Music Mix System - Phase and The Polarity Button

In this video I discuss a few aspects of phase and some uses for the polarity button on your mic pre-amp or console. Phase is a complicated subject because it is not a matter of things being simply “in phase” or “out of phase”. Phase relationships are complicated because no 2 frequencies have the same wavelength and therefore won’t be in phase at the same time when using multiple microphones at different positions. Logic would tell us that the best way to capture a big sound would be to use more microphones, but many times quite the opposite is true. We can however, use multiple microphones to capture a bigger picture of a sound source if we are aware, and learn to hear phase problems. We can also learn to select mics, choose polar patterns and position mics to achieve a big picture of the sound without phase destruction. Recording a drum set or Grand Piano without a firm understanding of phase relationships is the fast track to mediocre sound recordings. Check out this video for some more information.

Thanks for stopping by to check it out!

Here’s to learning something new.

Jacob

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Uni-Directional Microphone Patterns

Today I am discussing uni-directional microphone patterns. Here are a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

When I first started using microphones, I didn’t fully realize the power of different polar patterns. After years of recording and receiving other peoples recordings to mix, I have learned how important it is to understand and select the right polar patterns for different situations. The wrong polar pattern can ruin an otherwise great performance. It can ruin it by having too much bleed from other instruments. This would put limitations on how you can process signals. It can also ruin a sound if the polar pattern allows the mic to pick up early reflections that could cause destructive comb filtering. The correct polar pattern or the proper use of the one you have can make for a lovely robust recording that stands up well within the mix. Unfortunately, problems caused by microphone misuse can not always be corrected with signal processing in the mix. So, check out this video and feel free to drop any questions below in the comments or shoot me an email.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Condenser Microphones

Today I am talking about the pros and cons of condenser microphones. When and why would I choose a condenser mic over a moving coil or ribbon mic? Here are a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

Condenser mics come in many varieties these days. Large, small, expensive, cheap, great sounding and terrible sounding. In this video I briefly discuss the operational characteristics of condenser microphones. One thing that I did not mention in this video is the fact that many condenser microphones were not actually designed or intended to be used in close proximity to the source. Some will sound great at a distance of 3 feet, but become really grating up close. So when I say there are some terrible sounding condenser mics, what I really mean, is that you can make them sound terrible if you use them in a manner in which they were not intended. Most condenser mics can sound pretty neutral and accurate if you find the sweet spot. Of course the problem is that many people recording these days are doing it in a bedroom or other space that does not lend itself well to more distant microphone techniques. So the secret in that case, is to make sure you find a mic that sounds great up close. Good Luck!

When using a condenser mic, I always find, unless the source is moderately loud, you will struggle with picking up everything else. This is because of their high sensitivity. A blessing and a curse to be sure, but if we are aware and diligent we can avoid the curse and receive the blessing!

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com