Amplifying acoustic guitars for live performances requires careful consideration to maintain the instrument’s natural tonal beauty and project it effectively to the audience. A well-mic’d acoustic guitar can capture the subtleties of fingerpicking, strumming, and chord progressions, enhancing the overall musical experience. In this article, we’ll explore techniques and tips for miking acoustic guitars for live performances, ensuring a captivating and authentic sound that resonates with the audience.
1. Choosing the Right Microphone:
For live performances, dynamic microphones and condenser microphones are commonly used for miking acoustic guitars. Both have distinct characteristics:
- Dynamic Microphones: These are robust and can handle high sound pressure levels (SPLs), making them suitable for loud stages or when there’s a risk of feedback. They provide a warm and focused sound with minimal room ambience.
- Condenser Microphones: Condenser mics are more sensitive and capture finer details of the guitar’s sound. They are excellent for more intimate performances and can capture the instrument’s nuances and harmonics with precision.
2. Placement Techniques:
Microphone placement is essential to capture the desired sound of the acoustic guitar. Here are two popular techniques:
- Soundhole or Body Placement: Placing the microphone near the soundhole or the guitar’s body provides a warm and balanced sound. Position the mic a few inches away from the guitar’s soundhole to avoid excessive low-end buildup.
- Above the 12th Fret: Placing the microphone above the 12th fret captures a more balanced sound with less low-end emphasis. This technique is particularly useful for fingerstyle playing and recording the guitar’s clarity.
3. Avoiding Feedback:
Feedback can be an issue when miking acoustic guitars live. To reduce the risk of feedback:
- Use a soundhole cover or feedback buster to minimize soundhole resonance that can cause feedback.
- Angle the microphone away from the monitors and speakers to avoid capturing their sound.
- Use a high-quality feedback suppressor or equalizer to notch out problematic frequencies.
4. Blending with Pickup Systems:
Many acoustic guitars come equipped with built-in pickup systems or under-saddle transducers. For optimal sound, blend the microphone’s signal with the pickup system. This combination provides the microphone’s warmth and naturalness, complemented by the pickup system’s clarity and projection.
5. Soundcheck and Monitor Mix:
During soundcheck, work closely with the sound engineer to find the best microphone placement and ensure the guitar’s sound is well-balanced in the monitor mix. Pay attention to any potential feedback issues and make adjustments as needed.
6. Direct Boxes (DI):
If your acoustic guitar lacks a pickup system, or you want a clean direct signal for the sound system, use a high-quality DI box. This device converts the guitar’s signal into a balanced, low-impedance output suitable for the mixer.
7. Room Acoustics:
Be aware of the room’s acoustics, as they can affect the guitar’s sound. If the venue has excessive reverb or reflections, consider using absorptive panels or drapes to improve the acoustic environment.
Miking an acoustic guitar for live performance is an art that requires attention to detail and a keen ear for capturing the instrument’s natural beauty. With the right microphone choice, careful placement, and collaboration with the sound engineer, you can elevate the acoustic experience and immerse the audience in the rich and authentic sound of your acoustic guitar, creating a memorable and captivating performance.
