Sound Recording - the WellMixed.com Blog

The first thing to consider when buying a new microphone is the polar pattern, also called a directional pattern. Microphone manufactures typically provide a polar diagram to show how sensitive the microphone is to a sound source in 360 degrees. Many mic boxes will have the diagram printed on the outside of the box. Next week, we’ll talk about the most popular pattern: cardioid. But first, let’s tackle the most basic:

Omnidirectional

Omni is a latin prefix that means “all.” Therefore, as one might deduce, an omnidirectional microphone captures all sound sources around it equally. (This would typically also go for sources above and below the mic - in case anyone in the band has a thing for flying … or laying down while playing.)

So if a guitarist is 3 feet in front of the mic, a bass amp is 3 feet to right, a singer is 3 feet behind, and a tamborine player is 3 feet to the left of the mic, one can achieve a great blend with only one mic. Keep in mind that there is no stereo in that situation, but…

(more…)

Why do 90% of all bass drum heads still ship without a hole cut in them?

Luckily, there are places that offer the hole cutting service.

(Or you can do this.)

But it seems unnecessary.

I know that there is some manufacturing expense with cutting the hole, but it is a real pain for recording.

The best bass drum sounds I’ve ever captured have been micing through holes in the front head. So c’mon Pearl, Tama, and DW. How about we start shipping the instrument ready to be recorded, and let the optional configuration be to buy the holeless head?

As a side note, logo heads are fun:

http://www.vintagelogos.com/

http://www.customskins.co.uk/

Namely, two different mics…

Multiple mics are not just for drums. Guitar players should also get to have twice (or more) the fun.

If you are recording an amplified bass instrument, a more common approach is to record one track with a mic’d amp and one with a Direct Injection box, then mix those together. However, you can try this 2 mic technique on any groovy sounding amplifier.

Having two mics on your amp’s sweet spot gives a mix engineer more tonal variation to choose from on a final mix. It also adds a spatial effect when the two mics are panned apart.

Click “more” for some mic suggestions…

(more…)

I was in Chicago over the weekend doing some business and attending Lollapalooza.

I saw and heard some amazing bands, like (in no order):

The Ting Tings - Don’t know much about them, but they are from England and put on a great show.

CSS - Brazilian Chicks who create fun wherever they go!

Radiohead - They are from Eng-a-land (you probably already knew that)

Chromeo - Two Canadians who make 80’s retro synth fun

Witchcraft - Very listenable Swedish metal. Kinda’ Black Sabbathy

But the BEST shows were (I’m happy to say) put on by Americans.

Rage Against the Machine - Wow. It’s really something to see and hear Zach de la Rocha. There was a rumor that Barak Obama might make an appearance at Lollapalooza. After hearing de la Rocha, one wants nothing to do with politics.

Nine Inch Nails - My friend Eric Carver gave me this video that he shot in the mosh pit. It gives you just a little hint of the amazing light show, and the energy NIN has.