Let’s record!
Recording technique is pretty universal: choose a mic, position it, set the gain level and hit record. The nuances come in the form of tried and tested techniques for commonplace instruments, and taking these onboard will save you time. In the following walkthroughs we’ll show you the basic techniques guaranteed to achieve reliable results every time, but there are also some general concepts to bear in mind.
First up, vocals. The human voice is incredibly dynamic, and singers who have been trained to project their voices can actually be quite a challenge to record. It’s entirely possible for a loud singer to overload the mic capsule – particularly if it’s a condenser – so don’t be afraid to use your mic’s level pad if available, and back the mic away from the singer.
At the other end of the spectrum, intimate close miked vocals can also cause problems, with plosives, proximity and sibilance all becoming more dominant. To save hassle later, use a foam wind protector and pop shield.
Acoustic guitars and amplified electric guitars call for very different approaches. Picked acoustic guitar can be very quiet, so not only does it call for more mic gain and, ideally, a condenser mic, but also a very quiet recording space. In contrast, electric guitar amp loudspeakers are pretty loud and the sound you normally ‘hear’ is the amp and room combined. Close miking a guitar amp speaker is great for a bright, edgy sound, but tiny mic changes can influence the sound greatly. For a more balanced picture, gradually move the mic back from the speakers until you’re happy with what you hear.
With drums, try and get the kit sounding good in the room first. Then start with either a single (mono) mic or a stereo pair overhead. Adjust both the distance from and position over the kit to get a balance between kit and room, and when you’re happy, add in close spot mics to enhance the kick, snare, toms and so on.