Acoustic Instruments Recording Guide

Acoustic Guitar

Microphone Selection

• Small diaphragm condenser - Neumann KM184
• Large diaphragm condenser - AKG C414
• Ribbon mic - Royer R-121 (for darker tones)

Stereo Techniques

• XY: 90° angle, 6-12" from 12th-14th fret
• Spaced pair: 12-18" apart, pointing at bridge and neck
• Mid-side: For adjustable stereo width

Piano

Grand Piano

• Spaced pair: 6-12" from hammers, 8-12" apart
• ORTF: At the curve, 4-6' back
• Add room mics for natural ambience

Upright Piano

• Remove front panel
• Place mics 6-12" from soundboard
• Try inside/outside combinations

Strings

Violin/Viola

• Small diaphragm condenser - 1-2' away
• Point at f-holes or slightly above
• Add room mic for natural reverb

Cello

• Small or large diaphragm condenser
• 2-3' from bridge/f-hole area
• Experiment with height (3-5' high)

Brass & Woodwinds

Saxophone

• Condenser mic 1-2' from bell
• Point at middle of instrument
• Add room mic for jazz recordings

Trumpet/Trombone

• Ribbon or dynamic mic 1-3' from bell
• Angle slightly off-axis
• Use pop filter for plosives