How to make a professional sound recording on a small budget

Part 7 - Experiment with microphone placement

Microphone placement can make a big difference in the quality of your recordings. By adjusting the position of your microphone, you can achieve different sounds and pick up different nuances in your performance.

Start by experimenting with the distance between the microphone and the sound source. Moving the microphone closer to the sound source will result in a more direct, focused sound, while moving it farther away will result in a more ambient, roomy sound.

Next, try different microphone positions. A common position for recording vocals is to place the microphone directly in front of the singer, at about mouth level. However, you can also try placing the microphone slightly above or below the singer's mouth to achieve a different sound.
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For recording instruments, try placing the microphone at different angles and distances from the instrument. For example, placing the microphone closer to the center of a guitar's sound hole will result in a fuller, bass-heavy sound, while placing it closer to the bridge will result in a brighter, more treble-heavy sound.

Keep in mind that different microphones have different polar patterns, which refer to the directionality of the microphone. A cardioid microphone, for example, will pick up sound primarily from the front, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. Experimenting with different microphones and polar patterns can help you achieve the sound you're looking for.

Overall, experimenting with microphone placement can be a fun and creative way to explore different sounds and styles in your recordings. Don't be afraid to try different techniques and take the time to find the right placement for your sound source. With practice and experimentation, you can achieve a professional-sounding recording on no budget.
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By Vladimir Gilis