Recording With Microphones

If you have not already completed the article on understanding different mic types, selection, and uses, then read that article first ---> “Microphone Types“

When tracking, or recording with microphones... Its important to understand that microphones are tools that are used to capture the sounds of a performance whether that be of the voice, an instrument, or another source. The technique you are using to record that source is even more important than the microphone selection itself.

In this article you will learn that the way microphones are used, mic placement, and microphone technique, are the most important factors of recording with microphones. We will also walk through the pieces of the signal chain that are going to effect the quality of the audio you are recording, and then wrap up with some techniques for microphone recording.

Recording Signal Chain

The signal chain for recording with microphones (for home studio music production anyway) starts with the source. The source is WHAT you are recording. Optimize at the source as best you can, because you can’t polish a turd. Well tuned, well prepared, skilled instrumental and vocal performances are almost always going to lead to a better end result. Further, a better quality instrument performed by an inspired, highly skilled musician is going to impact the product of your recording MORE SO than the equipment you are using to capture and produce it.

With that said, a ”PERFECT” take, with carelessly set levels can quickly ruin an otherwise outstanding performance in regards to the production potential of that track. The damage done by clipping and distorted audio tracks can be hard to salvage, being savvy and careful in the first place will pay off.

So our objective is to do what we can to inspire and effect the greatest PERFORMANCE possible, and then get our gain stages right so we record at the right levels and don’t screw it up.

The next piece in our signal chain is the microphone itself, which should be selected as a proponent to obtaining specified sonic characteristics.

The microphones turns that audio into electrical voltage that flows through an XLR cable through any analog processing, then to your preamp where it will be amplified to a “line level“ (much louder) signal, and then to your analog to digital converters where it undergoes digital audio conversion and is written to your hard drive as digital audio.

Go here to learn more about analog to digital conversion.

So starting with source being most important, the mic being next, followed by the preamp which is almost as important as the mic itself, and finally the analog to digital converters, are the pieces of the recording chain that will effect the quality of the signal you record in sequential order of importance.

Microphone Recording Tips and Techniques

• To avoid recording noises from an unwanted source, (i.e. room acoustics, processors, etc.) a unidirectional microphone can be used to isolate the sound waves of a desired source. Remember that the closer you place the microphone to the source, the louder it will sound.

• Use pop filters. Pop filters will smooth the audio being received by the microphone. It will help reduce popping sounds (plosives) and sizzling S's that frequently occur during vocal recording. Pop filters with metal screens have done this better in my experience than cloth screens.

• Walls reflect sound waves. Microphones directly facing flat surfaces often pick up unwanted reverberations.

• The 3 - 1 Rule should be applied when recording instruments in the same room silmiltaneously.

• Take care of your mic cables. Broken or damaged cables can lead to signal disturbance in a recording.

• Foam can be applied to walls for treating the acoustics in a room. Despite what you may have seen in movies, do not use your saved supply of McDonald's egg cartons on the wall assuming they will treat the walls.