Basic MikingChapterConcepts3
Microphone placement is an area in which art meets science. Microphone choice and placement is somewhat subjective, much in the same way that choosing a guitar and amp is a matter of personal preference. Furthermore, each situation brings a difference confluence of performer, sound space, recording equipment and creative forces.The question is not one of using the right or wrong mic or technique, but simply one of what works best in each unique situation. Nonetheless, its good to know the rules in order to break them with the greatest success. Here, then, are some generalizations to consider. Note that since condenser mics are used in the vast majority of studio situations, all of the following application tips apply to condenser mics.
All recording spaces have a unique ambient quality that determines how sound from the source will be reflected. Those reflections are candidates for being picked up in the microphone(s) along with the direct sound from the source.The choice of microphone, pattern and placement depends in part on the balance you wish to strike between the sound source and the ambient characteristic of the recording space. Another critical consideration is isolation from other sound sources. In
many ways, it all comes down to envisioning the sonic focus you want the mic to have.
Close-Miking vs. Distance-Miking Techniques
In general,
be added electronically in
Placing any mic at a greater distanceDistancefrom
more of the room reflections.refers to microphone placement intended to incorporate at least some room reflections. An omni pattern really opens up the recording to incorporate the full ambience of a room. Regardless of the pattern, a proper balance must be found in order to maintain the presence of the source while incorporating surrounding ambience. When enough mics are available, engineers often employ both close- and
The farther the microphone is placed from the source, the less sensitive it is to the sound emanating from that source.
Thislaw offalloffinverissenotsquareslinear. Microphone sensitivity exhibits the i . e. sound power reaching the
microphone varies inversely as the square of the distance from the source. For example, the typical mic is exposed to only
Recall also that
Microphones potentially receive
reflections from the room and other objects as well as sounds emanating directly from the source
2'
4'
full 1/4 1/16
sensivitiy sensivitiy sensivitiy
Sound power falls off exponentially with distance
according to the law of inverse squares
Choosing & Using Microphones | 15 |