Neumann KM184 Recording Acoustic Guitar

[sverio12345]

When I recorded one of my songs with acoustic guitar. I had the problem of holding my breath when I was playing solo and then when breathing out, it could be heard on the track. Also I pressed the guitar too hard on my jeans with the right arm and that could be heard too...

[soundpurestudios]

@sverio12345 There are many techniques that can be use to eliminate those types of sonic imperfections, including microphone placement (and mic selection), the use of gates or de-essers, as well as some editing techniques. In the end, these types of sounds can be very natural and organic, but if they reach the point of being distracting/annoying in the music, a more aggressive approach can be required.

[methodinsane]

What pre are you using here?

[soundpurestudios]

@methodinsane We use several different pres over the course of the video, each of which are discussed/outlined in the different segments. I believe we utilize an A Designs Pacifica, an Anthony Demaria ADL600 (made by Presonus). If you are curious about preamps, and pairing them with mics, we are here to help. We continue to conduct some of the most elaborate mic/preamp pairing tests in the industry, and are glad to displel this knowledge. E-mail us at preamps@soundpure(dot)com

[methodinsane]

@soundpurestudios Sounds great no matter what preamp you use. I guess you have a nice room as well of course ;) Unfortunately I'm a lowly old home recorder. I've an SM57 and Beta58 and a crappy Behringer C3 (got it free). I'm only looking to get simple demos together and use the gear as a composition/writing/arrangemen­t tool. I'm looking to replace that Behringer with a decent mic. But it'll have to do vocals as well and be cheapish. This isn't really so.. oh well!

[soundpurestudios]

@methodinsane Well, we strongly recommend you consider spening a bit more on your gear, that way it will be less disposable. We see it all the time where someone goes through 5 $100 mics, when they could have gotten a Neumann KM184, or a Josephson C42 (for acoustic guitar). While there are some pretty high-priced options these days, there are an increasing number of more affordable items (take a look at the mics from Charter Oak and Peluso, for example), but nothing as cheap as that free one!

[methodinsane]

@soundpurestudios Thanks. Well I was looking at maybe an ADK A6 or a CAD M179 - or even a Peluso. Maybe at a later stage I'll get a SDC, maybe a Joly moded Octava.

[methodinsane]

@soundpurestudios It appears my last reply didn't post. Anyway I was looking at a ADK A6 (or A51 I think) or a CAD M179. I don't mind using a LDC condenser on my guitar because it's not going to be solo, it'll be in a mix but I do want it to be a prevalent sound and fairly accurate to my guitar. At a later date I may get a SDC or a pair of them.

[soundpurestudios]

@methodinsane We can definitely help, although admittedly, we don't focus our attention on low-budget gear. There is so much of it, and we have yet to find really inexpensive pieces that can deliver top-level pro studio results. We can probably help you out a lot, but that budget is going to be difficult... best of luck on your musical pursuits, and if we aren't able to help you on this one, maybe the next time around. You can reach one of our mic experts at mics@soundpure(dot)com

[JJEFFERY7]

i love your videos, because i feel like i learn more than any other video up here

[soundpurestudios]

@JJEFFERY7 Thanks for saying so. The professionals that are involved in these productions are actually available to answer your calls, questions, and e-mails, and help support your studio in being the best that it can be- please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. For example, the pros here monitor the e-mail address microphones(at)soundpure(dot)c­om regularly.

[JJEFFERY7]

@soundpurestudios thank you! your videos helped me deside what i wanted, your "review" on the Neumann TLM 102 was amazing. so i bought it :)

[soundpurestudios]

@JJEFFERY7 Glad to hear it, hope you got the TLM102 from SoundPure! Don't hesitate to run anything by us, we are constantly testing gear (far more than we could ever get into videos!) and always glad to support your recording endeavors.

