Music Mix System - Phase and The Polarity Button

In this video I discuss a few aspects of phase and some uses for the polarity button on your mic pre-amp or console. Phase is a complicated subject because it is not a matter of things being simply “in phase” or “out of phase”. Phase relationships are complicated because no 2 frequencies have the same wavelength and therefore won’t be in phase at the same time when using multiple microphones at different positions. Logic would tell us that the best way to capture a big sound would be to use more microphones, but many times quite the opposite is true. We can however, use multiple microphones to capture a bigger picture of a sound source if we are aware, and learn to hear phase problems. We can also learn to select mics, choose polar patterns and position mics to achieve a big picture of the sound without phase destruction. Recording a drum set or Grand Piano without a firm understanding of phase relationships is the fast track to mediocre sound recordings. Check out this video for some more information.

Thanks for stopping by to check it out!

Here’s to learning something new.

Jacob

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Single Mic Phase

In this video I discuss phase problems that can arise with just a single microphone. I suggest listening in headphones to hear some of the subtle differences that I am discussing. If your bandwidth is compromised the you tube audio algorithm may completely make this example inaudible. If you don't hear a major difference, don't be worried if you can't hear it. It is a difficult thing to hear in the first place and we've added internet audio on top of that. Enjoy this even if it gets lost in translation. Also, trust me, this problem is real. If nothing else this serves as a reminder that the internet is still a terrible place to consume audio.

Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob

Music Mix System - Bi-Directional Microphone Pattern

Today I am discussing the bi-directional microphone pattern. Here are a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

The Bi-Directional polar pattern was at first useful to me for one application and that was the Mid Side Stereo technique which i will discuss in an upcoming video. But then, I got a hold of a copy of Michael Stavrou’s ‘Mixing with Your Mind’ and he opened my mind to the power of the figure of eight (bi-directional) pattern. The power is in it’s fantastic ability to reject unwanted sound at the null points. Check out this video for details and feel free to drop any questions below in the comments or shoot me an email.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Uni-Directional Microphone Patterns

Today I am discussing uni-directional microphone patterns. Here are a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

When I first started using microphones, I didn’t fully realize the power of different polar patterns. After years of recording and receiving other peoples recordings to mix, I have learned how important it is to understand and select the right polar patterns for different situations. The wrong polar pattern can ruin an otherwise great performance. It can ruin it by having too much bleed from other instruments. This would put limitations on how you can process signals. It can also ruin a sound if the polar pattern allows the mic to pick up early reflections that could cause destructive comb filtering. The correct polar pattern or the proper use of the one you have can make for a lovely robust recording that stands up well within the mix. Unfortunately, problems caused by microphone misuse can not always be corrected with signal processing in the mix. So, check out this video and feel free to drop any questions below in the comments or shoot me an email.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Condenser Microphones

Today I am talking about the pros and cons of condenser microphones. When and why would I choose a condenser mic over a moving coil or ribbon mic? Here are a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

Condenser mics come in many varieties these days. Large, small, expensive, cheap, great sounding and terrible sounding. In this video I briefly discuss the operational characteristics of condenser microphones. One thing that I did not mention in this video is the fact that many condenser microphones were not actually designed or intended to be used in close proximity to the source. Some will sound great at a distance of 3 feet, but become really grating up close. So when I say there are some terrible sounding condenser mics, what I really mean, is that you can make them sound terrible if you use them in a manner in which they were not intended. Most condenser mics can sound pretty neutral and accurate if you find the sweet spot. Of course the problem is that many people recording these days are doing it in a bedroom or other space that does not lend itself well to more distant microphone techniques. So the secret in that case, is to make sure you find a mic that sounds great up close. Good Luck!

When using a condenser mic, I always find, unless the source is moderately loud, you will struggle with picking up everything else. This is because of their high sensitivity. A blessing and a curse to be sure, but if we are aware and diligent we can avoid the curse and receive the blessing!

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Ribbon Microphones

Today I am talking about the pros and cons of ribbon microphones. When and why would I choose a ribbon mic over a dynamic or condenser? Here are a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

My first ribbon mic died in less than a year. I took good care, but it was a cheap one and did not last long. I have since had better luck with them, but in order to get into the ribbon microphone game, it is gonna take a bit more money than the other mics types. The ribbon microphone was invented in the 1920’s. Interestingly, the condenser was invented before the ribbon and the moving coil dynamic was the last to be invented of the three. Ribbon microphones are unfortunately well known as being very fragile though a few companies such as Royer and Audio Technica have made some advances to improve the durability of their microphones. Ribbons are also well know for a silky smooth high frequency response, and tend to take EQ very well. Check out the video for more details.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

I love these crazy screen shots. Feel free to laugh at and with me.

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Moving Coil Dynamic Microphones

Today I am talking about the pros and cons of moving coil dynamic microphones. When and why would I choose a dynamic mic over a ribbon or condenser. This is not exhaustive, but just a few thoughts and ideas. If you have any questions or knowledge that you want to share feel free to post a comment.

When I started my microphone collection 20 years ago, I became obsessed with moving coil mics mostly because it was what I could afford. I also have a love for older rare dynamics such as the sennheiser BF series and the original Audio Technica ATM Artist series. Dynamics mics tend to also be more application specific compared to condensers which are more all purpose. Check out this video for more information.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com

Music Mix System - Techniques for developing a better approach

Greetings,

This is the beginning of a blog in which I will be sharing techniques for recording, mixing and mastering that I have learned throughout my last 20 years of studio engineering and teaching. Please sign up for the mailing list so you will be notified when I post a new topic. I am looking forward to discovering how hard it is to be consistent with a blog. My hope is to be helpful to people at any stage of their journey of music production. At the very least I will try to be entertaining. I will be starting off with some basic and intermediate audio concepts and growing from there into more advanced mixing techniques and secrets. There are many people out there on the internet that are teaching production and mixing. Where I feel I may be providing something unique is in discussing the reason and thought process behind the decisions that I make about recording and mixing. I hope you will find this information helpful and worthwhile. Please subscribe below so you will be made aware of new content as I post it.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Here’s to learning something new!

Jacob Meador

p.s. If you have a suggestion for a topic that you want me to discuss, please comment below or email: manager@orchestratesound.com