SAEDNEWS: Rooted in 1960s folk music and rising to fame in the 1990s, the acoustic genre combines simplicity and artistry, offering a timeless musical experience that continues to captivate listeners worldwide.
Acoustic music has its roots in 1960s folk traditions and represents a genre—a conventional classification of music that identifies certain pieces as belonging to a shared cultural or stylistic heritage. Unlike musical form or style, a genre helps listeners recognize patterns, conventions, and artistic identities. Popular styles include pop, classical, blues, hip-hop, rock, and many more.
Acoustic music focuses primarily on instruments that produce sound through natural, non-electrical means. While all music was historically acoustic, the term “acoustic music” emerged after the invention of electric instruments such as the electric guitar, electric violin, and synthesizer. Acoustic string instruments have long been part of folk and popular music traditions. The use of purely acoustic methods often contrasts with other musical forms, such as big band ensembles before rock and electric music during the rock era.
Acoustic music is defined by sound generated exclusively or predominantly through acoustic instruments, without electronic or electromechanical amplification. The line between acoustic and electronic music can be blurry because performers sometimes use electronic amplifiers to enhance volume. However, these amplifiers reproduce the natural sound of the instrument rather than altering it. Microphones are often used in front of acoustic instruments to connect to an amplifier. The term “acoustic music” became prominent after the advent of electric instruments like the electric guitar, electric violin, electric organ, and synthesizer. Labels like “unplugged” or “unwired” suggest that other types of music rely on technology and overproduction, implying that acoustic music is purer and more authentic.
The sound engineer’s primary goal is to ensure high-quality recordings. Proper setup is critical for capturing the true tone of acoustic instruments. For most instruments, a good condenser microphone delivers the best results, with industry standards including Shure, Rode, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica. Microphone placement must avoid being too close to the soundhole of acoustic guitars, and multiple microphones can be positioned at the lower end, back, and upper body of the instrument for optimal capture.
For violins and violas, use a boom stand above the bridge, giving the player enough space for bowing. For cellos, microphones can be placed around 8 feet away using a pair of condenser microphones or 1 foot from the bridge, depending on the acoustic environment.
Microphone placement for woodwinds and brass is more complex. Woodwinds are usually mic’d 1–2 feet from the center of the instrument, not at the bell, to preserve the natural tone. Brass instruments require microphones several feet away from the bell, except for trombones, which need the microphone slightly lower to allow maneuverability.
The piano should be recorded with the lid open, and a microphone positioned over the strings. Ideally, the microphones are set several feet away to capture a more spacious and natural sound.
Vocal microphones should be positioned closer, around 20–22 cm from the singer, with a pop filter to reduce unwanted noises. For soft or breathy singing, the microphone can be even closer.
Recording in a naturally reflective room, such as a recital hall or wooden-floored room with sound reflectors, can produce a warmer, more authentic sound. Such settings are ideal for larger ensembles, orchestras, or choirs. Proper microphone placement and testing are essential to manage echoes and maintain fidelity.
Alternatively, recordings can be made in acoustically treated or insulated rooms with carpets, wall decorations, and sound reflectors. These rooms help control the sound, producing a clearer final recording. Engineers must then add effects during mixing to match the atmosphere and content of the recording.
Acoustic music is a genre defined by instruments that produce sound acoustically rather than electronically. It has been a fundamental part of human artistic and cultural life, preserving authenticity, warmth, and traditional artistry in every note.
Thank you for joining us in exploring the fascinating world of acoustic music!
