How to Mic an Acoustic Quartet
Recording acoustic quartets can be tricky, since you might have to use four instrument mics and four vocal mics at once as well as four direct inputs from the instruments. Recording engineers rarely develop a consistent approach to this challenge since there are so few acoustic quartets in the world to record---even Crosby, Stills & Nash only occasionally included Young. According to Gurf Morlix, who has produced American artists Slaid Cleaves and Lucinda Williams among others, there are no set rules. He says his approach to the task would likely depend on the musicians themselves. (See references 1)
While daunting, it also gives the recording engineer a chance to listen with fresh ears, a chance to break out of the usual two-guitar, bass and drums rock band rut, and most importantly, a chance to come up with a fresh new sound.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Acoustic quartet
- Recording studio
- Up to 10 microphones
- Up to 14 preamp channels
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1
According to Morlix, if it's a true performing quartet you really want to keep them in the same room within eye contact of each other to capture the magic of the performance.
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2
To get some separation between tracks, mic each instrument and each vocal individually. No need for matching microphones---just use the mic that sounds best on each particular vocal and instrument.
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3
Run a couple of room mics for stereo ambience. These two mics should be a matched pair, if possible, and placed higher up and farther back than the other mics used.
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4
Record the instruments through direct instruments if they're equipped with transducers or pickups. While you don't want to depend on this sound exclusively, adding a little bit to the mix can produce a percussive attack. (See Reference 2)
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5
If the recording studio is too small to handle all four performers---or if you're limited by the number of mics available---you may have no choice but to overdub each performer separately. If so, be sure to start with the lead vocalist first and be sure she performs to a click track. Although not the ideal approach, it might be the only way to get the job done.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If recording the quartet at a live performance, you might have to reduce the number of mics on stage. Too many live mics in a stage setting can result in screechy feedback through the monitors.
