How to record acoustic guitar + singing?

[MagicalTrevor]

I've been playing the acoustic guitar for a little while now, thanks for your advice in getting started.

I think I'd like to record my playing so I can maybe sing over the top or even have two guitar tracks (I've got the hang of Pink Floyd Wish you we here) + vocals.

What's a good way to do this? What sort of microphone would I need and what equipment? I have a PC with a decent sound card but if that helps.

Thanks

[Steffan]

Good question.

The use of sampling and Midi instrument has combined with the IT revolution so that virtually all modern music is recorded via a PC.

Many free programs like Audacity and other will help create multi track voice and instrument recordings.

One golden rule.

The best microphone you can afford the better ones are a LOT better.

A room with good acoustic properties helps. Damping with curtains, carpet etc etc will help reduce standing waves and resonance.

Joe Meek, the legendary Music Producer, frequently set up microphones and drums in a bathroom to get the BOOM BOOM sound and he sold millions and millions and millions of records.

Good luck

[davepoth]

Depends on how you want to do it really. You can get decent results with one microphone, but the room usually needs to be acoustically treated for that because you'll lose too much of the sound otherwise.

I like to mic up the guitar and use a separate mic for the vocals, but that can be a bit tricky if you aren't used to it as you have to keep the guitar in exactly the right place, which needs practice.

So the easiest thing is to install a soundhole pickup (they aren't permanently fixed and don't damage the guitar) and run it straight into your input that way. It's not quite such a nice sound, but it's pretty good.

You'll want to go for something like this

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/recording-studio/det...

To get a decent input without a lot of hiss. It also comes with some pretty handy software for recording.

Microphone wise, you'll do best to get a Shure SM58 or SM57. They're more or less the standard for live work mainly because they don't break often. The 58 is more for vocals, the 57 more for instruments, but both work well for both.

That'll get you a basic setup for about £200.

[MagicalTrevor]

Thanks.

So it sounds like it's best to treat the vocals and instrument separately? In terms of the guitar, would I be best spending the money on a soundhole pickup rather than a microphone?

[davepoth]

MagicalTrevor said:

Thanks.

So it sounds like it's best to treat the vocals and instrument separately? In terms of the guitar, would I be best spending the money on a soundhole pickup rather than a microphone?

Soundhole pickups are a bit more versatile (useful for open mic nights too) so that's probably the way I would go. It'll be a bit cheaper than a second microphone too.

The majority of sound engineers will tell you that the better separated the various sound sources are, the better the resulting sound will be; it's certainly the modern view.

[MagicalTrevor]

davepoth said:

Soundhole pickups are a bit more versatile (useful for open mic nights too) so that's probably the way I would go. It'll be a bit cheaper than a second microphone too.

The majority of sound engineers will tell you that the better separated the various sound sources are, the better the resulting sound will be; it's certainly the modern view.

Ta

[KB_S1]

davepoth said:

MagicalTrevor said:

Thanks.

So it sounds like it's best to treat the vocals and instrument separately? In terms of the guitar, would I be best spending the money on a soundhole pickup rather than a microphone?

Soundhole pickups are a bit more versatile (useful for open mic nights too) so that's probably the way I would go. It'll be a bit cheaper than a second microphone too.

The majority of sound engineers will tell you that the better separated the various sound sources are, the better the resulting sound will be; it's certainly the modern view.

Not necessarily.

Have a listen to the likes of Ray LaMontagne's albums. A lot of spill from each source, sounds perfect for what it is.

Number one rule is do what captures the performance best. If you plan to play and record at the same time a good option 'may' be to have one good mic and pre amp capture the performance. Multiple mic's can introduce phase and other time related problems.
I very much doubt you are wanting to spend money on fully pro gear though?

It might be better to get in touch with some local colleges/uni's and see if they are looking for musicians for students to work with.

Where are you based?

[MagicalTrevor]

KB_S1 said:

Not necessarily.

Have a listen to the likes of Ray LaMontagne's albums. A lot of spill from each source, sounds perfect for what it is.

Number one rule is do what captures the performance best. If you plan to play and record at the same time a good option 'may' be to have one good mic and pre amp capture the performance. Multiple mic's can introduce phase and other time related problems.
I very much doubt you are wanting to spend money on fully pro gear though?

It might be better to get in touch with some local colleges/uni's and see if they are looking for musicians for students to work with.

Where are you based?

Thanks. I'm in Bristol.
I'm just after something for my own personal enjoyment so working with colleges/unis are probably above my skill level really

[metbandit1]

usually if I want to do something like this, ill just record it on camera, play it on Pc and then play some solo stuff over the top of it.

Not the best quality in the world, but it does the job.

Can always buy guitar - computer interfaces.