What sort of settings do you recommend for my mixer when recording acoustic guitar?

Question

I've got an Alesis Multimix 8usb and I'm trying to record my acoustic guitar. I can't figure out what I should have my EQ settings at (hi, mid and lo), and the Aux settings. Any recommendations? I.E. should the hi be turned towards the right, the mid turned towards the left, that sort of thing.

Answer 1

When I've recorded guitar I've recorded with mids normal, treble with slight boost to taste, and bass rolled back to 30-40%.

I second the other answer - too much bass=mud, and guitars can make a lot of mud. Cut the bass, keep the mids, boost treble a bit to bring out the clarity. You can do more detailed EQ'ing with whatever program you're using, the idea is to capture a decent image. With only three EQ controls it's difficult to control the fine points, so I focus on getting clarity and a moderately level response. I can always boost the volume in the program I'm using, if my mic's or hardware isn't too noisy, or if I don't have too much background noise.

I second the mic thing, too. From at least six inches (two or three feet if you're a vigorous strummer and don't know how to play softly) aim the mic at the place where the neck meets the body. This is a great place to start from.

Rule of thumb is to cut before boost, and use as little EQ as you need. Cutting bass is okay, but only boost as much treble as you absolutely need, for instance. Try to get the best quality take that you can, don't assume that you can magically improve it in the computer. While judicious use of compression, EQ, and other effects can improve a track, it's always best to not have to use them if you don't need to.

Saul

Answer 2

The best advice I ever had about setting levels etc. is ignore all the instructions and go by your ear. If it sounds right, regardless of settings, then it's right. The most original sounds that are imprinted on our minds have all come through experimentation. Twiddle the k***s until a sound comes out that you like. Not very technical I'm afraid, but that's the way everyone does it.

Answer 3

It depends on your mic and placement and the guitar - but the most common mistake is to record it with too much bass. Especially if you're going to multitack other instruments and vocals. Everything can end up muddy sounding - and the culprit is usually the acoustic guitar.  Try a mic about a foot away and aimed where the neck joins the body of the guitar - and turn down the bass (low) eq - listening in headphones.

Answer 4

A very good place to start as a reference point.... E.Q. should be flat.  ( the 3 k***s on the E.Q. straight up and down) .  A lot depends on whats in your recording environment as well. A room with a lot of carpeting and drapes is going to be "quieter room  to record in.  If theres a tile floor, no drapes, the rooms going to be more lively.  Do a recording with the eq flat... listen to it.. see how close it is to the natural guitar sound.  Anytime you turn a k**b BEFORE recording.... you've already altered what the guitar sounds like in the room its being recorded in.  

  You dont say what kind of mic you are using.  I record with my Neumann TLM 49 Condenser Mic  3 feet away from the guitar.  If you dont have a Condenser Mic.. start at about 18 inches.... see what happens.  If your having to jack the gain WAY up on the Alesis.. chances are the mics to far back.  If its "redlining" and you have the gain or trim turned way down.. chances are the mics to close.

  Also.. placement of the mic in relationship to the guitar depends on the guitar.  If your guitar is very "bright" sounding... have it more in line with the fretboard.  If its a deeper and fuller sounding guitar.... have it more towards the bridge.  Doing so can prevent having to E.Q. drastically.  The less E.Q. in the final mix.. the better off you are.  Placement of the mic can somewhat act as a form of E.Q. in regards to how its placed and how the guitar sounds after being recorded.

   As far as the "Aux" settings..... unless your recording with effects... every aux k**b your not using should be set all the way to the left.  I use an external mixer before everything goes to the recorder... and if your doing so.. a good idea is also to mute every channel not being used.  This will eliminate any unwanted noise coming through.  Rule of thumb.. but.... dont have to hold to it... add effects after recording.  Hard to take an overprocessed chorus or reverb or delay out of the recording if youve recorded it already!

   Lastly.. I havent changed the location of where I record various instruments in my studio for years now.  I have a set spot for acoustics, where my bass amp and guitar amp gets mic'd at.  Ive seen people with a ton of very expensive gear make real bad recordings because they dont know how to use it,... and havent learned the room their recording in.  In turn.. ive seen people with a basic 4 or 8 track CASSETEE recorder make some outstanding recordings because they have learned the equipment they are using along with their recording environment.

   Be patient.... Keep playing and makin music!