recording instruments Flashcards
what microphone would you use to record an electric guitar?
a dynamic microphone, or a condenser with a pad switch to reduce the level
where would you place the microphone when recording an electric guitar?
in front of the amplifier, just off the centre but not near the edge, about 15cm away
why would you not place the microphone near the edge of the amplifier when recording an electric guitar?
the sound will be lacking in higher frequencies, which will result in a loss of brightness
what should you try and avoid when recording an electric guitar? How can it be avoided?
amplifier buzz or hum with the guitar acting as an aerial - can be avoided by rotating the instrument to face another direction (or a noise gate)
how do you add presence to an electric guitar sound?
a second microphone can be added, usually a condenser set about 5m away, depending on the room acoustics and the sound required
how does a DI box work when recording an electric guitar?
preferably active (powered by phantom power or batteries), where a signal can be taken directly to the input of a mixing desk, as this will avoid any unwanted noise
what does using a DI box do?
it gives a smoother, cleaner, but less immediate and unrealistic sound
what microphone would you use when recording an acoustic guitar?
a large diaphragm vocal microphone
where would you place the microphone when recording an acoustic guitar?
50cm away with its capsule pointing to the join between the neck and the body of the guitar
what’s an alternative way of recording an acoustic guitar?
use two small condenser microphones: one pointing at the sound hole (about 30cm away), and one at the fretboard (around the 11th fret)
what microphone would you use when recording a trumpet/ trombone?
a dynamic
where would you place the microphone when recording a trumpet/ trombone?
in the front of the bell, or slightly to the side for a more mellow sound
what microphone would you use when recording a sax?
dynamic or condenser
where would you place the microphone when recording a sax?
condenser for slight distance, dynamic for spot mic’ing - be careful to avoid key-hole clatter
what polar pattern would you choose when recording a sax?
super-cardiod
what microphone would you use when recording a flute/ clarinet?
condenser
where would you place the microphone when recording a flute/ clarinet?
sound emanates from the key holes and mouthpiece so a condenser placed above is best for recording
what microphone would you use to record a piano?
condenser microphones to capture the brightness of the top strings (ensure that the lid is up/ off completely to avoid boom)
what will happen if you mic too close to the strings?
only a few notes will be emphasised
where would you place the microphone when recording a piano?
30cm away from the piano, with at least two microphones being used: one for the treble and one for the bass. The condensers should use shock-mounts and be pointed towards the hammers; to avoid percussive noise; the condensers must be at least 20cm away from the hammers
how would you record an upright piano?
remove the front panel of the piano and mic the strings with a pair of condensers
what’s an alternative way of recording an upright piano? What’s the advantage of this?
place the piano away from any nearby walls and mic the soundboard. The microphones pick up less pedal thumps and other piano-action noises
what microphone would you use for recording vocals?
large diaphragm condenser, placed in a shock-mount to avoid vibrations
