USINg THE MIcRoPHoNE
Sound source
Kick drum
Toms
Cymbals
Bongos, congas
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Highly recommended
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Recommended
As an introduction to the "science of making good recordings", the following sections
describe some proven miking techniques.
Lead Vocals
4.5.1 Lead Vocals
Figure 3: Solo vocalist
Working distance: 6 to 12 in. (15 to 30 cm)
Bass cut: ON
For best results, be sure to use a pop screen, e.g. the PF80 from AKG. If no pop screen is
available, use at least the supplied W214 windscreen.
To give the talent better control of their own voice, we recommend adding the talent's
audio track to their headphone monitor signal.
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Studio
Stage
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C214 MANUAL
4.5.2 Choir/Backing Vocals
Figure 4: Backing vocalists sharing a single microphone
To mic up a large choir we recommend using a pair of microphones plus one spot
microphone each for the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections.
In rooms with perfect acoustics, using just a pair of high quality microphones is a proven
way to get superb‑sounding recordings.
Backing vocals/technique 1:
If enough tracks are available, we recommend overdubbing each voice separately. (See
4.5.1 Lead Vocals).
Backing vocals/technique 2:
If only one or two tracks are available for backing vocals, use one microphone each for
two or three vocalists maximum.
Place the vocalists in a semicircle in front of the microphone.
C214 MANUAL
USINg THE MIcRoPHoNE
Choir/Backing Vocals
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