Mics and Recording

Microphones are instruments that capture sound waves from a specific range of frequencies, usually from about 20 HZ to 20KHZ; Using these few easy tips will assist you in filtering out some less than desirable results. There are quite a few considerations when it comes to using microphones but the most referred to are simply put; It pretty much depends on the placement and for vocal artists the individual's sound. Using these fundamentals, one should get the results they want.

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, mics pick up every subtlety in the sounds being produced, so filtering some undesirable sounds will be a good thing. Always make sure that the sound being produced is one that you'd like to hear back on 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. Play around a bit further with varying ways of placement and separation of the instrument, vocals or mic to stop the undesired 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 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 on the number of vocalists surrounding the microphone and the best choice for that particular use. 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 wind blocker may also be the best solution for stopping these unwanted sounds.

These methods to record effectively and efficiently are not exclusive. In turn to you'll be at the start of creating better sounding recordings. Remember to always think about how much the acoustics affects the sound and adjust accordingly. Making music can grow into an even easier and enjoyable activity as you learn more and more about recording. And remember the ears are the final judge. Employ them in every part of the recording process.

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