Author Topic: Recorder position for studio (Read 6218 times)

Shag101 · « **on:** November 21, 2005, 02:14:03 PM »

Hi Guys,

I've tried a bunch of different spots and was wondering if anyone has any ideas. I have a minidisc with an external mic. I use it to record in the studio but am having a hard time getting a good position for a good recording. The setup is basically. On one side of the wall the drums are in the center with the amps up against the wall on either side of the drums. Basically all equipment is on one wall with the drums in the center. I the rhythm guitar is on the drums left and the bass and lead is on the drums right. It seems our guitars are over powering. I tried to lower the volume but as you guys know the tubes sound so much better with the volume. I will try one last place tonight. I will put the mic behind the drummer on the wall closer to the ceiling. Maybe this will help since the guitar sound will have to bounce off a wall to get to the mic.

HJM · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2005, 02:33:15 PM »

You'll always struggle a bit with this kind of set up- as you say the volume is the problem!!You could try moving the kit forward in the room, leaving the mic viewing the rehearsal as if it is the stage with the drums brought forward, you should get a better level on the drums and the guitars in stereo. Have you got any level control on the MD? Some use a rather bad limiting system that just squashes the signal down so you can't really hear any detail or dynamics!

Shag101 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2005, 02:43:13 PM »

Unfortunately I do not have a input control. I will try to move the drums forward like you suggest. I think this will probably give me the best recording quality. THANKS

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2005, 03:41:31 PM »

Can you take a digital pic of the room? This would make any advice much easier to give!

Shag101 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2005, 03:56:31 PM »

This is the pics from the website.

The backwall pic on bottom is our usual room since it has a lot of amps. But when it is not available we get the photoB room.

chrisola · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2005, 04:26:05 PM »

sweet setup... 8)

could you not just record the instruments separately, and then use a PC + a freeware audio tracking program to mix and arrange it?

Shag101 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2005, 04:33:18 PM »

Quote from: chrisola

sweet setup... 8)

could you not just record the instruments separately, and then use a PC + a freeware audio tracking program to mix and arrange it?

They have a recording room once we are ready, but for now I only record just to make copies to give each member so we all could listen and work stuff out and get new ideas.
The recordings are okay for this purpose but if I could just get a little more drums in the mix without the guitar over powering, I would be happy.
The drummer though it was a good idea to just play harder but the only thing we got out of it was a sore drummer..lol

HJM · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2005, 04:38:11 PM »

Given the lack of level control, I'd be tempted to drop the volume on the amps when recording and achieve a good balance. You can always turn up after!!

Out of interest, how high do you put the mic? Height is important when setting up stereo mic recordings, too close to the floor and it sounds boomy, too high and it gets too much reverb.

I'd guess putting the mic behind the drummer will not really help, keep the mic out of corners and you'll avoid the bass getting too overpowering (as a rule bass response increases in room corners - including the wall/floor corners!)

Is there any acoustic treatment in the room - parallel walls are bad....

Shag101 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2005, 04:44:31 PM »

I usually put the mic in one of the mic stands and place it dead center in front of us. Like if it was an audience member.

All rooms are acoustically designed

Shag101 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2005, 06:45:52 PM »

Actually, I just noticed that I have a mic sensitivity level that can either be on high or low. I did not know this so I was always on high. Do you think it would be better on low? thanks

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2005, 07:05:42 PM »

Looks a bit like Ultrasound.

When I make rehearsal demos, I put the mics in a stereo configuration, and have them about 7' above the floor. This usually captures everything with a nice stereo spread. Your levels have to be well blended before you record. If the mic is telling you the guitars are too loud, then they probably are.

I would track 30 sec. of music, play back, tweak levels, and then record again until you have it perfect.

Then take a digital pic of each amp as well as the mic's position so you have the settings stored permanently.

Shag101 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2005, 07:22:49 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Looks a bit like Ultrasound.

When I make rehearsal demos, I put the mics in a stereo configuration, and have them about 7' above the floor. This usually captures everything with a nice stereo spread. Your levels have to be well blended before you record. If the mic is telling you the guitars are too loud, then they probably are.

I would track 30 sec. of music, play back, tweak levels, and then record again until you have it perfect.

Then take a digital pic of each amp as well as the mic's position so you have the settings stored permanently.

Good Idea Ben,

It looks like UltraSound since it is UltraSound...lol...I find them to be the best price for the quality of equipment. Also, its only the 3rd studio I tried..ahahahah
I will try to record 30 sec of music and playback and play around till I get a good sound, but once the music starts you just get into a groove and keep going....lol

I hope setting it to the low mic sensitivity instead of high will help also. thanks

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #12 on:** November 26, 2005, 12:59:27 AM »

Quote from: Shag101

It looks like UltraSound since it is UltraSound...lol...

LOL!!!!

I use the Ultra Studio every Wednesday night!!! When do you rehearse?!

Shag101 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 26, 2005, 08:52:44 PM »

Mondays

I cant wait to get my bpk's so I could blast them in there...
also cant wait for your show the 10th....lol

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #14 on:** November 26, 2005, 08:55:35 PM »

Quote from: Shag101

Mondays

We rehearse on Wednesdays.

Quote

I cant wait to get my bpk's so I could blast them in there...

Yeah, that's ALWAYS a fun experience!!! :)

Quote

also cant wait for your show the 10th....lol

Nice!!! Show was pushed back one week to the 17th, however.
See the thread I posted in Off Topic about it. :)