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View Full Version : Recording with two large diaphragm condensers


Xianne
12-30-2006, 03:48 AM
Here's a raw recording (besides change of volume between the two tracks) of an acoustic guitar and vocals.
http://www.purevolume.com/xthefinalshowdownx <=== The Pale Pacific Cover

Both guitar and vox were recorded simultaneously w/ two bidirectional large diaphragm mics (it's the school's and I forgot the brand, but heard it was exspensive). One of the mics is placed near the bridge and aimed at the sound hole (the guitarist preferred a warm sound) and the other is placed about 6 inches from the singer's mouth (so I could more from the singing versus guitar).

Now all that's left for me is to clean it up, and what I did already (not in recording on the website however) was compressed the mid and bass frequency of the guitar and the mid of the vocals (when he says "and I KNOW!"). I'm leaving "Double Tracking" alone right now because duplicating tracks leaves the compression and effects behind. Also the guitarist prefers (I'm assuming since he told me to put the guitar up) that the guitar is louder then vox, but maybe I could put the vocals up a little more?

I'm still wondering, though, what else could I do to improve this recording? Or what would pros do atleast? Whenever I compare a professionally done track with this (from my ipod) there's these little differences I can't catch. I'm thinking it's probably the use of more mics (capturing room ambience and shtuff and more of the overall sound) and positioning and equipment--however, our schools equipment is pretty good.

Jovianknight
12-30-2006, 11:26 AM
Obviously the guitarist wants the guitar to be louder. Everyone wants to hear themselves the best. Your job should be to listen to it with an impartial ear and decide which sound levels sound best in the recording, not to pander to self-centered guitarists!

Aes820
01-01-2007, 05:47 PM
Do a google search for Mid-side micing techniques.

It's pretty easy to do. And those mics you've got should be perfect for trying it.
You just use one of the mics as is (this is called the mid mic), then place the other at 90 degrees just below the first (call this the side mic).
The first mic signal is mixed dead centre. The second mics signal is panned 100% the the left. Then you take a copy of this 'side' signal, phase invert it, and mix it 100% right. You can get a stereo-like result out of a monoaural source.

It's just a suggestion tho.give it a try if you want.
But I think you're on the right track when it comes to experimenting with what you've got.

Xianne
01-02-2007, 11:35 PM
Thanks for the reply, I just researched it and it seems like a good idea, however, never heard of the term "phase invert" before.

I just read a home recording book and was listening to the recorded samples of different mic posititions, and I think I am quite satisfied with being close up to the instrument (ie near the soundhole), but mid miking seems like a good idea to give it some depth.

Moseph
01-03-2007, 08:08 AM
There is no ambience on this recording whatsoever. I'd add some mild reverb to sweeten up the parts.

Also, the volume balance is okay between vox/guitar, but most people would rather have a very small bit more vox than there is.

Other than that, maybe just some EQ to help differentiate the sounds in the spectral space: the guitar and voice get in each others way a little bit.

Aes820
01-03-2007, 02:34 PM
never heard of the term "phase invert" before.Think of it as just a fancy way of saying "turn upside down".