40 –80 inches
(1–2 meters)
80 –120 inches
(2–3 meters)
Individual clarity
Blended ensemble
40 –80 inches
(1–2 meters)
80 –120 inches
(2–3 meters)
Individual clarity
Blended ensemble
9
Recording a brass instrument
Minimize noise by
avoiding wind pressure
When recording a brass instrument, placing the
mics directly in front of the bell may cause noise to
appear in the recording. This is a distinctive type
of noise produced by the mic due to the pressure
of wind blown out of the bell. To avoid this, it’s
important to place the mics at an appropriate
distance for recording. Woodwind instruments
played by pressing keys will also allow some sound
to escape from the keys themselves. Place the mics
slightly to the left or right, rather than directly in
front of the instrument.
Keep the mics at a distance
to minimize breath noise
When recording a brass instrument, you may
notice unwanted sounds such as the opening or
closing of the keys, or breath sounds. Moving the
mics away from the instrument can minimize these
sounds. Since brass instruments produce a fairly
high volume, you don’t need to worry that the level
of the instrument itself will be inadequate. On the
contrary, keeping the mics at a good distance will
let you record the rich resonances of the entire
room.
One-Point Advice
Use headphones to check
the noise level of the room
Be aware of often-unnoticed
sources of noise in the room, such as
refrigerators or air conditioners. Listen
through headphones before you start
recording, and turn off sources of
noise that can be turned off .
Use distance to adjust the
character of the ensemble
Placing the mics at a distance will
produce a unifi ed and balanced
recording of the entire ensemble,
while moving the mics closer
will allow the sound of each
instrument to be clearly
distinguished.
Distance the mics to
reduce noise
Key noise may be a concern
when recording sax or
clarinet. If so, aim the mics
at the entire instrument and
keep them at a distance.
Minimize noise by avoiding
direct sound
For instruments that have a
forward-facing bell, such as a trumpet,
wind pressure may cause noise
to occur. Tilt the mics upward or
downward to soften the direct sound.
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