[JJEFFERY7]

@soundpurestudios actualy i am getting a used one. :/ but i am also looking to upgrade to an 8 track interface cuz mine now has only 2. if you could direct me to one i would be most greatful! :)

[soundpurestudios]

@JJEFFERY7 We just took a TLM102 in on trade- used but with warranty. Give us a ring, or e-mail us at microphones(at)soundpure(dot)c­om, and let us know you are interested in the used TLM102. We can always help you bundle a fine audio interface with the microphone, and hook you up with a great deal on the package. Plus, then you have all of our support and our advice at your disposal as one of our customers- how can you beat that!?

[JJEFFERY7]

@soundpurestudios i dont know if you can! thank you!

Email SENT! :)

[intermediate007]

fantastic sound quality captured with those mics!

[soundpurestudios]

@intermediate007 Thanks for saying so!

[CobraGuitarra]

Fantastic sound and fantastic channel! I need good mics and pré amp to record my flamenco guitar. Whats the price of this recording material? All the best for your channel.

[soundpurestudios]

@CobraGuitarra Thanks, we are here to help! We used a couple different recording paths (preamps) but with mics/pres combined most options were around $3K and up. But you can certainly do very nice things for less as well.  Of course you would also need a converter or computer interface. We can help you with all the pieces of this puzzle, so please don't hesitate to give us a call anytime, +1-919-682-5552, or e-mail sales(at)soundpure(dot)com. We'd love to assist you in your upgrade.

[anatol1204]

km 184 or earthworks????

[soundpurestudios]

@anatol1204 Hey, thanks for the critical listen and question... we can definitely steer you in the right direction, as it totally depends on your set of recording circumstances, and we can and will help you navigate the best choice for YOU! If you would like you can call us toll free, 1-888-528-9703, or e-mail sales(at)soundpure(dot)com. We can definitely help you get into the best pair of acoustic guitar mics for your specific needs- get in touch so we can learn more about your situation!

[Celticsaint777]

I am considering a KM184 because I'm using Composite Acoustic guitars with strong low end. I'm using Beyerdynamic MC930's right now. My room is a bedroom studio and even though I have a lot of good bass traps I'm still getting too much bass even though I'm using good mic placement. Will a bright mic like the km184 be a good choice for a boomy dreadnaught guitar in a room that is also a little bass heavy??

[soundpurestudios]

@Celticsaint777 It's a good question- a brighter microphone will be tilted with more treble relatively than bass, and therefore may improve what you are getting, but all cardioid mics exhibit proximity effect, and the closer you get to the instrument, the boomier they will be. Try backing away from the guitar some with what you've got, knowing that the 184 will be more detailed, bright, and airy. The Josephson C42 is also great in your situation. Give us a ca;ll we can discuss more!

[loborneta]

I just cant stand that every piece of equipment in this videos "has a lot of detail" or "captures all the details" "tube warmth" and such...

[soundpurestudios]

@loborneta Why can't you stand it? What bothers you about those explanations? Can you describe what is happening in the audio in a better way? We welcome any input that you can provide about how we can make these videos better- we continue to strive to make them the absolute best that they can be, and welcome any constructive criticism. Thanks for the comment.

[loborneta]

@soundpurestudios weel i dont konw. im not an expert like you guys. i have watched alot of your videos and they all seam to have the same-ish description for the gear which sends a message to people like me (who dont have access to that kind of gear but plan on buying something) that everything is a perfect solution. Dont get me wrong, i really like what you are doing and it is very helpful but the "description" part needs a little work. But then again im just a little guy... ;)

cheers

[soundpurestudios]

@loborneta In all likelihood there are subtle differences between a lot of the things you might be looking at and therefore the descriptions very well may sound similar. For example, looking at high-end acoustic guitar microphones there are a number of very desirable sound qualities that they all share. However, if you are comparing several directly, or need help on the best solution for your budget, we can help, just shoot us an e-mail sales(at)soundpure(dot)com or call toll free 888-528-9703

[soundpurestudios]

@loborneta It is certainly much easier to compare three microphones together and discuss how they sound different, than it is to describe using words a single microphones. I'm sure that we will be able to help you in choosing among a number of great alternatives and finding the best possible one that falls within your budget. If you shoot us an e-mail or give us a call, we can help quite easily. Despite the similarities among many SDC's if we know what sound you are looking for, we can narrow!

