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Microphone Techniques For Quality Recording

By Bruce Hathaway

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 05May2011
Word count: 580
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A microphone typically catches frequencies of sound from a specific range, usually from about 30HZ to 20KHZ; however, using microphone techniques will assist one in filtering out less desirable frequencies. There are several techniques for the mic but the basic two are simple and depend on where the mic is positioned and for vocals the individual vocalists sound. Following these simple steps will gain better quality of sound and tonal balance.

First, you want to use a microphone that has a frequency response that does justice to the frequencies of sound that you'd like to accentuate. Remember that mics pick up every nuance within that range of frequencies being produced, so filtering some unwanted sounds will be beneficial. Always make sure that the sound being produced is one that you'd like to hear back on final mixdown.

To ensure that sound signals are desirable, move the mic around to different areas and places until you feel comfortable with the tonal playback with 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 conditions becomes unfixable try placing it near the loudest part of the instrument or vocals to change the balance toward the source of the desired sounds. 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 is no correct microphone that should be used; the only need is for the right sound for the song. There is no ideal position for the mike either, it is always best to make sure you are getting desired results by listening back.

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. Single vocalists can manage with this mic pattern also because it will catch the singers voice from every direction. 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 mic should always be aimed directly between the nose and the mouth to catch the vocals and timbre 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. Remember to always think about how much the acoustics affects the sound and adjust accordingly. Recording can become even easier and fun when keeping these few tips in mind. And remember the ears are the final judge. Use them in every aspect of the recording process.

Bruce Hathaway has been a recording engineer and musician for over 25 years. Through this experience, including his own home project studio, he has become an audio expert offering advice to other musicians interested in recording. If you're interested in purchasing microphones and mic accessories, click on the link to see Bruce's online shop.

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