Micing Acoustic Guitar In Garageband, how to get the best sound out of an sm57 Options

[Hugo Cole]

Hi

Purists please cover your eyes. I have been trying to get a non-horrible acoustic guitar sound using an SM57 through the Firebox in Garageband. I haven't been working too hard at it, actually, but what I have done is manually set the EQ with mid gain mid frequency and treble gain all the way up (well, mid frequency is not quite all the way up) and bass gain allmost all the way down. I also have the compressor at 100%. Otherwise, no effects. The end result, although containing a lot of high-frequency noise, at least sounds sort of like the acoustic guitar sound I hear on records, and the noise doesn't come through significantly in the overall mix. My stuff is basically 70's oriented rock. Any tips? Other than get a condenser mic.

Thanks
Ken

[banevt]

I've actually heard of some people using a 57 on acoustic guitar before and getting good results. If you are having to cut a lot of low end out then maybe you are micing the guitar too close to the sound hole. Most times it doesn't really work to put the mic there. Usually the 5th to 7th fret from the sound hole is a good place to start with the mic. You will most likely not want the mic too close to the guitar if you are getting too much boominess you should try pulling the mic a couple inches away from where you usually put it.

[mcrein]

actually, getting a great condenser mic is the answer. (neuman km184) but i've done a lot of recording with the 57s. to get the best result you'll need to experiment of course. i'd avoid the eqing and compressing at the recording stage. try and get as good a sound as u can with the mic and with mic placement. maybe a little eq if you're getting a lot of boominess. at the 12th fret, about 4-6 inches is a good place to start if you're doing a lot of string work. (fingerpicking, lead runs etc) for chords you could also try behind the bridge for a more middy sound. a lot depends on your guitar. maple tops have brighter, more trebbly sound, while cedar is soft and warm. spruce lies in between. though again that depends on the age and so on. as you can see, micing is an art and needs experimentation. these are only rules of thumb to get u started. nothing can replace messing around.

a lot also depends on what you're using the guitar to do. if it's highlighted in the mix you'll want it to cut more. if you're using it as a rhythmn instrument then it can be less distinct. if you're mixing with other instruments such as piano, or especially synths u'll need to watch the mids buildup since these intruments sit in much of the same freq range....
have fun.
m

[Dabee]

You can get a great condenser mic for pretty cheap.
I have a Rode NT2 and it makes a huge difference in the over-all
quality of the recording.
Good luck.

[coburnm]

I've had good luck with an SM57 myself. In my humble project studio it's about the best of got!

If I'm tracking a song with just acoustic guitar and voice, I will cut two tracks and work with them both in the mix to get what I'm going for. First, I'll place the mic at the 12th fret, 4 to 6 inches away. Secnod, I place the mic behind the bridge (same distance, pointed slightly in toward the sound hole) for the second. If you have two available you could track both at the same time, but I find the slight delay I get when tracking them separately creates a nice effect.

If the acoustic playing a more supporting role in a full band scenario, I'll generally stick with the 12th fret technique and use a bit of EQ and reverb to put it where I want in the mix.

Good luck!