RECORDING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Whether you are a singer, a musician, or a passionate songwriter, having a good understanding of these simple recording techniques can significantly enhance your sound quality and help to get your music noticed.
A high-quality microphone, combined with the correct placement, can make a world of difference to your final track. It can also save you time editing your track because the sound quality is so good it requires little to no processing. Next, we will explore some essential microphone tips to help you achieve professional-grade recordings.
Selecting the appropriate microphone for your specific recording needs is crucial. There are various types of microphones, such as dynamic, condenser and ribbon, each serving different purposes.
Consider factors like the type of audio you are recording, whether it is vocals, instruments, or ambient sounds, and choose a microphone that suits this application. It's also essential to consider the sensitivity, frequency response, and polar pattern of the microphone to ensure it is the best fit for your intended use.
At Shure, we are always on hand to help you choose the right microphone for you to make sure you sound extraordinary, no matter your budget.
Mic placement plays a vital role in capturing the best sound quality. Experiment with the distance between the microphone and the sound source to find the sweet spot that delivers the desired sound. Generally speaking for vocals, placing the microphone 15 - 30cm away from your mouth is ideal, but moving closer to the mic means you can experiment with proximity effect.
Background noise and the overall acoustics of your recording space can have a significant impact on the quality of your audio. Before you start investing in sound panels or covering yourself in blankets to reduce unwanted noise, choosing the right microphone for your surroundings, moving any electrical devices away from the microphone and investing in a pop-filter will make a significant improvement to your sound. If this is not enough, then it's time to consider investing in sound proofing your space.
The type of microphone you choose will largely depend on your style of singing, the sound you want and your surroundings. There are 3 main types of microphone: Dynamic, Condenser and Ribbon.
Dynamic microphones are the toughest which is why they are often used on a live stage but they perform just as well recording tracks at home. Unlike condensers, Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power and can withstand extremely high SPLs.
Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic mics and therefore are better suited to recording or performing in a controlled environment. They require phantom power to work. Condensers can produce a small amount of noise and there is a limit to the maximum signal level that the electronics can handle.
Ribbon microphones provide the most natural sound reproduction and can require a larger investment. Traditionally a fragile mic, our mics are designed to be extremely durable to last a life-time whilst still being able to produce an exceptionally clear and natural tone.
There are 4 main polar patterns that you will come across when choosing your microphone: Cardioid, Supercardioid, Bi-directional and Omnidirectional.
CARDIOIDA cardioid pattern is shaped like a heart. It is a unidirectional pattern, where the sound is picked up at the front of the microphone, and sound is rejected from behind the mic.
SUPERCARDIOIDAs the name suggests, think cardioid - but super! Taking the classic cardioid ‘heart’ shape, a supercardioid offers a narrower pick up angle and offers greater rejection of ambient sound.
OMNIDIRECTIONALAn omnidirectional polar pattern is a complete circle, since the microphone picks up sound equally in all directions. This is used to capture ambient sounds from vocals, pianos and acoustic guitars.
BI-DIRECTIONALA ‘figure of eight’ polar pattern meaning it picks up sound from the front and back of the mic, but rejects sound coming from the sides.
