How to Find the Magical Sweet Spot

Mic placement can make or break a great take

Author: Paul White, Editor-In-Chief for Sound on Sound and Roland UK Features Team

After vocals, the acoustic guitar is the next most commonly recorded instrument in the home studio, and I have to say that recording using a microphone almost always gives sweeter sounding results than using an under-saddle pickup system. Acoustic guitars sound good recorded over a hard floor, so if yours is carpeted, put down some hardboard, MDF or even a few trays on the surface between the guitar and the mic stand. A reflective wall can help, but you don’t want to let in the room boxiness, so redeploy your duvet so that you have wall, guitar, microphone and then the duvet. More