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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject: miking strategies

For our podcast, we're each got our own AT3035 mic which is nice and sensitive. To a fault.

The problem is that our mics are picking up each other. So when the tracks are put together, it sounds like we're in a big room because the other tracks are far away from the person speaking. When I drop the volume of the mics when I'm speaking it sounds great, but this is impossible in a normal conversation when people are talking over each other etc.

We each had our mics in front us at 45 degree angles, so I'm wondering if there's a better way to mic 3 people in a very small room.

Ideas?
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Frank F · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:44 am Post subject:

Place microphones at "rule of thirds" angles from each other with some sound absorber material behind and to the open sides of the mic's (you may need to have something over the top of the microphone as well). Something along the lines of the sE Electronics Instrument Reflexion Filter, may be a good choice.

Since the AT's use a cardioid polar pattern you are hearing sound from the back and side of each microphone.

Or, build yourself some Harlan Hogan Porta-Booth's for each microphone. This will keep each mic isolated without the need for separate cubicles...

Or, buy some Directional capable microphones. Dynamic microphones which are pattern selectable are a good bet for close quarters. Using a mini-shotgun such as the ATR-25 (between $40.00 and $60.00) will also do the trick.

Whichever way you choose; be extremely careful NOT to speak too loud in a small studio, things will get dicey without proper isolation techniques.

Toodles

F2
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:54 am Post subject:

what's the rule of thirds for mike angles?

Also, the mike has a grill on the sides and back. Would I completely mess up the sound if I covered those grills with some sound foam?
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Jeff:

In talk radio we have to use mics with processors that have compressor/ expander /gates.
The DBX286A is the best for the price - $200 each.

The only other suggestion is use the "phase" reverse on your pre-amps if equipped with one (Art Tube MP has one).
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Frank F · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:31 am Post subject:

The "rule of thirds" for audio works just like in photography, divide your room into a grid of 1/3's. both horizontally and vertically (Tic-Tac-Toe style across the width and length (not height) of the room). Keep your mic's in away from the center grid, facing the walls, not the center. Have some sound absorbing material behind each microphone and preferable in front of each microhone too.

Toodles

F2
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Is it a live podcast going out on the air or a prerecorded one?
If it's prerecorded, lower the volume levels, like you said - it sounded good, then raise them in post. Frank and Bill nailed the other tech issues pretty well.

Best to the pods!

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

How about three people huddled around an omnidirectional mic?

Some PZM mics are outstanding. I've done large conference tables using a pair of $400 Sanken Cub pzms. Sounded great.

You know those Coke Zero adds with the lawyers threatening to sue Coke? My colleague and I built a couple of Sankens into the table for most of the sound with a little bit of lav blended in for more isolation.
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Yoda117 · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:41 am Post subject:

Frank definitely nailed it, but unless someone has better experience with the Reflexion filter, I'd say to look for something a bit different (Clearsonic has a device which might work, but I think you're going to have to home-build), or switch to mics with a hypercardoid pattern.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:09 pm Post subject:

We're using an edirol R44 to record, which I know has a limiter in it. I'm going to play with the settings to see if I can eliminate the problem with the help of the other suggestions. Thanks all!
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:15 pm Post subject:

That's a tricky situation...especially with 3 condensers. If there's any bounce in the space it compounds the problem. I like the idea of grouping around an omni myself. Between phasing issues and bleed it sound like less is more for this situation. 2 cents is all it's worth :)
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject:

unfortunately, buying new equipment is out of the question. We've already spent our budget.
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