The book was a lot of different ideas for setting up a studio and techniques for approaching a recording session. How to set up your monitors, how to mic up a guitar and many more.
We looked at this book briefly as part of my degree and one section in particular sparked debates.
MICROPHONE HARDNESS
In the book Michael Stavrou talks about his microphone rating system. The theory is create a chart of microphone hardness, if your using a soft instrument use a hard microphone and visa versa. This way you can try and get as natural a sound as possible.
What on Earth Is Hardness?
This is the section question that caused a debate. In the book Michael Stavrou doesn't state exactly what 'hardness' is.
This could be for a few reasons:
- Maybe he just wanted it to be his little secret (but then why right a book?)
- Maybe he made the whole thing up to fill a chapter?
- Maybe he wants it to be your choice, your interpretation.
Personally i think the third idea is probably the most likely. The way i see it, by not defining it, nobody can go wrong with this technique. Aslong as you perceive your hardness for your microphones and instruments the same way and apply this perception accordingly then that should in theory work for you.
if you struggle to think up your own interpretation of this then here are some ideas that could get you started:
- Does the microphone hurt at loud volumes, does it get 'harder'?
- Does it sound dull or bright?
- Where are the harmonics?
- Does it sound smooth or crisp?
in the book Michael Stavrou does list things that he says hardness isn't but like i said above if you apply it in the way in which you perceive it then it is a technique that could work extremely well for you.
How Do I Find My Microphone Hardness?
Get all the microphones at your disposal (studio, home, friends). using the manufactuers websites and manuals look at the frequency response to see which one will colour the sound as little as possible. Ideally get hold of a flat response microphone if you can. This microphone will have a hardness rating of 0
After this you can cary on with all other microphones until your left with a rating that goes from what ever number you want. If your only doing home recording and/or learning about music technology i recomend a -5 to 5 rating. If you want to do more thats entirley up to you.
as you do the other microphones decide if they sound harder or softer than the flat response microphone rated 0, then give them a rating accordingly.
How Do I Apply This To My Next Session?
Now you have that rating chart lets put it to good use. Print it out and stick it on your wall if you want especially if you have a lot of microphones.
Listen to your audio source (guitar, vocals, piano, etc...) and using the same perception for hardness decide if your source has a hard or soft sound. if your source has a hardness rating 2 then use a microphone with a hardness rating -2. basicly use the opposite of the source to help get the most natural response.
Make sure you remember that not every vocalist will have the same percieved hardness just like no 2 of the same guitars or instrumentalist will either, however if you use this system you can get good results everytime!
One more thing to remember is that, like most other things in this industry, this isn't set in stone. You may want to capture a hard or soft sound so will use a hard mic on a hard source or visa versa.
Where Can I Get That Book?
I highly recommend purchasing this book if you want to learn more of Michael Stavrous' innovative techniques. The book is full of great ideas and a lot can be taken away from it.
The book can be purchased from one of the two links below
I highly recommend purchasing this book if you want to learn more of Michael Stavrous' innovative techniques. The book is full of great ideas and a lot can be taken away from it.
The book can be purchased from one of the two links below
Michael Paul Stavrou - Mixing With Your Mind - Official Author Website
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