For the Mid Sides Recording Project I had the opportunity to record Creed Schierman playing an original piece on acoustic piano. For this project I chose the Shure KSM44A (Bi-directional) and Shure SM57 (Cardioid) microphones. I chose to use the UA 4-710d pre amp for the Shure KSM44A, and the Daking Mic Pre IV for the SM57. After getting the microphones set up, and levels set, I then created 3 mono tracks in Pro Tools. One track was labeled center for the cardioid, and the other tracks were both sides of the bi-directional condenser labeled side and side2. Also to note, I recorded into both tracks (side and side2) simultaneously and panned them hard right and left. I did this because in order for the stereo mic technique to work you need to have the recordings matrixed and decoded since both sides are 180 degrees out of phase with each other. By creating the three tracks and flipping the polarity on one of the bi –directional tracks, you can accurately create the stereo image that the bi-directional mic is hearing. Now if you just listen to the center channel you’ll only hear the recording in mono, with the two bi-directional MS decoded tracks in the mix you’ll instantly notice it helps to hear that wide stereo spread, which is why the Mid Sides recording technique is ideal for stereo recording. I particularly like this mic technique because it adds another level of dimension to the song, and depending on what you use it for can potentially create wider or narrower stereo image. This project was recorded at Capital Universities Music Conservatory in the stairwell next to Studio E.
AuthorWalter Joyce III is currently a Music Tech Major at Capital University. All of these blogs are projects undertaken by Mr. Joyce during his time in the Music Conservatory. Enjoy! Archives
December 2014
Categories |