Record Production
Phase-aligning three mics for big guitar tones
Dan Austin demonstrates a technique for recording guitars using three different microphones on a guitar cabinet to achieve a rich, full sound. He emphasizes the importance of phase aligning the microphones to avoid phase issues, which can occur when using multiple mics. Austin uses a pink noise technique to phase align the mics, starting with a Shure SM57 to find the sweet spot on the speaker cone, followed by an 87 condenser and a ribbon mic. By listening for phase cancellation, he ensures the mics are aligned, allowing for tonal blending without phase interference. Once aligned, Austin blends the mic signals to achieve the desired guitar tone, using EQ and compression to enhance the sound. He then sums the three mic signals into one track in Pro Tools, applying additional processing with a valve EQ and compressor for added character. This method provides flexibility in shaping the guitar sound while maintaining clarity and depth.