsatisfied... you're microphones are much better (and you play well too!) Thanks again!
Thank you I appreciate it! Zooms are great but I definitely prefer mics and interfaces. You might check out something like a Focusrite 2i2, and my classical guitar gear guide video for ideas on microphones!
1 - I've had issues recording classical (a new endeavor of mine previously more steel string acoustic or electric) and was wondering: is your back close to the wall behind you?
2 - So weird that you played Preludio Saudade,I listen to it daily, with Andante Religioso
3 - Would you say your mic placement is about the level of your head? I've weirdly found often I seem to get better sound when not pointing directly at the body
This was very helpful, thanks a lot Colin! Now I know why my recordings sound like as if I recorded my songs under water! I will record from more distance...Stay safe and healthy!
Thank you! I'm glad it helped!
Nice and all correct, only, if I am allowed mic placement at the level of your head it's weird, I am not a sound engineer (guitarist) but I work with sound engineers and they never used that mic placement, medium distance Y, one mic pointing the body and the other at the 12 fret... Of course there is not a rule and the sound you get anyway is nice.
Thank you Colin really great videos!
Your content really helps me a lot. Thanks!
Thank you! I'm glad to hear it!
Such helpful info. Thanks, man.
Nice video, thanks. What height level are you enjoying placing your mics at? Looks around 160cm ‘ish but could be camera angle perspective
I noticed the microphones are pointing straight ahead over the guitar. Aren't they supposed to be pointing at the guitar?
No one talks about distance. U are the first one I found
great video , thanks
Thanks Colin. Very useful insight 👍
You’re welcome!! I’m glad you liked it!
Hey, first of all thanks for all the very useful videos!
Do I see it right that your mics are positioned quite high? So they are not at the same level as the guitar, but around at the height of your head? If so, is there a reason for that? (But maybe I just see it wrong because of the angle :)) Thanks!
oh nevermind, I've already found your answer in the comments! :D
@@GBandi No worries! Yeah if I'm just doing audio I like them a little higher on average, but if I'm doing a video as well I don't mind putting them on a small stand and hiding them!
Thanks Colin! love your playing and this helpful content :D
Thanks man! I really appreciate it!!
Great demo. I have a question about your sE8s - I know that on paper their self-noise is an impressive 13db. In practice, I've heard that they generate quite a bit more noise, the explanation being that sE only measure the noise of the mic body without the capsule rather than measure the noise of the body+capsule in a treated room. What's your experience with them? Have you had the chance to compare them with something like an Oktava 012 (rated at something like 16db)? Or do you find your mic pres fuzzing out way before mic noise even becomes an issue?
Thank you! I don't currently own both but I'd say they are very similar as far as noise is concerned. I've always been extremely satisfied with how quiet the SE8's are and you're right, I usually find the pre's will add more fuzz than the mic, at least for the situations that I record in. For instance in this video, even with high end mics, I'd never recommend moving them as far back as I did for demonstration purposes haha. But as long as you mic/gain stage properly, I really enjoy using these mics.
Thanks mate! Thats really help a lot, how far is your favorite position?
You're welcome! And generally speaking I go with 2-3 ft in front of me, depending on the space. If I'm in my home studio I generally will go on the closer side due to the acoustics, but if I'm in a larger space I might move them back a touch.
When you say closer side would that be 2 feet then? Thanks
this is spot on main question when it comes to recording classical guitar. like 99% of everything else, like mixing bridge vs neck, is common sense if you play guitar.
i was trying to figure out by looking at a john williams video and that dude was micing himself like a mile from the guitar i was like wtf but then i realized he was in a whole ass church
Excellent video! Thanks
Thank you so much!
I like the song. What’s it called?
La Catedral by the great Barrios, this in particular is the first movement preludio saudade
Thank you for sharing this demo. I am working on improving recording. Also shopping for budget microphones. Something like Rhode NT5 any good?
No problem! And yes the Rode NT5’s are great!
Which pair of the mics you were using? By the way, nice playing
Thank you! And those were the SE Electronics SE 8’s in an AB stereo pair arrangement!
Thanks, great video! Whats the name of the song? Love it!
Thank you!! And that was the first movement of La Catedral by Agustin Barrios!
Fantastic video. U have to play louder as the mic goes away from u (atleast u would be worried about picking up ur sound).
Thank you
What type of mic
Wow, how do you manage to get so little self noise from the mics? I use a zoom H8 with sE8 and the self noise is very high!
If I had to guess its most likely the preamps in the H8 vs my Focusrite Clarett! I'd try them out with another interface, or move them closer to the source and see if that helps!
@@colindeibertmusic Thank you for the reply! I will try to test some more with the distance! Love your videos!
