Recording And Microphones

This article is a primer onmicrophones. Generally speaking, microphones capture sound waves at specific frequencies, usually from about 20-40HZ (low end) to 18-20KHZ. These vary so you should be advised to look at frequency responses in the specs of particular mics. There are a number of concerns involving the use of microphones. It pretty much depends on the placement and for vocal artists the individual's characteristics of sound. Using these few tips offer you a basis for getting superior results.

First off, you want to choose a mic that has a response that accentuates the frequencies of sound that you prefer to hear. Remember, mics pick up every subtlety in the sounds being produced, so filtering some undesirable sounds will be a good thing. Make sure that the sounds that are produced are ones that you'd like to hear at the stage of final mixdown.

To make sure that the sounds are desirable, move the microphone to different areas 'til you feel happy with the playback in the studio monitors. Also very important are room acoustics; how noise reacts inside confined areas. Make sure you get the right position. However, if the results are still not up to par it is best to switch positions of the instruments.

There are times when inadequate room acoustics will persist and you receive unwanted frequencies and room tone in the background. If these problems are unfixable try positioning it closer to a louder part of the vocal or instrument in order to change the balance in the direction of the desired sounds vs. the room tone. Experiment further with different methods by placement and isolation of the instrument, vocals or microphone to prevent the unwanted frequencies; even the tonality and other acoustic problems of the space that you're recording in.

Having knowledge of basic mic characteristics, room acoustics, pick-up patterns and instruments will always assist in achieving the best sound more quickly than not. There isn't a "right" microphone that should be employed; the main goal is for the appropriate sound for the music. There is no perfect placement for the microphone either. Make your judgements in the control room by listening to each drum and then the whole kit in a test recording.

A method for recording vocals is pretty similar. However, it all depends upon how many vocalists are surrounding the mic and the best option for that specific situation. Have the singers group around an omnidirectional mic to keep an even balance of the voices and their ranges. A solo singer can sound good with this microphone response pattern because it will respond to the singers voice from all directions. Singers, however, usually opt for a cardioid pattern which picks up more directly with some of the sounds from the sides of the mic.

The microphone should aim straight twixt the nose and the mouth to capture the timbre of the vocals in their entirety. Doing so can assist with the unwanted breathy explosions and consonants being overly accentuated. A pop-filter is also a good solution for filtering out these sounds.

Anyone can use these methods to record effectively and efficiently and in turn to create better quality records. Keep in mind about how much the acoustics can alter the sound and make changes as needed. Recording can become even easier and fun when keeping these few tips in mind. And remember the ears are the final judge. Employ them in every part of the recording process.