The #1 Thing to Get Right When Recording at Home: Mic Technique

Recording music at home has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the affordability of recording equipment and the convenience of home studios. However, achieving Industry Quality recordings at home can be challenging. While there are a lot of essential factors to consider, one will make the biggest impact: mic technique.

Choosing the Correct Mic

The first step in mastering mic technique is selecting the right microphone for your recording needs. Microphones come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are the 2 you'll most likely use:

1. Dynamic Microphones: are not very sensitive, but they are great at blocking out unwanted noise and reflections due to their capsule and polar pattern. Often a great choice for recording in a home or space without much isolation.

2. Condenser Microphones: Condenser mics are very sensitive. They capture all the detail in a voice but will also capture any background noise like a fan, a loud car, or a barking dog outside.

Consider your recording space and the amount of isolation you can achieve when choosing a microphone. Most artists start with a cheap condenser microphone, but consider a Dynamic Mic instead. It will handle outside noise better, and for the same price as a cheap condenser, it's usually a much better microphone.

Choosing the Best Mic Placement

Once you've selected the right microphone, the next crucial aspect of mic technique is placement. Proper mic placement can make or break the recording quality. Here are some general guidelines for mic placement:

1. Location: Your main goal is to avoid reflections (echoes) when recording at home. They'll make your vocals sound off and unclear. You want your mic to capture your voice and nothing else. So try to avoid placing your mic anywhere too close to hard surfaces that reflect sound. Aim for the middle of the room with ideally soft heavy blankets draped behind you.

2. Microphone: You want to ensure that your recording space is quiet because you want to allow some space between you and the mic. Space will allow a more balanced representation of your voice to reach the mic. Try to aim for 12in between you and the mic. If you notice too much noise get closer and turn down your gain.

Setting Proper Preamp Levels

The final piece of the mic technique puzzle is setting the preamp levels correctly. Preamps amplify the weak microphone signals to a usable level for recording. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with the preamp gain at its lowest setting.
2. Start performing into the mic with full energy, don't hold back.
3. Gradually increase the preamp gain until the signal level peaks at around -6 dB to -3 dB on your meters.

Setting the preamp levels correctly ensures that your recordings have a healthy signal-to-noise ratio and won't distort, helping you achieve a clean and Industry Quality sound.

Mic technique is undoubtedly the #1 thing to get right when recording at home. Choosing the correct microphone, placing it strategically, and setting preamp levels accurately can significantly impact the quality of your recordings. With practice and attention to detail, you can achieve Industry Quality results in your home studio, just like the pros. So, don't complicate things; focus on your mic technique, and your recordings will sound better than ever.