Eq to make acoustic recording sound "plugged in" or "live"

[Jt06]

pretty much what the title says... i hear a lot of songs where the acoustics in the album version almost sound plugged in as in that it has a slight electric-y feel/sound to it. it isn't dramatic, its subtle, but it makes a difference in my opinion. sounds like the acoustic was recorded completely dry, but plugged into an acoustic amp. Goo Goo Dolls are a great example of this, Especially their song "Sympathy".. any EQ's i can use or something?? I obviously dont want to record with the mic up to an acoustic amp. Then I'll lose quality.

p.s.- thoughts on plugging in and having one mic to the guitar like usual, and one to the amp, and mix in to desired sound???? yay or nay??

[JFreak]

Usually (LIVE) acoustic guitar is plugged in using DI box or a wireless system. Either way, it is not common to run it through an amp -- so what you need to do is EQ and COMP properly. And after that, add reverb to your liking...

It is up to your own taste whether you aim for "body" or "shine" but with a good guitarist and a good instrument, you have hard time failing in either one

[noah330]

Try something like the Waves CLA unplugged or running your acoustic signal through Guitar Rig with a Twin or JC-120 on a send.

[edwinstar]

interesting observation! i would suggest micing the acoustic guitar as usual and in addition to that also record a di signal (if the guitar has a built in pickup). blend those sources and see if it brings you that sound...


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[JFreak]

Originally Posted by edwinstar

interesting observation! i would suggest micing the acoustic guitar as usual and in addition to that also record a di signal (if the guitar has a built in pickup). blend those sources and see if it brings you that sound...

Remember to measure the distance of mic to soundhole. Blending the two isn't that easy, you will first have to move the mic track little earlier as it is further away from the soundhole than the internal mic. Once you have them aligned, feed them to a mono aux for final touches.

If you have the Waves SSL plugin, take a look at CLA Acoustic 1 & 2 presets. They should give you nice starting points for EQ.