Assignment 4 - Short Recording (med/loud)
Reading:
• Read pages 97-115 (stop at "Modeled Condenser Mic Systems") of Modern recording techniques : a practical guide to modern music production. You can read and/or download the book online via the Columbia library system (you must be on the CU network for this to work):
https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/17700222
Recording:
In teams of TWO, record SIXTEEN, 30 sec clips of TWO medium to loud sound sources. The sound sources can be anything: your voice (for ex: singing, speaking), instruments (guitar, drum cymbals, etc.), or various objects; however, the sound sources should different from one another and should be interesting (for ex, if using your voice, then read an interesting text, and don't just say "test 1, 2").
The goal, here, is to gain familiarity with the various mics available at the CMC, how they handle and sound, and to increase your confidence with the 317 signal flow.
As always, you need to focus on getting a good, clean recording, with proper levels (remember to aim for -6dB during the loudest parts for normal music playing, or -12dB if speaking/playing with very little volume variation).
Follow these guidelines for the recordings:
(Remember to set the AVIOM SENDS in LOGIC to PRE-FADER)
Using TWO different DYNAMIC mics at the same time, in BOOTH 1 (monitor with Aviom):
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 6-12 inches away from the source
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 3-4 feet away from the source
Using TWO different CONDENSER mics at the same time, in BOOTH 2 (monitor with Aviom):
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 6-12 inches away from the source
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 3-4 feet away from the source
Using TWO OTHER DYNAMIC (or ribbon) mics at the same time, in the MAIN room (monitor with Aviom):
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 6-12 inches away from the source
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 4-5 feet away from the source
Using TWO OTHER CONDENSER mics at the same time, in the MAIN room (monitor with Aviom):
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 6-12 inches away from the source
• Record the two sound sources (one after the other) with the mics positioned about 4-5 feet away from the source
Always indicate on the tracks: the mic used, the room, and the distance.
Optional: try out different preamps with each clip.
Once you've recorded your material, carefully listen to the differences and ask yourself which you prefer and why.
QUESTION (I will ask this next class): which mic(s) and positions did you prefer and why?
Be prepared to present your Logic project in class
Grading:
/5 Good recording levels
loudest parts reach -6dB, no clipping
/5 Good quality sound capture from the microphones.
This depends on the sound you’re recording so it's a case-by-case situation, but in general a “bad” sound could involve any of the following:
noisy because of poor choice of mic, too much room sound, mic too close to the source (too focused and therefore unnatural), pop sounds from consonants if recording vocals, too bright, too dull, etc.
Total /10