Audio-Technica AT822 Microphone

[Skip]

When using this mic to record practice sessions, how far away do you place it, and how do you orient it (upright, pointed at the bell, etc.)? Thanks.

[FatPauly]

The correct answer is that there is no answer! Actually, it's not that there is NO answer, but that there is no SINGLE answer.

Depending on the acoustics of the room, you should experiment. If you are just recording a solo player, then getting in close (about 2') will get the full tone but minimize the room effects. Try aiming the mic front on the bell, but if that is too much, then have the mic a little elevated above the plane of the trumpet and pointing down. This off-axis pickup might get a little more ambience, and hit a sweet spot in the mic's response curve.

Next, try pulling the mic back farther and farther along the line of direct propagation untill you get the desired sound. As you pull further back, you will, of course, get more of the ambient sounds and less of the direct ones. Depending on what sound you are trying to capture, this can be good or bad.

If you are recording an ensemble, band, or orchestra, generally the best location is just behind the conductor, but elevated well above. I have found that getting the mic(s) about 10-12 feet in the air got a nice balance between the direct sounds and the room. Of course, this assumes the room has some height. If you are in a low-ceiling situation (like my 7.5' basement ceiling), then you might try to get the mic positioned so there is a little space between it and the ceiling.

If you have the luxury of auditioning the recording space in advance, just have the group play while you walk around the room and listen. When you find a place where the sound "works", that is where you want to place your mics.

Good luck. Drop me a line if you have other recording questions.

- Paul Artola
Ellicott City, Maryland


[ This Message was edited by: FatPauly on 2003-11-01 10:13 ]

[Skip]

Thanks FatPauly,

I just received this mic, and am going to primarily use it to record my practice sessions at home, to hear my tone, progress, etc. I thought that I will probably need to experiment, but had no idea of where to start. I didn't want to place the mic to close & over power it, or to far away & not be able to distinguish nuances. I also had no clue whether it would be better on axis, 90* off, etc. Thanks for your input.

Skip

[mbailey]

Here's the web page for that mic:
http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT822.html

Note the polar pattern. Since it's a stereo mic, it picks up evenly about +/-120 degress from center, so even being 90 deg off-axis, it will still pick up one side with virtually full gain, unlike non-stereo cardiods.

I've noticed major differences in the sound depending on how close you are to the mic. Straight-on gives you an edgy sound, off to the side make it more mellow. Experiment to see what you like.

[jhaysom]

Have a look at this site:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan99/articles/brass778.htm
_________________
John Haysom
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
Yamaha 8310ZS trumpet
Yamaha 6310ZS trumpet
Courtois flugel
1941 King Silvertone cornet
1941 King 2B valve trombone
Kanstul 920 piccolo
etc.

[Skip]

Thanks Mbailey & Jhaysom.

[E.D.Lewis]

Skip -
When using this mic. for solo recording I usually get it up high on a boom stand and then point it down towards the bell of my horn at about a 45 degree angle. How far away depends on the size and sound of the room. If I'm in a room with lower ceilings or really poor acoustics I'll put the mic. at bell level pointing straight up, at least two feet away. Good luck and have fun - it's a great mic.
_________________
I find your lack of faith disturbing.

[Skip]

Thanks E.D.Lewis,

That was kind of my plan of attack from the references above. I was thinking that (when my mic stand arrives) I would try varying the mic placement from 3-6 feet in front, on axis, but as you had mentioned, with the mic above and angled down 30-45*. Thanks for everyones input.

Skip