|
Recording Orchestral Elements |
|
For most home recording projects, orchestral elements usually come from keyboards. I have on occasion needed to record a solo violin or trumpet to add that punch to the mix. Also you may be called on to record an ensemble or an entire orchestra. For solo instruments, the process is pretty much the same as recording lead vocals. Isolation, neutral acoustics, comfortable space. Mic choice is pretty much up to the individual although as a general rule, strings and woodwinds sound great mic’d with a large diaphragm condenser mic and brass sounds best mic’d with a small diaphragm dynamic mic like the Shure SM-57. Experiment with distance from the mic as this will color the sound. Also experiment with having the performer play away from or towards a wall. This will also change the character of the sound. Recording an ensemble or entire orchestra is as simple as looking at the orchestra as being one instrument. Always record in a performing space, whenever possible. This will assure good acoustics and will make the performers comfortable. If possible set up two mic’s somewhere in the middle of the auditorium, approximately 4 feet apart, pointed towards the stage or use two small diaphragm condensers in and X-Y configuration. It’s important that these two mic’s be matched for frequency response or you’ll get some phasing. Some manufacturers sell matched pairs for this purpose and Rode has a really cool mic that has two mic capsule in an XY configuration. If you are recording a featured soloist, add a mic as close to where they will be performing to isolate them from the rest of the orchestra. This will give more control when mixing. If you have the luxury to mic each section of the orchestra, do so. This will give you a spacious sound because the individual mic’s will pick up the ambience of the other instruments. As with recording vocals, make sure it’s absolutely right. You may only get one chance to get what you are looking for.
|
|
Hosted by
|
|
Copyright 2006
|
|
LGM Productions |
