Microphone placement

[Emo-Fan]

Hey, fellow tape fans!

Does anyone have any basic tips for microphone placement? I spoke earlier (meet-and-greet) about digital piano "in-yer'face" sounds that I'm trying to avoid. I've recorded a number of my own jazz tune arrangements onto DVD of my digital keyboards. I want to transfer the DVD-recorded material into my TEAC 3440 multi-tracker (that's two tracks) and simultaneously run a stereo microphone feed into the other two channels in an effort to give the digital pianos more of a live feeling. I'm using Klipsch Chorus II speakers, and Shure SM 58 (general purpose) mics, and a Peavey mixer. If I move the mics far enough away from the speakers and add their input into the mix, I get a more ambient sound; if done right, it's not muddy at all. (If done wrong, it's a disaster!) But maybe you good people have better suggestions!

Danke!

Emo-Fan

[Acoustic]

Might not be placement in this case but the right mic for the right job. The Shure is a cardioid and has a tight pattern. You might want to get into condenser mics for this job... check out this link and go from there:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-MXLV63M-Condenser-Studio-Microphone-with-Shockmount?sku=273158

[Emo-Fan]

Thanks for the tip! That looks like a nice mic!

Emo-Fan

[braxus]

Anyone good at setting mikes here? I've never been good at getting good sound from my mikes unless they are right close to the source. Not good if one wants room ambience.

[Rex Everything]

Anyone good at setting mikes here? I've never been good at getting good sound from my mikes unless they are right close to the source. Not good if one wants room ambience.

What mic are you using and what is the source?

[braxus]

What mic are you using and what is the source?

Audio Technica AT 2020 and acoustic guitar.

[Acoustic]

Check out this part (http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Resources/HowToUse/index.htm)of the Shure web site. It's got PDF's on mic techniques. That AT 2020 is an excellent value mic great for vocals but not the type for my first choice in recording the acoustic guitar... though adequate.

[Rex Everything]

That is a nice mic for the cash.

Classic acoustic micin' would be right around the 12th fret or where the neck meets the body of the guitar as close up as you can get without interfering with your playing.

Another placement I like is to put the mic on a stand off your right should right at your ear. This gives you the sound you are actually hearing. You may need to take a few passes just to get the fine tuning where you want it.

Here is an excellent bi-monthy magazine that all into recording should subscribe to and it's free.

http://www.tapeop.com/