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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: vanark on October 12, 2008, 11:18:19 AM
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I haven't been very happy with a few recordings and each time I was using DIN. I've had this happen with both Church CA-11 cards and Oktava MK-012 cards. I ran the Church cards ORTF in the same club, same location and was much happier with the results. Different band so hard to be certain the mic config was the only difference. I guess I default to DIN when I don't know the venue which may not be a good thing (or so I think)?
I ran from the back of the room on Friday night (60 ft. from stage - DIN @~7ft, Oktava MK-012 cards). A less than desirable location, but it was a sold out GA show and not much choice. The recording has just way too much low end. The sound was a bit muddy back there, but not as bad as what is on the recording.
Any suggestions? What is your go to configuration for cards? I know the correct answer is "it depends" and "location, location, location", but I really am looking to improve my pulls.
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coincident XY will help control the bass.
I usually just run the DIN variations though.
Does an HPF pass help, in post edit?
Yes, using a HPF in post does help some. I just tend to ruminate over the settings too much - what freq., what steepness, etc. For this recording, an HPF @ 160 Hz, -6db per octave seems to sound best.
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Typically the wider the configuration the more low end. It is also very different from venue to venue.
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160hz is stll a touch high, imo - but it might be what is needed.. I have not recorded a boomy bass pa in a long time though, so take my words with a grain of salt.
IMO, 100-200 Hz is quite often where you get muddiness from rock PA recordings. Sometimes I find what sounds best to me is to cut frequencies in that range using a graphic EQ, while leaving the sub-100Hz bass intact. YMMV, and sometimes you need to roll off the lower stuff as well.
Edit: 100 not 150.
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Sometimes, not always, being way back in the room and running 90+ degrees means you're literally pointing at the side walls, which can add a lot of indirect sound, and if the room is boomy to begin with, it can make matters worse. I usually narrow the angle at that point, especially once I start to know the room and that it does that. You give up some stereo image, but you get back more of your direct sound (thinking PA example here). I will sometimes even go XY from the back with a narrow angle, giving up all hope of a decent image, but it can still come out better depending on the room, and at least it's not mono (I mean you do get some spaciousness). Also, I know going wider can add to the boom, but sometimes when I need the angle to be more narrow (so I'm not pointed at walls), I then space 'em wider in the nmae of getting some of the image back. Anyway, just a few thoughts...