[cypherdrone]

I am looking for this Shock mount for Km184.

[cypherdrone]

I am looking for this Shock mount for Km184.

[soundpurestudios]

@cypherdrone You can call us right now at 919-682-5552. We have Neumann shockmounts, as well as compatible alternatives, 

[skanerost]

What brand is that nice looking guitar ?

Nice video btw!

Im talking about the one with the "G" and wings is what it looks to me!

[soundpurestudios]

@skanerost That's a Goodall. They are truly amazing- made in very small quantities in a very small shop located now in California (the just moved from Hawaii). The quality of these instruments is just amazing... thanks for the very nice comment, and if you have any questions about any of the guitars or recording gear that we are using, please don't hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an e-mail.

[skanerost]

@soundpurestudios Nice thanks for the quick reply, well i was looking at the Goodall Grand concert cutaway, truly a masterpiece only problem i live in Sweden and no one seems to sell them here :(

How much is the price of the Goodall Grand Concert cutaway ? And would it be possible to ship to Sweden ?

[soundpurestudios]

@skanerost Did anyone ever get back to you? We can ship one to you in Sweden, and if we don't have exactly what you are looking for in the shop, we can work on a custom order for you (you would simply pay a small deposit up front, and then the balance when the instrument is ready). Let us know!

[PeteWojMusic]

@soundpurestudios Its actually a Santa Cruz. Very clear on the headstock.

[soundpurestudios]

@PeteWojMusic Ahhh, there are multiple guitars used throughout the video.

[PeteWojMusic]

@soundpurestudios Just to clarify I was referring to the guitar in the opening segment.

[soundpurestudios]

@PeteWojMusic One really nice thing about watching these videos on our website rather than youtube is that each product used to create the video (guitars, mics, preamps, converters, really any part of the chain) is linked to where you can find more info, see videos, read reviews on that particular product (which would also be true of this guitar)...

[skanerost]

What brand is that nice looking guitar ?

Nice video btw!

[viceadmiraal61]

like all neumann there is to much mid range.....it give a very on natural sound

schoeps is more in to the anologe sound warm and gently....

sts digital.nl holland

[soundpurestudios]

@viceadmiraal61 Thanks- it really depends on what you are looking for- we like to use the 184's whenever we are looking for a slightly brighter sound, that will sit in the mix well. While less "truthful" than the Schoeps, this is often a flattering choice for guitars that need to sit better in a mix, or in rooms that don't sound good to begin with ... since Schoeps are so accurate and truthful, sometimes the truth can be disappointing. Also, these are half the price of the Schoeps.

[norm100066]

As someone who listens to (and plays) a lot of acoustic guitar, I'm afraid I found the guitar recorded here (as exemplified by the first little section after the intro splash) to be a bit hyped and fake sounding. For my tastes. No criticism of the presenters or the technique -- obviously the sound must work for a lot of folks. But I'm afraid it sounds quite unnaturally and distracting to me. Nice playin' though. ;-)

[soundpurestudios]

@norm100066 Hey Norm, we have had other comments like that as well. There really wasn't any intention of putting these exact clips in a mix, as this is a solo instrument, which can/should be recorded differently than a layered acoustic deep in a mix. We are presenting a much wider stereo image and attempting to get the guitar to really come out. If this was in a dense rock mix, we probably would have recorded it differently. Thanks for the comment!

[WillSnyderMusic]

You all really really need to check out MikTech, they are hand made out of Nashville... smoking, I just tried one out about 4 days ago. I think you all will be wanting to contact this dude, and sale these microphones for the fact they are about exact to these Neumann mics... they sale for around 599.00 for a single miktec c5

[marcobucci]

Great video guys. I actually purchased one of these mics partially due to this video. Just a question about rooms. What are the desirable qualities for a room if the intention is to record acoustic guitar?

