Preamps and Techniques Flashcards
Most people select mics these three ways:
Select a limited range of mics that are well suited for a wide range of applications
Acquire a larger collection of mics that are commonly perceived as being individually suited for a particular instrument or situation
Both
If you are recording a musician, what should you ask them?
Consider asking him or her how they’ve been recorded in the past. Do they have a favorite mic or technique that’s often worked best for them?
This tactic can help to put the artist at ease and give you insights into new studio miking techniques that can be a helpful production and educational tool.
What do we mean by “Printing” an Audio track?
Adding effects before the sound is routed to the computer
Why should you be careful about printing a track?
“Printing” a recorded signal directly to a track. The recording of an instrument with effects or dynamics can’t be undone at a later time—so, unless you’re absolutely sure, it’s often wise to add effects to the track later during mixdown, or as an option, you could print the signal to two tracks, one with and one without effects.
Should you always consider the acoustics of a room?
Yes!
Make use of the various aspects of a room’s acoustics when recording an instrument. This includes the use of distance as a tool for changing the size and character of an instrument or group (which could be recorded to separate tracks for later blending within the mix).
Although there are no rules for this type of creativity, you might keep in mind the instrument and traditional pickup style, so as to not go too far afield from the expected norm (unless you want to break the rules to lay a new path).
What are four basic mic pick-up issues?
Low-frequency rumble
Proximity effect
Popping
Off-axis pickup
What is Low Frequency Rumble?
When using a mic in the studio or on-location, rumble (low-frequency, high-level vibrations that occur in the 3 to 25Hz region) can easily be transmitted from the floor of a studio, hall or unsupported floor—through the mic stand and directly to the mic.
What are some ways that we can mitigate or get rid of low frequency rumble:
Using a shock mount
Using a mic with a restrictive low frequency response
Utilizing a wide-range mic by using a low-frequency roll-off filter
What is Proximity Effect?
This common effect causes an increase in bass response whenever a directional mic is brought within 1 foot of the sound source.
This bass boost (which is often most noticeable on vocals) proportionately increases as the distance decreases.
How can we fix proximity effect if it is an issue?
To compensate for this effect (which is somewhat greater for bidirectional mics than for cardioids), a low-frequency roll-off filter switch (which is often located on the microphone body) can be used.
If none exists, an external roll-off or equalizer can be used to reduce the low end. Finally, the directional mic can be swapped with an omni-direction one—yes, this actually works! Any of these tools can be used to help restore the bass response to a flat and natural-sounding balance.
What is off-axis pick-up?
when sound arrives at a directional microphone from off-axis (from the sides, rear, etc.), there are degrees of reduction in level that occur due to acoustical or electrical delay phase cancellation at the diaphragm.
These cancellations will vary in level depending upon the emanating direction of the sound source—meaning that a mic’s off-axis frequency response may differ from its on-axis response.
