2. Microphone Types and Polar Patterns

Before addressing specific techniques, it is essential to understand the different types of microphones and polar patterns.

2.1. Microphone Types

2.2. Polar Patterns and Their Applications

3. Microphone Techniques by Instrument

3.1. Vocals

The choice of a vocal microphone depends on the type of voice and context (recording or live sound reinforcement).

Recommended Microphones:

• Studio: Large-diaphragm condensers (Neumann U87, AKG C414, Shure KSM44).

• Live: High-quality dynamics (Shure SM58, Sennheiser e935, Telefunken M80).

Positioning:

• Distance: 10–20 cm for a clear sound with presence.

• Angle: Slightly tilted to reduce plosives and proximity effect.

• Use a pop filter to minimize explosive sounds (“P” and “B”).

📌 Tip: For aggressive vocals in rock or metal genres, use a dynamic microphone with a reinforced capsule to avoid unwanted distortion.

3.2. Acoustic Guitar

Recommended Microphones:

• Small-diaphragm condensers (Neumann KM184, AKG C451B, Shure SM81) for precise capture.

• Stereo configuration with two microphones for greater spatiality.

Positioning Techniques:

• 12th fret: Balanced sound with high-end detail.

• Over the soundhole: More resonance but with a risk of unwanted frequencies.

• XY or ORTF: Stereo configuration for high-fidelity recordings.

📌 Tip: Avoid placing the microphone directly in front of the guitar’s soundhole to prevent excessive low-frequency resonance.

3.3. Electric Guitar (Amplifier)

Recommended Microphones:

• Dynamic (Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421, Royer R-121).

• Ribbon microphones for more body and warmth.

Positioning Techniques:

• Center of the speaker cone: Bright and defined sound.

• Edge of the cone: Warmer and less aggressive sound.

• Angled placement: A mix of brightness and body.

• Dual-microphone technique: Combining a dynamic mic with a ribbon mic for added depth.

📌 Tip: For a better mix, record two takes with different placements and blend them in post-production.

3.4. Drums

Recommended Microphones:

• Kick drum: AKG D112, Shure Beta 52A, Audix D6.

• Snare drum: Shure SM57, Beyerdynamic M201.

• Toms: Sennheiser MD421, Shure Beta 98.

• Overheads: Neumann KM184, AKG C414.

Positioning Techniques:

• Kick drum: Inside for attack, outside for body.

• Snare: 45° above the drumhead, with an additional mic below for snare wire capture.

• Overheads: XY or spaced pair technique for better stereo imaging.

📌 Tip: Adjust phase alignment between microphones to prevent frequency cancellations.

3.5. Electric Bass

Recommended Microphones:

• Large-diaphragm dynamics (Electro-Voice RE20, AKG D112).

• Combination with direct input (DI) for greater control in the mix.

Positioning Techniques:

• Near the speaker cone: To capture attack and definition.

• DI + Microphone combination: For greater flexibility in the mix.

📌 Tip: Apply a high-pass filter on the microphone signal to reduce unwanted sub-bass noise.

3.6. Piano

Recommended Microphones:

• Small-diaphragm condensers (Neumann KM184, AKG C451B).

• Stereo configuration for more realism.

Positioning Techniques:

• Close to the strings: Captures detailed hammer action.

• Spaced pair configuration: More open and natural sound.

📌 Tip: For grand pianos, experiment with different distances to achieve greater depth.

4. Conclusion

Proper microphone techniques are essential for capturing sound accurately and professionally. Each instrument and vocal type requires a specific approach to avoid phase issues, comb filtering, and unwanted noise pickup.

✔ Choose the right microphone according to the sound source. ✔ Position strategically for optimal capture. ✔ Avoid phase issues in multi-mic setups.

With these techniques, you will achieve a more faithful and professional sound capture in any recording or live sound environment. 🚀