Advanced Techniques for Mixing Acoustic Guitar: Insights from Industry Expert Matty Harris

As a seasoned mixing and mastering engineer, I’ve spent countless hours in the studio perfecting the art of bringing music to life. One of the most nuanced and rewarding aspects of this process is mixing acoustic guitars. The acoustic guitar, with its rich harmonics and delicate overtones, can be both a joy and a challenge to mix. In this article, I’ll share some of the advanced techniques I’ve developed over the years. Whether you’re a budding engineer or an experienced mixer, these insights will help you elevate your acoustic guitar mixes.

Understanding the Acoustic Guitar in a Mix

The acoustic guitar is a versatile instrument that can play many roles in a mix. From a rhythmic backbone to a melodic lead, it’s essential to understand the guitar’s role in your track before you start mixing. This understanding will guide your decisions throughout the mixing process.

The Role of the Acoustic Guitar

• Rhythmic vs. Melodic: Determine if the guitar is providing rhythm, melody, or a combination of both.
• Frequency Range: Acoustic guitars typically occupy the mid-range frequency spectrum but can have significant low and high-frequency content depending on the playing style and recording technique.

Recording Setup

• Mic Placement: I often use a two-mic setup, capturing the neck and body separately. This technique allows for greater control in the mix, enabling you to balance the bright, articulate sound of the neck with the warmer, fuller body sound.
• Panning: Panning these two signals hard left and right can create a wide, enveloping soundstage. However, this needs to be balanced carefully to maintain a natural sound.

Case Study: The Balanced Mix

In one of my recent projects, I worked with an acoustic track where the guitar needed to provide both rhythm and a hint of melody. By carefully placing a condenser mic near the 12th fret and a dynamic mic near the body, I captured a full spectrum of sound. In the mix, I panned these two signals to create a sense of space without losing the guitar’s natural character.

EQ and Panning for Clarity and Balance

Equalization (EQ) is a powerful tool in shaping the acoustic guitar’s sound in a mix. The goal is to enhance the instrument’s best qualities while ensuring it fits seamlessly with other elements in the track.

EQ Techniques

• Cutting the Mud: Around 200 Hz is often where you’ll find muddiness. A gentle cut here can clarify the sound.
• Low-Cut Filter: Applying a low-cut filter up to 90 Hz helps eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble, which is especially important in dense mixes.

Panning for Balance

• Stereo Imaging: When using a two-mic setup, panning each mic to opposite sides can create a rich stereo image. However, it’s crucial to check the mix in mono to ensure there are no phase issues.

Real-World Example

In a mix I did for an indie folk band, the acoustic guitar was clashing with the male vocals around 200-250 Hz. By applying a narrow EQ cut in this range on the guitar, I was able to create space for the vocals without compromising the guitar’s warmth and body.

Enhancing the Guitar Sound with Plugins

Plugins can dramatically enhance the acoustic guitar’s sound in a mix. Here are some of my go-to tools:

Studer A800

• Warmth and Character: The UAD Studer A800 plugin adds analog warmth to the guitar, making it sit better in the mix. I often use the acoustic guitar preset as a starting point.

Transient Shaper

• Controlling Dynamics: This is great for taming harsh transients and adding smoothness to the guitar’s attack.

FabFilter Pro-MB

• String Noise Control: This multiband compressor is excellent for controlling excessive string noise and balancing the guitar’s dynamic range.

Pultec EQ

• Adding Clarity: Boosting around 800 Hz with a Pultec can bring out the guitar’s presence and clarity, especially in tracks where the guitar needs to cut through the mix.

Practical Application

On a recent acoustic pop track, I used the Studer A800 to add warmth, followed by a transient shaper to smooth out the strumming. The FabFilter Pro-MB helped me control the string noise, and a subtle boost at 800 Hz with the Pultec EQ brought the guitar to life.

Creating Depth and Space

One of the key aspects of a great acoustic guitar mix is the sense of depth and space. This can be achieved through reverb and spatial effects, which, when used judiciously, can make the guitar feel like it’s in a real, physical space.

Room Reverb

• Realistic Ambience: A slight reverb can give the impression that the guitar is being played in a real room. I often use a setting that emulates a small to medium-sized room, as it adds depth without overwhelming the guitar’s natural sound.
• Subtlety is Key: The trick with reverb is to use just enough to create a sense of space, but not so much that it washes out the guitar or makes the mix muddy.

Dimension D Plugin

• Stereo Width: This plugin is like a secret weapon for adding stereo width and a subtle chorus effect. It can make the guitar sound larger than life without sounding artificial.
• Application: I use it to add a touch of width to the guitar, especially in solo or sparse arrangements where the guitar needs to fill more space.

Case Study: The Intimate Mix

In a project where the acoustic guitar was the main focus, I used a combination of room reverb and Dimension D to create an intimate yet expansive sound. The reverb gave the guitar a sense of place, while Dimension D added just enough width to make the guitar envelop the listener.

Simplifying the Process with CLA Plugins

While I love diving deep into the nuances of mixing, sometimes efficiency is key, especially when working under tight deadlines. This is where CLA plugins come in handy.

CLA Acoustic

• All-in-One Solution: The CLA Acoustic plugin is a fantastic tool for quickly shaping the sound of an acoustic guitar. It includes EQ, reverb, and compression settings tailored specifically for acoustic instruments.
• Ease of Use: With intuitive controls and presets, it’s a great starting point for getting a good sound fast.

Real-World Use

I remember working on a track where the deadline was looming, and I needed to get the acoustic guitar sounding great quickly. I reached for the CLA Acoustic plugin, tweaked a few settings, and within minutes, I had a mix-ready guitar sound.

Final Thoughts and Tips

As we wrap up this deep dive into mixing acoustic guitars, I want to leave you with some final thoughts and tips that have served me well throughout my career. Remember, mixing is as much an art as it is a science, and while these techniques are a great starting point, your ears are your best tool.

Embrace Experimentation

• Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mic placements, EQ settings, and plugins. Sometimes the best sounds come from the most unexpected places.
• Learn from Each Mix: Every track is different, and each one can teach you something new. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt your approach.

The Importance of Context

• Mix for the Song: Always consider how the acoustic guitar fits within the context of the entire mix. What works for a solo performance might not work in a full band arrangement.
• Balance is Key: Strive for a balance where the guitar complements other elements in the track without overpowering them.

Continuous Learning

• Stay Curious: The world of audio production is always evolving. Stay up-to-date with new techniques, tools, and trends in the industry.
• Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to get feedback from fellow engineers and musicians. A fresh set of ears can offer valuable perspective.

Personal Anecdote

In my journey as a mixing engineer, I’ve found that the most growth happens when I step out of my comfort zone. On one occasion, I decided to mix an acoustic guitar using only analog emulation plugins. This experiment not only challenged me but also led to one of the most organic-sounding mixes I’ve ever done.

Conclusion

Mixing acoustic guitar is a nuanced and rewarding part of music production. By understanding the instrument’s role in a mix, using EQ and panning effectively, enhancing the sound with plugins, creating depth and space, and simplifying the process with efficient tools, you can achieve a professional and compelling sound. Remember to trust your ears, stay curious, and never stop learning.

As you continue on your mixing journey, I encourage you to explore these techniques and find what works best for you. And if you’re looking for more guidance or professional mixing and mastering services, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Mix and Master My Song. Happy mixing!