Sunday, May 13, 2007

AA 1 week 9

This weeks exercise was to record five samples of bass. For this task I had the help of Darren Slynn and his fretless bass (Freddie). All samples were recorded through Pro Tools using the Compressor/Limiter Dyn 3.[1]



Microphone Position

For samples one to three the microphone position was constant, that being approx. 6 inches away from the centre of the cone and on axis.[2]

Sample 1

MICROPHONE: Shure Beta 58
PATTERN: Cardioid [3]

Bass beta 58

Sample 2

MICROPHONE: Shure Beta 56
PATTERN: Cardioid [3]

Bass beta 56

Sample 3

MICROPHONE: Sure Beta 56
PATTERN: Cardioid [3]
NOTE: Patched through the Avalon

Bass beta 56 av

Sample 4

MICROPHONE: D/I

Bass D/I

Sample 5

MICROPHONE: D/I
NOTE: Patched through the Avalon
Bass D/I av

Comments

Of these examples, samples 2 and 3 were what I consider to be the best. These samples gave a nice sound across the board, where as sample 1 using the 58 seemed to give more to the upper frequencies while leaving the lower freq. rather dull and lifeless. Samples 4 and 5 using the D/I's weren't too bad but lacked the dynamics of the two samples that used the Beta 56.

[1]Digidesign. "Pro Tools HD version 7.3.1" http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm

[2]Fieldhouse, S. "Audio Arts Lecture week 9" at University of Adelaide , 08/05/2007

[3]http://www.emu.adelaide.edu.au/resources/guides/hardware/microphones.html

4 comments:

Darren S said...

Sounding good. I like the later ones also (4). Would be good to hear a mix of the two (DI & Mic) though I know we didn't do it on the day.

Freddie said...

I like 3 and 5. 3 was very round and sweet while 5 was sharper. Take a walk on the wild side.

Freddie said...

"For this task I had the help of Darren Slynn and his fretless bass (Freddie)."

Eh? Is that the name of his bass?

edward kelly said...

I had the same situation where the Mic sounded much better than the DI. I assume it was all down to the killer settings on the amp :)