[headline_arial_large_centered color=”#000000″]Recording Techniques[/headline_arial_large_centered]
There are numerous types of recording techniques; some of which are by the book and some of which you’ll be able to discover by yourself. The key point here is to experiment, experiment and experiment. Now as someone living in the fast paced world today, you might be asking me an excellent question. Do I have time to continue experimenting when I need to pay the bills or put food on the table? While it’s definitely true that time is a big factor in our busy lifestyle nowadays, by experimenting, trial and error will you learn what are the best ways to do your recordings.
The same applies to other techniques and work you may be involved in. (you’ll have to reinvest some time and money for your own education) However, to make it easier for you, here are some guidelines to recording the most common types of sound sources :- this includes Vocals & Guitar.
I’ll be introducing two of the most commonly used microphones in the studio. (Condenser & Dynamic)
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[headline_georgia_small_left color=”#000000″]Microphones[/headline_georgia_small_left]
The Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- More sensitive
- Records a wider range of frequencies
- Requires Phantom power (48V) to run
- Favorable for warm sounding vocals and instruments
- You’ll need a pop filter if you’re singing
Dynamic Microphone
- Less sensitive
- Records a shorter range of frequencies
- Usually used in stage performances
- Rock & Metal musicians would choose this microphone
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[headline_georgia_small_left color=”#000000″]Hear The Difference![/headline_georgia_small_left]
Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Condenser Mic (off axis)
Condenser Mic (in axis)
Dynamic Microphone
Dynamic Mic (off axis)
Dynamic Mic (in axis)
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[headline_georgia_small_left color=”#000000″]Techniques[/headline_georgia_small_left]
You can use the hand rule when recording.
Putting the microphone slightly off axis if you don’t have a pop filter.
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[headline_georgia_small_left color=”#000000″]Recommendations[/headline_georgia_small_left]
Shure SM 57
Without Pop Filter
With Pop Filter
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[headline_georgia_large_centered color=”#000000″]Effects[/headline_georgia_large_centered]
Equalizer – An equalizer is compulsory in any audio or music mixing you are going to do. Learn the equalizer now:
Reverb – There are many types or reverbs in the world of softwares. What does reverb do? Basically it adds space to your mix. You can even fake your recorded guitar as if it’s playing from the Royal Albert Halls with a reverb plugin. Did you know? Some vocalists cannot perform well without a reverb.
Chorus – What do you do when your instrument sound a little thin? Perhaps a little of chorus. Chorus is a simple effect. What it really does is it doubles up the signal source by few times and immediately you get a bigger sound. Imagine a single violinist now duplicated to 10 violinists. Now that’s chorus, explore below!
Compressor – Compressors are generally used when you want to control your dynamics (loud and soft). You can also use compressors to get pretty good sounds, so best you understand what it is.