Recording acoustic bass guitar

[jake_xms3_punk]

I want to record an acoustic bass guitar using two mics on seperate channels. I have an audix d6 dynamic and a rode nt3 (i think) condenser. My question is how should I go about mic placement? Dynamic on 12 fret, condenser a few feet back? Or condenser on 12 fret dynamic near the sound hole? Etc has anyone recorded a bass guitar like this?

Obviously I will play about and see what sounds best but I want a rough idea of what I'm going to do.

 

[JohnJohn]

Re: Recording acoustic bass guitar

Try back slightly towards the bridge by the sound hole about level with the strings, and one mid body above the strings.
But play with it slightly to see what gives you the best result.

Does the bass have a pick-up?
Personally I always liked dry direct recording with bass to get a really full natural sound.

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: Recording acoustic bass guitar

Thanks for the reply. It does have a pickup but the preamp is shot.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Recording acoustic bass guitar

+1 for combining acoustic and transducer signals.

I would go with the condenser mic a few feet away, aimed towards the sound board to get the fundamental notes and the dynamic mic closer in to capture details such as picking attack.

Keep the signals on discreet audio tracks. This will enable separate processing and mixing to create your overall sound.

If/when you get a working transducer again, set any onboard EQ relatively flat. Leave your DAW EQ something to get its teeth into, so to speak.