Irish Gigue: possible combing?

[jcamp]

Hello Bashers! Could use a little help here. I think I achieved combing on this, but I'm not really sure. After reading KHR, I have been hyper aware of my use of multiple mics and possible negative harmonic ramifications. I mixed four mics carefully placed. I've been writing this ditty for a few weeks and tried finally to get it recorded. I like the overall sound, but suspect: is harmonic combing. I just don't know. In theory I know what it is, but the "sound" of it is important for me to understand when it is annoying. And I think I am annoyed.

The last note is telling here. Classical guitar, a bit of lower mid EQ, a spot of reverb (maybe the culprit), and mainly 414buls' in the mix (those buggers are sensitive to placement), Oktava 012 and a 319, all on seperate tracks, so combing should be negated?

I guess I should post my signal chain in my signature.

Cheers!

[Geissler]

This is a lovely song, I can't believe nobody has commented yet! The repeating theme really grabs me. Wish I were capable of writing stuff of this calibre.

I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable enough to address your possible combing issues, so the only constructive critique I can offer is to turn down the reverb a bit. It distracts from the playing which really deserves to take centre stage.

Do post your signal chain. What guitar are you using? I'm also really interested to hear how you're using that Oktava 319, as I just bought one and am having trouble finding a good position for recording classical guitar - the bass is ridiculously overemphasised no matter where I place the mic. The closest thing I've found to a sweet spot is about a foot above the guitar, pointing down towards the 5th fret. Have you had better luck than me?

[jcamp]

Thank you for commenting Geissler! Yes, the reverb, in the end, was the cuprit. I am using the 319 about 3' away probably 2' above the guitar aimed straight out but centered on the guitar.

I've been playing with placement today and just used that postion for the 319, and placed the 012 Pointing at the sound hole from two feet away and about a foot above, I like the sound and I think I will try it for the Martin D35. But the best sound I have achieved so far is with the AKG 414s On the classical. I am playing a Woodley White Concert classical guitar (Hauser design) on the track; I am still getting used to acrylic nails. I think I have greatly improved the sound recently by using Hannanbach PSP strings normal tention (expensive!). Overall, I think I will go back this afternoon and try again with 414s and try to get a new ditty recorded, keep making stupid mistakes. : [

My mistake in thinking it was harmonic combing was one of amplitude. And I do need a GREAT reverb VST. I'll post my chain.

[Geissler]

Good stuff, I need to experiment more. No wonder you're getting a good sound, those AKGs are tasty mics indeed, not to mention the guitar.

re acrylic nails, why don't you just let your own nails grow? Do you also play flamenco?

[jcamp]

Just the brittle nature of my particular nails. Should have done it years ago. When I accidentally broke my thumb nail recently, I groaned, and said well, "There is only one sure way I've seen my pro buddies rely on their nails: go acrylic young man." It also will be a better fit when my harp guitar is finished, steel strings. The only draw back is "another" learning curve on shaping and length. And man, they are hard! I have lost tone in the harpsicord timbre (can't remember the name of the technique right now), but for the confidence gained in the "attack" makes it a decent trade off.

[Geissler]

I've been blessed with tough nails but I know the pain of losing a long and beautiful thumb nail - it's sometimes just too tempting to use it as a makeshift screwdriver..

I can also relate to the shaping and length issues. I'm still trying to find something that works for me, though I'm liking them quite short now. I prefer the richer tone you get with skin+nail.

I'll be on the lookout for more of your guitar recordings!