[soundpurestudios]

@marcobucci Really glad to hear that you liked it, hopefully you purchase the mics from Sound Pure! One starting-point for a great guitar recording is neutral rooms (flat frequency response). That doesn't mean they have to be dead- some life in the room can actually be quite desirable, but it does mean that you don't want particular frequencies popping out, or bass getting boomy or muddy. Hope that helps/makes sense? We are here for you should you have any follow up questions...

[tgnylu]

It's hard to determine whether or not the mic'd guitar sound is good because of the guitar player picking way to close to the bridge. Holy crap, talk about in-your-face brash

[soundpurestudios]

@tgnylu Sorry you don't care for Ryan's technique. Honestly, that's his style of playing. Others have made similar comments but many also adore his playing. The mics have top, but not typically harsh- they are known as a world-class guitar mic (a standard, actually) due to their top end presence and smoothness. Generally a well-balanced sound on acoustics. I am afraid what you don't like is our player's style.  Thanks for the insightful comment! Let us know if we can help you with gear!

[tgnylu]

@soundpurestudios Do you stock these mics as a matched pair?

[soundpurestudios]

@tgnylu Absolutely, we keep these in stock. The part number is the SKM184 for the stereo kit of KM184 microphones. Have you been to the website? There is a link our website on the video description, and you can just type in "SKM184" when you get there. If you'd prefer, you can always give us a call toll free at 888.528.9703, and we can take your order, or just answer any of your recording and recording gear questions over the telephone.

[soundpurestudios]

actually, we have some pretty great sounding results with classical guitar. Also, have you tried X-Y at slightly larger distance? This spaced pair works wonders, but aspects of the room, or phase issues can kill the sound- if you don't know how to correct for this, it can be insurmountable. X-Y is a simple way to get a great sound without much fuss, and they do a pretty good job. Wanna shoot us a message and I can send you sound clip link with these on classical guitar, or recommend others.

[Serhio230681]

Great video, great sound!!! BUT, what if we take a classical guitar in the same position? Guess what? NOTHING!

Great mics, really great, but steel intstrument it's not the same with nylon... THAT's reeeally difficult to record.... I hope to see: "how put those AMAZING Mics to record NYLON.."

[nujazzique]

@Serhio230681 @Serhio230681 @Serhio230681 I agree 100%. I achieved good results with similar mic technique. I had no phasing issues with this way. However, trying to fit a nylon string guitar played fingerstyle in a mix later on... not easy at all. The other video with the super-duper expensive Busarino -- good luck w/ making THAT sound work in the mix. How about you make a video of tracking nylon string and then do a mixing vid with the same tracks?

[soundpurestudios]

@nujazzique The purpose of these videos is to isolate the sound so people can hear what the mics are doing. In many cases, we don't mic this way for placing things inside a mix, but if your phase is in check, they sum to mono well, and give you TONS of EQ possibilities for fitting it into the mix. We would typically never try to capture a big room sound if we were going to later put it in the mix. These techniques are most ideal for soloistic passages, or just solo guitar, period.

[soundpurestudios]

@Serhio230681 Actually, a slightly different spaced technique also works great with Nylon, more of an angled in A-B technique (even though these are cardioids) if you know what I mean. I would modify the over the shoulder and place that one out front positioned at the bottom of the guitar/bridge. That being said, we normally try (whenever possible) to record classical in some kind of hall, and if that's the case, these actually do well in XY at a little distance to capture some of the room.

[montezumasrevenge]

Nice noodling...would have liked to hear Free Bird

[raymondl3]

Those sound sooo good!

[hueseph]

Sweet studio. I don't know. I close my eyes and listen. It sounds great to me. Nice tight bottom end. There's plenty of attack. There's plenty of plectrum sound without being distracting. Definitely great sounding mics. Of course it helps to have a great sounding guitar and a great guitarist on top of that.

[hangemberke]

Great, great mic. My problem with this demo, that the guy always playing near the bridge, so the sound is very bright, but I prefer playing near the neck which is a more warmer sound, and I really appreciate a demo with that kind of playing, and maybe more strumming for hearing how much plectrum noise cut through. Great video anyway!