R-TRACK 2X2: How to Record an Acoustic Guitar

Introduction

This guide will walk you through recording an acoustic guitar using an audio interface and a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on either Mac or PC. The instructions apply to any interface or DAW, though we will use the Rockville R-Track 2x2 interface for demonstration.

We will cover:

• Single-mic recording
• Dual-mic recording
• Recording using an acoustic-electric guitar's built-in output

Setup 1: Recording with One Microphone

1. Connecting Your Microphone to the Interface

• Use an XLR cable to connect your microphone to the interface:
  • Plug the female end into the microphone.
  • Plug the male end into Input 1 on the interface.
• If using a condenser microphone, turn on phantom power (48V) for that input.

2. Microphone Placement for Best Sound

• Sound hole placement → More low-end (bassy tone).
• Fretboard/headstock placement → More high-end shimmer (brighter tone).
• Balanced placement → Point the mic where the neck meets the body at about 12 inches away.

3. Setting Up the Recording in the DAW

• Create a new track in your DAW.
• Assign Input 1 as the recording source.
• Adjust the gain knob on the interface to get a clean signal:
  • Avoid clipping (peaking into the red zone).
  • If needed, reduce gain or use a pad switch (if available on the interface).
• Start recording!

Setup 2: Expanding with an Acoustic-Electric Guitar Output

If your guitar has a built-in pickup with a quarter-inch output, you can record it as a second track alongside the microphone.

1. Connecting the Guitar Output to the Interface

• Use a ¼-inch instrument cable to connect:
  • Plug one end into the guitar output.
  • Plug the other end into Input 2 of the interface.
• Increase the volume on your guitar’s preamp.
• Adjust Input 2 gain to match the microphone level.
• Create a second track in the DAW for Input 2.
• Start recording both inputs together!

Tip: Using the direct output alone often sounds less natural than mic recording, so blending both signals creates a fuller, more realistic sound.

Setup 3: Recording with Two Microphones (Stereo Recording)

1. Choosing a Microphone Placement Technique

Using two microphones helps capture a wider, more natural stereo image. Here are three common techniques:

1. XY (Coincident Pair) Placement

• Place two mics at a 90-degree angle, one on top of the other.
• Point the intersection at the guitar’s body for a balanced tone.

2. ORTF Placement

• Position two cardioid microphones at a 110-degree angle.
• One mic faces the guitar neck, the other faces the soundhole/bridge.

3. AB (Spaced Pair) Placement (Used in this tutorial)

• Requires two microphones, two mic stands, and two XLR cables.
• Follow the 3:1 Rule for best results:
  • Microphones should be 3x the distance apart compared to the source distance.
  • Example: If mics are 3 feet apart, place the guitar 1 foot away.
• Left microphone: Point at the fretboard/headstock.
• Right microphone: Point at the soundhole/bridge.

2. Connecting and Setting Up in the DAW

• Connect each microphone to an interface input (Mic 1 → Input 1, Mic 2 → Input 2).
• Activate phantom power if using condenser mics.
• Create two new tracks in the DAW, assigning:
  • Mic 1 → Input 1
  • Mic 2 → Input 2
• Adjust gain levels evenly on both microphones.
• Check the levels in the DAW to ensure balance.
• Start recording!

Conclusion

Recording an acoustic guitar can be simple yet highly customizable based on your setup:

1. Single-mic recording provides a straightforward way to capture sound.
2. Using an acoustic-electric pickup can add a secondary audio source.
3. Dual-mic recording offers a rich, stereo sound with multiple positioning options.

Experiment with microphone placement and blending techniques to achieve the sound you want.