Topic: Recording Classical Guitar

[Cyril]

1) Spend the most on the mic.   

If you want to budget on the mic, check out the Rode NT1.  I've used the NT1, and the NT4, and the NT1 is a much better sounding mic, IMO.   Plus, the NT4 doesn't allow you to spread the capsules, like 2 seperate mics would, and takes up 2 channels.

Thanks for this recommendation. I liked the idea of one mic in stereo and already configured in x-y which I read is good for classical guitar.  Are there other singe stero mics you can recommend that are better than the NT-4, comparable to the NT-1 or better?

So far I am thinking of a single stereo mic --> RNP Preamp --> 4 track digital recorder (either HD or flash).  I am still not sure about that last link...I think the Tascam DP01 and Fostex MR-8 are 16 bit not 24.  Will the difference between 16 and 24 be very noticeable assuming the other components (mic and preamp) are good/decent quality?

Cyril

[heath]

one of my favorite mics for studio use on an acoustic is an AT 4050.  It's not a stereo mic, but it friggin rocks.  Couple that with a small diaphragm condenser on the fretboard, and you're golden!!!!  (although adding that small diaphragm condenser is not a requirement--you can make a damn fine recording with just a 4050)

you should be fine with 16 bit, but if you can get 24 bit definitely do.  More headroom, etc....

at4050:

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/194ac5d60380d624/index.html

you should be able to find one for about $400-500.  multiple patterns (figure 8 pattern is sweet on acoustic).

[pfife]

1) Spend the most on the mic.   

If you want to budget on the mic, check out the Rode NT1.  I've used the NT1, and the NT4, and the NT1 is a much better sounding mic, IMO.   Plus, the NT4 doesn't allow you to spread the capsules, like 2 seperate mics would, and takes up 2 channels.

Thanks for this recommendation. I liked the idea of one mic in stereo and already configured in x-y which I read is good for classical guitar.  Are there other singe stero mics you can recommend that are better than the NT-4, comparable to the NT-1 or better?

There's this one, but you're going to be maxing your budget....  This is a pretty nice mic.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSD2/

I guess I don't see the reason for getting 1 mic that is locked into one configuration- you can take any set of mics and put them in XY formation.  But, as others have stated, the common way of recording a guitar is with one mic at the soundhole, and another at the 12th fret - that might not be in XY - or if it is, its coincidental, and not really capitalizing on the benefits of using an XY config.

To me, the NT4 seemed to lack the clarity/crispness other my other mics had...   I think you might be able to get 2 NT1's for the price of an NT4...   I'd just advise against the NT4 because you are buying something a lot less versatile.  I was always surprised how well the rode NT1 did for my recordings.

So far I am thinking of a single stereo mic --> RNP Preamp --> 4 track digital recorder (either HD or flash).  I am still not sure about that last link...I think the Tascam DP01 and Fostex MR-8 are 16 bit not 24.  Will the difference between 16 and 24 be very noticeable assuming the other components (mic and preamp) are good/decent quality?

I noticed a difference on my digital 12 track when I went from 16 to 24.  But, my opinion - 16 is more than good enough for most applications... its what (prolly) 75% of tapers here tape shows in...  24 is just becoming more accessible and portable to our hobby now.

[Brian]

one of my favorite mics for studio use on an acoustic is an AT 4050.  It's not a stereo mic, but it friggin rocks.  Couple that with a small diaphragm condenser on the fretboard, and you're golden!!!!  (although adding that small diaphragm condenser is not a requirement--you can make a damn fine recording with just a 4050)

you should be fine with 16 bit, but if you can get 24 bit definitely do.  More headroom, etc....

at4050:

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/194ac5d60380d624/index.html

you should be able to find one for about $400-500.  multiple patterns (figure 8 pattern is sweet on acoustic).

I'll have to second this.  you could also go for the 4047 which is the fixed cardioid.

For neumanns near that budget I've also used a km130/140, tlm103, tlm193 with nice results. 

the RNP is a good choice.  I love my sytek preamps with the burr brown IC's.  nice and warm.

[phr]

Re recording to computer: you can get a decent used laptop for $200-300 (try craigslist.org).  You could then either plug in an spdif pc card (Core Sound makes one) or a USB preamp/a-d.  That would give you lots of user interface flexibility, plus you'd be recording to hard disk, no expensive CF cards to buy.  That would avoid your big cable runs.

[heath]

Re recording to computer: you can get a decent used laptop for $200-300 (try craigslist.org).  You could then either plug in an spdif pc card (Core Sound makes one) or a USB preamp/a-d.  That would give you lots of user interface flexibility, plus you'd be recording to hard disk, no expensive CF cards to buy.  That would avoid your big cable runs.

but you'd have to use a core-sound card