Basic Recording Techniques: Brass

Summary

This video provides essential techniques for miking brass instruments, highlighting the unique characteristics of each. It demonstrates effective microphone placement strategies for the trumpet, trombone, tuba, and French horn, utilizing various Audio-Technica microphones. Key insights include adjusting the distance for optimal sound capture and the importance of indirect sound for the French horn. By employing these miking methods, audio professionals can achieve high-quality recordings that showcase the full range and dynamics of brass instruments in both stage and studio settings.

Takeaways

• 🎺 Brass instruments have a wide dynamic range and require specific miking techniques to capture their full sound.
• 🎤 Spot miking is essential for isolating brass instruments and minimizing room ambience.
• 🔊 For the trumpet, use a large condenser mic like the AT4050, placing it directly in front of the bell for the brightest sound.
• 🎚️ Off-axis placement of the trumpet mic can produce a warmer, rounder tone by deemphasizing upper harmonics.
• 📏 Keep the trumpet mic close to the bell for reduced room bleed, but pull it back during highly dynamic playing to avoid shrillness.
• 🎷 When miking a trombone, use an active ribbon mic (e.g., AT480) about 14 inches from the bell for smooth sound capture.
• 🎺 The tuba benefits from a large diaphragm condenser mic (e.g., AT4047 SV) mounted above the bell for warmth and richness.
• 📍 The French horn should be positioned for indirect sound; miking it at a distance captures pleasing ambience.
• 📐 Use an AT4050 set to cardioid mode for the French horn, ideally positioned 16 ft in front of the back wall for optimal sound.
• 🎶 For ensemble recordings, place the French horn at the back and mic from above to balance ambience and isolation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on techniques for capturing the sound of brass instruments using different microphone types and placement strategies.

Which microphone is recommended for recording the trumpet?

The AT4050 large condenser microphone is recommended for capturing the trumpet.

How does microphone placement affect the sound captured from a trumpet?

Placing the mic directly in front of the trumpet's bell yields a bright sound, while moving it off-axis produces a warmer, rounder tone.

What specific microphone is suggested for the trombone, and why?

The AT480 active ribbon mic is suggested for the trombone due to its smooth top end and rich bottom.

How far should the microphone be placed from the trombone?

The microphone should be placed about 14 inches away from the trombone's bell to capture its full range while providing good isolation.

What microphone is suitable for recording a tuba, and what is its ideal placement?

The AT4047 SV large diaphragm condenser microphone is suitable for the tuba, ideally mounted directly above the bell and aimed straight down.

What considerations should be made when mic'ing the French horn?

The French horn should be placed in a position where pleasing ambience can be captured, often with the mic set to cardioid and positioned about 5-4 inches off the floor, 16 feet from the back wall.

How can mic placement affect the ambience captured while recording the French horn?

Moving the mic further away can capture more ambience, while miking from above can provide suitable isolation if the horn is part of a larger group.

What is the overall goal of these microphone techniques?

The overall goal is to effectively capture the full range and dynamics of brass instruments in both live and studio environments.

What are the benefits of using a large condenser mic for brass instruments?

Large condenser mics are capable of capturing a wide range of tones and dynamics, making them ideal for the expressive qualities of brass instruments.