Microphone Technique

There are many text books on the topic of microphone placement. Sound is a complex phenomenon as is the way it emanates from an instrument. Our aim here is to provide a very brief summary of an incredibly complex set of theory and practical knowledge.

There are a number of key things to remember when it comes to using microphones:

Microphones ‘accept’ and ‘reject signals’ depending on their positioning. Think about where you place a microphone in relation to a sound source, do this with an awareness of that microphone’s polar pattern (the sensitivity to sound at different points around the microphone’s central axis). But, ultimately, let your ears be the guide as to whether or not that microphone and its placement really captures the sound of that particular instrument or voice.
Different types of microphones will suit different instruments. Try to match the frequency response of your microphone with the desired range you wanted to capture from your instrument. As an example, violins have bright high frequency sound so a condenser mic with a frequency range at least up to 18Khz or above might be best. Dynamic mics tend to have a lower frequency range, but are more robust and can be ideal for drums.
When recording and blending a number of instruments, think about the overall sound you are trying to achieve with a recording. Using a pair of stereo condenser microphones at some distance from the group will probably achieve a better result than using individual microphones for every instrument. Keep it simple to start with at least!

There are many interesting websites that can help you learn about microphones. The Rode website contains a ‘soundbooth’ where you can listen to different parts of a mix as if they were being recorded by different types of microphones. It is a great way to learn about how different microphones impact the quality of a recording. Try it out here: rode.com/soundbooth_studio.

UCan Play, the company managing the Interface:Response project, can provide you with preferential pricing on any microphone you might want to purchase. We are often asked what the best microphone to start out with. We recommend the PreSonus PX-1 as an excellent introductory condenser microphone for individual instruments and voices; and the PreSonus PM-2 as an excellent pair of condenser microphones for larger instrumental or vocal groups. Contact us for further details on preferential pricing.