Capturing instruments and singing.
WHAT DIFFERS FROM SPEECH RECORDING
Wider dynamic range Wider frequency range Room acoustics contribute rather than only interfere
WHAT MICROPHONE PLACEMENT DETERMINES
The sound, more than the microphone does.
WHAT TO DO
Listen where the microphone will be, and move it until it sounds right.
WHY
The ear at the microphone position hears what the recording will capture.
WHAT DISTANCE AFFECTS
Closer captures detail and less room; further captures more room and blend.
WHAT TO RECORD SEPARATELY WHERE POSSIBLE
Each instrument and voice, on its own track.
WHY
It allows balance to be decided afterwards.
WHAT LIVE PERFORMANCE REQUIRES
A feed from the sound desk, if available A pair of microphones capturing the room Both, combined
WHY BOTH
The desk feed lacks atmosphere; the room microphones lack clarity.
WHAT LEVELS TO SET
Conservative, with substantial headroom.
WHY MORE THAN FOR SPEECH
Music peaks unpredictably, and clipping cannot be undone.
WHAT TO CHECK
For phase problems when using several microphones.
WHAT THOSE SOUND LIKE
Thin, hollow sound when tracks are combined.
WHAT FIXES THEM
Repositioning, following the rule of keeping microphones several times further apart than each is from its source.
