Which is better, micing vs line In for Acoustic Recording?

Question:I was curious as to what everyone's opinion is for recording an acoustic guitar. Micing the acoustic or running it directly in (such as the acoustic right into an M-Box or something of that sort).
Also, if you do mic it, is a dynamic or condenser mic better? Of course, mic placement has to be a factor as well. One could also it through an amp to record and mic both.
Not sure on which gets the better result.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I was curious as to what everyone's opinion is for recording an acoustic guitar. Micing the acoustic or running it directly in (such as the acoustic right into an M-Box or something of that sort).
Also, if you do mic it, is a dynamic or condenser mic better? Of course, mic placement has to be a factor as well. One could also it through an amp to record and mic both.
Not sure on which gets the better result.

In general, I've found it easier to record an acoustic line in, if it has the electronics for it, but it tends to sound better mic'd with a condensor.

If you go line in, you'll want to sweeten it up with some effects processing, like a touch of vst tube overdrive, compression, EQ, and probably impulse response and/or reverb to give it some air etc. I mean, even if you mic it you'll do some of that anyways, most likely, but you'll need it if you go line in while you won't need it as much mic'd.

You get a lot more detail with a condensor, but a dynamic mic will give you a usable tone, albeit a little warmer, a little muddier, and a bit less treble. You can try doing both at the same time, then blending the two of them to get what sounds best to you.

Saul

They both have their uses, but in general I would advise you to mic the acoustic. My experience has been that if the acoustic has a built-in pickup then it's liable to suck the tone out of the instrument.

As a general rule, you use a condenser to mic acoustic instruments, a dynamic mic for electrics.

There are a couple of variables here..
This will really depend on how you play and where you record. if you have a controlled environment, like a studio..or a room dampened with blankets you can record with a mic (condenser would be better in an open room) Mic placement plays a keey as well. if you do a line in, you will get a cleaner sound but may lose some of the tone and nuisances you hear when you record with a mic pointed at the guitar.

I agree with what Saul said. From my own personal recording experience. I used a Condensor mic used in recording a short acoustic song back in 2006. The recording came out crystal clear because of this option.

When recording the best technique is what sounds best for what you are trying to accomplish. Direct is pretty easy, and can work if you have someone that is too busy "performing" to stand still. I've always preferred condensers for acoustic instruments, my favorites have been the AKG C414 for a large diaphragm, the Groove Tubes GT33 for a small diaphragm or if you want to get a more open sound and eliminate proximity effect the Earthworks omni's are really cool.