Mics

  1. Recording Tips: Improving Your Acoustic Guitar Tone

    Recording Tips: Improving Your Acoustic Guitar Tone
    An acoustic guitar is obviously a different beast than its electric brother and should be treated as such in the studio. The techniques and methods that are used to record an electric guitar are different from the way an acoustic recording should be tackled. With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at some conventional wisdom as it's related to getting the best acoustic guitar tone in a studio setting.     Continue reading →
  2. Why The Sennheiser e609 Silver Is A Great Guitar Cab Mic

    Why The Sennheiser e609 Silver Is A Great Guitar Cab Mic
    The Sennheiser e609 Silver Dynamic Microphone is well regarded as a great guitar cab mic, and for good reason. Like Sennheiser created the mic with guitar amplifiers and other loud sound sources in mind. Sennheiser isn't the only one, though. As we took a look the Introduction To Microphones article, there are various types of mics that are made to work with certain applications. But did you ever stop to think, what is it about a particular microphone that makes it work so well on certain sound sources? Is it the microphone's polar pattern? Or maybe RFI rejection? We take a quick look at the e609 Silver to find out exactly why it works so well with guitar speakers in particular.   Continue reading →
  3. Difference Between Balanced And Unbalanced Signals

    Difference Between Balanced And Unbalanced Signals
    Q: "What's the difference between a balanced and unbalanced signal?"   A: An unbalanced signal is one that is traveling through an audio path (such as a cable) that contains two conductors; a hot wire to transfer the actual signal and a shield to act as a ground. Instrument cables fall into this category which is why they are often referred to as unbalanced cables or TS (Tip, Sleeve) cables. An unbalanced signal is a perfectly serviceable method of connecting your guitar and amp, but you do have the possibility of running into noise or hum issues if you happen to be using a long cable, with the problem getting worse the longer the cable. Continue reading →
  4. Quick Tips: Using the Microphone Proximity Effect

    [caption id="attachment_3130" align="alignright" width="210"]nd267a_1 While not limited to this class of microphone, the proximity effect is a common tool used with live-stage cardioid dynamic mics such as the EV N/D267a (pictured above).[/caption] The proximity effect refers to a change in the frequency response of a microphone that produces an emphasis on lower frequencies, causing the source -- such as a singer's voice, instrument or amp -- to sound deeper and fuller. Over the years, performers and singers have taken advantage of the effect in various ways, using it as a part of their tool bag instead of treating it as an unwanted issue. Not all microphones are affected though: The proximity effect is a characteristic of directional microphones, such as those with cardioid polar patterns, as opposed to omni-directional mics. Continue reading →
  5. Quality Condenser Studio Vocal Mics

    Quality Condenser Studio Vocal Mics
    [caption id="attachment_2361" align="alignright" width="300"]at2020usb_1 Audio Technica AT2020USB USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone @ $130.00[/caption] Last week, we featured five quality dynamic vocal mics to help those of you out there who needed a few solid suggestions.  Today, we're taking a look at five quality condenser vocal mics that are sure to feel right at home in your collection or as your main workhorse.     Audio Technica AT2020 USB Similar to the standard AT2020 as far as specs are concerned but able to connect directly to a computer, the AT2020 USB is a great choice for home musicians as well as podcasters. This mic is known for its tonal consistency across a wide dynamic range along with a subtle sweet-spot which enhances the upper mid-range and lower treble frequencies. Its cardioid polar pattern and low mass diaphragm also help reduce the unwanted pickup of sound from the sides and rear to improve clarity as you record. The AT2020 USB also works perfectly with high-end digital recording equipment thanks to its low self-noise. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, plug and play mic that boasts quality sound, the AT2020 USB should easily fit the bill. Continue reading →

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