Chapter 6. Recording Instruments and Sound

If you understand how microphones work, you can use them to capture only the sounds you want, reject the sounds you don't want, and record your source as you want your listener to hear it. We'll first look at the ways in which microphone designs differ , and then see how they're typically employed in specific recording situations. Once you've chosen and set up your mic or mics, you can then try recording to disk using your own application or one of those provided on this book's companion DVD.

Essentials

Recording Instruments and Sound

By learning about various kinds of mics and how they work, you'll have the tools you need for the recordings you want to make:

• How mic characteristics impact what kinds of sound they capture best

• Mic patterns and how they affect sound coming from different directions

• General strategies for miking close, at a distance, and for stereo

• Specific strategies for individual instruments

• Hands-on recording: monitoring, setting levels, and using Audacity and Ableton Live (included on DVD)

Essential Terms

• Diaphragm/ capsule

• Mic characteristics: frequency/amplitude response; directionality

• Transient

• Polar response/mic pattern: omni, cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional

• Mic constructions: dynamic; ribbon; condenser; boundary

• Phantom power

• Headroom

• Distortion/clipping

• Overdubbing

Where to Start

Make sure you have access to a good condenser and dynamic mic (see p. 164 for some examples), plus extras like a pop filter and stand. Then, try some of the hands-on tutorials at the end of this chapter.