When we talk about stereo recording classical guitar, What do You prefer, condenser mic large vs small diaphragm?
Personally I really like small diaphragm. You might sacrifice a little bass response, but I enjoy how the small diaphragm mics respond to classical guitar and how they preserve the articulation. However, large diaphragms sound great as well and generally are more sensitive, do both are great in their own way! I hope this helps!
@@colindeibertmusic thanks. I have two large diaphragm mics and I like the sound but sometimes I have phase issues. I supose that's a problem with my room. It's not treated. Thanks anyway, Great and simple videos here.
It could be a problem with the room but what I would try is to place them closer together and try to make sure they’re both equidistant from the guitar and that’s probably what’s causing the phase problems. Hope that helps!
@@colindeibertmusic thanks, I 'll try that.
Great content!
Thank you!!
I notice you have the mics at around head high? Is there a reason for this? Thanks.
Mostly personal preference, but also for some practical concerns. If I put the mics below the guitar it gets a little muddy as high frequencies are more directional, and if I put it level with the guitar it just sounds boomy (I play a fairly loud doubletop), and so to capture a little more highs or "air" I tend to raise the mics up to just around head height. It also has the added benefit of avoiding reflections from the floor if you happened to be on hardwood or something. I hope this helps! Thanks!
Colin Deibert Thanks, I use a ’lattice’ constructed guitar, that is punchy in sound.
You didn’t mention the measurements of distances, that would have been helpful as it’s hard to see on camera
Not close enough lol (I'm using dynamic mics because a pair of them were bundled with my mixer/interface so I'm trying to make it work)
I can relate. My first real mic was a Sennheiser dynamic bundled in with a Fishman acoustic amp lol. I might as well have tried to put it inside the guitar to get enough signal.
@@colindeibertmusic Yeah to use the mic pair included with my Mackie mixer/interface I have to maximize the gain, which produces so much noise (I can also hear everything in the room, including all the little chair noises, better than the actual guitar; slightly better for violin but I'll just pick up actual condenser microphones, probably small-diaphragm, eventually)
I noticed no real difference.
Try listening on studio monitors or good headphones if you have them! The further away examples have more noise to signal ratio as well as you can actually hear the sound of the room (which is fairly well treated) and if I were to add reverb it could sound pretty strange since you’d hear the sound of the room PLUS the sound of the reverb 😅 Plus due to the nature of the Cardioid mics’ proximity effect, the further away the mics gets the more bass you lose.
I never have this problem, my microphone is 6 inches from the guitar 12th fret
Hi! Yeah that close you really wouldn’t! 😋 This was more how you would mic a classical guitar for a concert sound. Generally the 12th works great for steel string or if the guitar is going to be in a mix, but doesn’t necessarily give a complete picture of the guitar.
what brand of your cable do you use?
Pretty much either Pro Co cables from Sweetwater.com or just whatever I can get from my local music shop!
@@colindeibertmusic I make it a habit to never ever visit the Sweetwater or Musician's Friend websites... That's because whatever you look at there will put cookies in your browser and you will be absolutely inundated from them with ads for that very same product as soon as you open Facebook (not that I'm even a FB fan either). It's so irritating to feel like I'm being spied upon. If one feels like they absolutely must visit those two music store websites, at least use "incognito mode" in your browser to keep them from tracking you.
I'm so irritated by them, that I never ever would buy a single thing from either of these stores. (Not to mention they call their sales people "sales engineers"... I wonder where they got THAT engineerin degree. Ha ha! 😅 😂 🤣)
I wanna see that Marshall cranked up lol
Lol I do too! I'm just curious how most of my audience who are usually classical guitarists would respond to that haha. But if you want to hear what it sounds like I have a year old cover of Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times" on the channel!
@@colindeibertmusic Btw, how do you organize the FX chain when mixing? What do you put at the top? Right now I'm going Signal > Compressor > EQ > Subfilter > Stereomaker > Reberb. What do you recommend to go first in the chain?
@@LucianoClassicalGuitar Generally speaking for those effects, EQ (with filter)>Stereoize (if not recording in stereo)>Reverb>And maybe a compressor if its insanely dynamic. I wouldn't necessarily compress first because that compression can bring out bad acoustics in home studios. And I almost never actually use a compressor on classical guitar unless its a really dynamic piece and the rasgueados are just too loud.
@@colindeibertmusic Cool man, thanks! I just finished recording something using a bunch of your tricks. Also, my final mix is a bit quiet. How can I make it loud?
@@LucianoClassicalGuitar No problem! And for that check out my Mastering tutorial video. Basically at the very end of your mix you're going to want to put a Limiter on it to raise the volume! It acts like a compressor with a brickwall threshold, and you just steadily increase the volume until it reaches its limit without over compressing it.
Cool and cute
Potato