Posted by DanN on June 26, 2001 at 04:21:18:
In Reply to: Microphone problems. posted by Tim Murphy on June 25, 2001 at 20:48:31:
For recording tuba with your equipment, here are some hints:
a) Get the recording levels right. That is, make sure the loudest parts of what you're recording 'just' reaches the peak (0dB) level on your MD recorder. Don't use auto recording level mode.
b) Set your mic to a 90 degree spread not 120. 120 degree mode is fine for big ensembles, but it blurs the stereo image of smaller, chamber settings.
c) Buy a mic stand, or somehow get the mic off the ground (music stand?). Depending on the height of the ceiling, 6 to 8 feet is good. The idea is to keep your mic away from walls, floors and solid objects. Walls and floors create unwanted early reflections which can cause a muddy sound. Having a clutter of seats and table around the mic creates a confusing image for the mic.
d) Try using the Sony ES range of media. They're 'high res' discs according to Sony and should sound a little better.
e) Record in a nice room/hall/theatre. Spend a heap of time experimenting with the height and position of the mic to get the sound you want. This is something that I can't help you with.....kinda hard to do online.
Finally, the mic you are using has a 100hZ-15000hz frequency range which is far from a pro standard mic, which is more like 30hZ-20000hZ. You won't get your recordings to sound professional as you aren't capturing the full complement of frequencies that a tuba puts out.
Hope this helps!
DanN