Acoustic Guitar - RODE Microphones NT1-A Instruction Manual

Multiple microphones used close to
individual drums & symbols
(ie. Close mic-ing):
To record a kit with a single microphone, we
suggest that you begin by placing the mic' above
the centre of the kit at the same height as the kit is
wide with the front of the microphone facing down.
To record the kit with TWO overhead microphones,
they should be used at a similar height (as above)
and depending on the size of the kit, between
1-2m apart. The mic's would would probably be
equi-distant from the snare drum.
To record a kit using the X/Y stereo technique, two
closely matched (similar) microphones should be
placed (as above in the single microphone position)
with the front of each microphone pointing down,
and each at 90-110 degrees to each other.

Acoustic Guitar:

A common (single) microphone position when
recording acoustic guitar, is between 20 and 30cm
away from the front of the instrument where the
neck and body meet. Adjust the distance and
position to 'finely' tune the desired response. This
desired response will depend on the instrument,
the style of playing, and the sound aspired to.
An alternative popular technique is to use 'smaller'
capsule microphones (eg. ROD E NT 3 3/4" capsule,
or RODE NT 5 1/2" capsule) closer to the guitar,
AND a large capsule microphone such as the NT1-A
further away from the instrument (perhaps 1m +/-).
The sounds recorded by each microphone can then
be mixed as preferred.