IT'S TIME TO ANNOY THE NEIGHBORS... MIC SELECTION, TIPS & TECHNIQUES
ELECTRIC GUITAR (OR BASS)
You’ll need a mic that can handle volume, so unless your style is super subtle, we’d recommend a dynamic mic such as the SM57. However, if it is on the quieter side, you could try a condenser. Options: SM57, SM7B, Beta 52A
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
One or two mics is the key question here. If it’s one, go with a condenser. If it’s two, then mix up a condenser and a dynamic to add some tonal variation. Options: PGA81, SM81, KSM137
ELECTRIC GUITAR & BASS
Point the mic at the center of the speaker cone for a bright sound, or towards the edge for a rounder tone.
As for distance, put the mic in close if you don’t want to hear the room sound. If you do want to add a bit of those tones, try moving it 6-12” away.
With the one mic option, place it about 3” away, directly in front of the sound hole.
If you have a second mic, you have two options. If you want a warm, deep sound, place it about 4 feet away to capture the room. If you want a bright sound with lots of dynamics, point it directly at the 12th fret.
PRO TIP: If your amp has a DI output on the back you can use this to record a second channel of your guitar simultaneously. The result: a tone that’s as beefy as a Jack White bicep.
Known for her blistering blues-rock chops, Texan guitarist Emily Wolfe is a master at tonal experimentation. And she always makes sure her home setup is just as wild as what she takes on stage.
“When I’m recording I like to try as many things as possible whether it’s different mics, amps or pedals,” she says. “I also use my full setup, with my entire pedal board. We recorded my latest album in a garage space, and you can still find room for a huge board in there.”
As for advice on recording, Wolfe says you have to put your ego aside:
“As a guitarist, sometimes when you’re recording you have to shift your mentality. You have to make the guitar a part of the song, rather than the song being based on the guitar. It took me a while to learn that, but I’m glad I did. That said, I’ll still rip a solo whenever I can.”
LISTEN TO THE FULL EMILY WOLFE SIGNAL PATH EPISODE NOW
This episode was recorded with an SM7B and Emily's own SM57. Find more Signal Path interviews with the people shaping the world of audio here.
