piano microphone technique

Blumlein Technique 

This technique uses two figure-of-eight pattern ribbon mics as the benchmark for producing an authentic representation of a performance in a room. The Blumlein method uses the two mic elements angled at 90 degrees and mounted in close proximity to each other along the vertical axis.

  • more natural sound
  • used for ribbon and condenser microphones
  • popular technique for recording in studio

 

How it works:

 

 

Clarinet Miking Techniques

CLARINET MIKING TECHNIQUES 

By Cavin Lee

Resource #1

How to Mic a Clarinet for Live and Recording

In this resource,  Range of Sounds, Robert Ruby blogs on recording clarinet in a studio. He recommends using a large diaphragm condenser microphone, Neumann U87. It is known to highlight high frequency sounds. It would also be useful for if the player and producer wants to capture a breathy production. However, if they seek smooth tones, the ribbon mic is the best choice. Ribbon mic’s are known for the dark and warm tone but also highly responsive to the EQ. The clarinet should be 1-2 feet away from the microphone if the person seeks a bright and modern tone and 4-8 feet for a classical-like sound.

Resource #2

From 1:56 to 2:40, the speaker begins talking of recording techniques for the clarinet. He recommends using the AT4040 Cardioid Condenser microphone and to place it 10 inches away aimed at the bottom of the right hand. That way, the producer can get a mix of the clarinet sounds and the finger noise. He also mentions that miking the bell of the clarinet is the not the best choice as not all the sounds will come from the bell. It will also come from the empty holes that are not played.

 

Vocal Recording Techniques

 

My first resource is one more or the whole process of getting a good vocal recording from microphone choice to how your room should look. It’s a in-depth guide I strongly suggest if you have or don’t have experience. It’s valuable to understand that a good microphone doesn’t necessarily mean a good recording. Click here to be a vocal recording master! 

If you want a more compact lesson how to to prepare from someone with a lot of experience, this is how  Neal Cappellino gets ready for a vocal tracking session. The video is 22min long and I think it’s a good watch after the initial article above.

RE20 Microphone

RE20

 

Cost: $529

Type: Dynamic microphone

 

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Frequency Response: 45Hz – 18 000Hz

 

Frequency Response Curve:

 

Sensitivity: -56.5 dB

 

Common uses:

  • Best for vocals
  • But also good for kick drums, and guitar cabinets, bass cabinets, acoustic guitars, pianos, and brass/woodwind instruments.

Review and Testing:

 

AKG C214 Condenser Mic

C214 ( matched pair – can be developed together)

Cost: $400

Type: Condenser Mic

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Range: 20 to 20 000 Hz

Frequency Response Curve:

 

Sensitivity:

  • Open circuit sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
  • Noise: 13dBA

 

Common uses:

studio recordings ; vocals

OR

acoustic guitar and pianos.

 

Examples:

review and testing:

 

Shure ksm32

Shure KSM32/SL Embossed Single-Diaphragm Side-Address Microphone  (Champagne) - Canada's Favourite Music Store - Acclaim Sound and Lighting

Manufacturer

Specifications:

Cost – $499.99 USD

Type – Condenser

Polar Pattern – Cardioid

Sensitivity – Ultrasensitive

Noise – Very low self-noise, 13.0 dB SPL-A

Frequency Response curve – Flat frequency response

 

Recorded Examples:

Link1

Link2

Common Uses:

Vocals and live instruments in general