Hi

I going to record a very simple song... one acoustic guitar track and one vocal track, and I would like some advice about how to pan the tracks correctly.

I know this is probably a very simple thing but I do plan to release this song (Itunes etc) so I'd like to do it right.

My thinking is that I simply have the vocal track in the centre of the mix.

For the guitar track I feel I should make a copy of it and then pan the two identical guitar tracks, one on the left and one on the right, at an equal distance from the vocal track.

Is this the right way to go about it ? If it is, what "distance" from the vocal in the centre ...0..should they be? say if the max panning value to the left or right was 100.

I suppose what I'm trying to achieve is that the song has a nice stereo sound yet if some was listening in mono they wouldn't just hear a vocal or a guitar.

I know this is real newbie stuff here but thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Len

ps I may add a second vocal track.. just a higher harmony for the chorus... haven't decided yet...any advice on this? again with regards to panning specifically

Ultimately it's about what sounds good to you, but for a simple guitar/vocal combo I'd typically have the vocal centred as you suggest.

Mono guitar in isolation usually sounds starkly unnatural. I would record it in stereo and let its natural stereo width carry it. You can find your stereo placement by moving the mic's.

There are numerous stereo techniques, each with their own considerations. You will to some extent be dictated by whether the artist will perform the guitar and vocal simultaneously (which would also limit your ability to artificially pan anyway). A spaced pair of omnis can give a beautifully natural sound, but might pick up too much vocal spill if you want more control after recording.

If the guitar is going to be played in isolation then I also like the neck/over the shoulder placement.

Personally I'll always accept spill in order to get a good performance, but you have to keep an eye on any potential phase issues.

Clearly a lot of this is going to depend on what facilities and microphones you have available to you.

Check back in the mag and you'll see a discussion on recording acoustic guitar which should help you.

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An Eagle for an Emperor, A Kestrel for a Knave.

As always, excellent advice from The Elf.

Just a point about your plan to copy the guitar track and then pan the two tracks L/R. Unless you offset the track slightly (and perhaps add some processing to taste on one track), the net effect of that (as I've discovered) is to put the guitar back into the centre of the mix in mono!

Should you wish to proceed down that route, the most effective way will be to record the guitar part twice - to separate tracks of course - and then pan to taste. Of course it'll sound like two guitars playing in unison, but it will give you some 'spread' - which your idea wouldn't.

... But listen to The Elf... the man speaks wise words!

You have to be careful and not fall into the 'wide as Del' approach that so many are taking nowadays. When dealing with acoustic instruments you have to take into account their natural position in the stereo field and not go beyond it. The same acoustic guitar line panned left and right will not sound natural when mixed in context with just a vocal. It will sound unnatural and therefore will not translate to the listener.

As the Elf has said: record in stereo and let the natural room ambiance take over the positioning.

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Samplecraze
Stretch That Note

The Elf...Mike and Zukan...thanks very much for your sound advice ! Appreciate it.

It hadn't occurred to me to record the guitar track in stereo. Thats the route I will take.

cheers

Lenny