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Background Vocals Sonic Image: Stereo or Wide Stereo
For group background vocals, move the singers in as close as possible, in a semi-circle around the front half of the mic. The stereo width will add
dimension to the voices, while allowing sonic space for the lead. Wide Stereo allows even more separation, if needed.
Acoustic Guitars
Problem: Most desktop stands place the mic high on the desk. While this is fine for speaking, it does little to capture the brilliant sound of a guitar
that sits at chair level in front of the desk. Enter the Beecaster, and...problem solved!
Move your Beecaster’s base to the edge of your desk. Bring the articulating arm all the way forward and down to position the capsule below the edge
of the desk, facing forward. This will be the perfect height to record your guitar. Now fine-tune the placement using the rotating base and capsule.
Sonic Image: Mono
Use this image for guitars that will be “stacked” or doubled. The Mono image allows each part to occupy its own space without crowding the mix.
Each guitar is different, but the “sweet spot” is usually near where the neck and body join (around the 12th – 14th frets). For maximum presence,
start with the mic close to the guitar—about 3 or 4 inches (7 - 10 cm). Moving the mic closer to the sound hole increases the warmth and fullness,
but beware the dreaded “sound hole boom” that can give acoustic guitars a “muddy” quality. Now try moving the mic farther from the guitar. This
may help even the sound and create a better image, with the tradeoff of a little less presence. Find the right balance, and your guitar will sing.
Sonic Image: Stereo, Wide Stereo, or Focused Stereo
Using a stereo image creates a large, full guitar sound. Choose the image based on how the part will be used in the mix. For a solo performance,
start with the Stereo image. The part will fill the entire space, while maintaining center presence. For duets, try a Wide Stereo image for the
accompaniment to extend the width and create center space. For the featured part, try the Focused Stereo image. This brins the part forward
to occupy the center.
For the best stereo image, position the guitar farther from the mic than you would with a mono image. Start with the mic 12”-14” away in front
of and above the sound hole. Adjust the tilt angle to control tonal balance; adjust the distance to control the width.
Electric Guitar Sonic Image: Mono, Stereo, or Wide Stereo
Because of its robust characteristics, the Beecaster is an excellent choice for any amplified guitar sound, clean or dirty. An amplifier’s speaker cone
provides a broad palette of tones and as the artist, you supply the color. Brightness is strongest in the cone’s center, and decreases gradually as you
move to the outer edges. Clean sounds often benefit from the top boost near the center, while overdriven sounds enjoy the warmth and “beef” at
the outside. Keep the mic close for a “direct” sound, or move it back a foot (30 cm) or more for some room ambience. With distorted guitars, a little
distance adds depth and helps round out the rough edges.
