Tell me more ×
Audio-Video Production Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for engineers, producers, editors, and enthusiasts spanning the fields of audio, video, and media creation. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I'm taking a line in from my acoustic guitar. Here it is unaffected:

In my opinion, this sounds terrible. I feel like there's some very offensive frequency somewhere here but when I sweep the EQ I can't find anything that sticks out.

Does any frequency jump out at you that can be eliminated? Or am I hearing something else entirely?

share|improve this question
Possibly 2 things: 1) barred chords sound like your bar finger does not have enough pressure, hence slight buzz, and 2) remote possibility that the 'room tone' is not a good match. For some reason I am having trouble distinguishing if you are playing nylon strings or steel? Which? – filzilla Mar 23 '12 at 21:20
1  
This sounds suspiciously like you've recorded it with a piëzo pickup. Which is really quite a horrible choice, always use a condenser microphone if possible! – leftaroundabout Mar 23 '12 at 21:50
Good one leftaroundabout ! – filzilla Mar 23 '12 at 22:13
thanks everyone for your comments. @filzilla it's steel strings. not sure what kind of pickup I have but yeah, maybe its piezo – scottlabs Mar 25 '12 at 21:44

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote accepted

That sounds absolutely normal for an acoustic guitar with a piezo pickup as @leftaroundabout mentioned.

You can get some lovely sounds from a good piezo pickup (think PRS guitars) but cheaper ones can be a bit odd. You tend to get more pick noise and twang with a piezo.

Your best bet is to use a parametric equaliser and just play until you get a sound you like - as this will be different for everyone.

share|improve this answer
thanks for the response. It sounds great live so I guess my best bet is to avoid recording from the pickup. thanks! – scottlabs Mar 25 '12 at 21:45

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.