How do I record an acoustic guitar that doesn't sound boxy?
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Create a free profile →My acoustic always sounds either thin or boxy. What's a reliable starting point?
Also searched as: how to mic an acoustic guitar; acoustic guitar recording tips; best mic placement acoustic
AI starter answer — please verify with real-world experience. Awaiting trusted contributor review.
Boxiness in acoustic guitar recordings is typically caused by excessive low-mid resonance (200Hz–500Hz) resulting from improper microphone placement or poor room acoustics. The key to a clear, professional sound is capturing the 'air' of the strings while avoiding the direct air pressure coming out of the soundhole.
- 1.Position a small-diaphragm condenser microphone 8–12 inches away from the guitar, pointing directly at the 12th fret rather than the soundhole.
- 2.Angle the microphone slightly toward the neck to capture string definition and air while avoiding the buildup of low-mid resonance from the body.
- 3.Apply temporary acoustic treatment, such as heavy blankets or 'gobo' panels, behind and to the sides of the player to minimize early reflections from the room.
- 4.Engage a high-pass filter (HPF) on your preamp or interface at around 80-100Hz to eliminate unnecessary sub-bass rumble before it hits your DAW.
- ×Placing the mic directly in front of the soundhole creates a boomy, muffled sound that is difficult to fix in the mix.
- ×Small, untreated rooms (like closets) often emphasize the very frequencies that cause boxiness.
- ×Heavy-handed compression during tracking can squash the dynamics and make the guitar sound 'choked' and boxy.
Avoid recording in the exact center of a room or directly against a wall, as these areas suffer most from standing waves that exaggerate boxy frequencies.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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