Multitrack Recording

Recording:

My group had the responsibility of using the Tascam 4 track recorder. We used 2  Shure SM58 dynamic microphones, which were connected to channels 1 and 2. Dynamic microphones are used for loud, low frequency instruments like guitar amplifiers, bass drums etc… and do not need phantom power. Phantom power is a DC current sent through the microphone cable from the multitrack recorder to power the microphone. We used our microphones to record the bass guitar amplifier and the electric guitar amplifier. We placed them roughly 30cm from the cone of the amplifiers (Fig. 1).

We also used the Yamaha MT8X 8 track recorder to record the music session.

We used 2 Senheiser ATM33 condenser microphones, which require phantom power. Condenser microphones are a lot more sensitive than dynamic microphones and are used for high frequency instruments like flutes, vocals etc… for this reason the group used the microphones to record all the instruments together. we positioned the microphones roughly 3 metres apart (Fig. 2).

Below is a diagram illustrating the positioning of the microphones:

Fig. 1                                                        Fig. 2

Mixdown:

After our recording was complete we were set the task of “mixing down” our project. This involves connecting the multitrack recorder to a recording console (we used a mini disc recorder) and combining the separate audio tracks together. During this process volume, tone and spatial positioning (panning) can be altered to the artists/producers desire.

At first we made the mistake of adjusting the input level on the amplifier too high which made the piece too loud and the individual instruments were muffled and unclear. We re-adjusted the input level to a lower setting and re-recorded our piece. We decided to centralise the spatial positioning as we thought this would give the best sound overall. We were pleased with the overall quality of our piece. If I were to change anything about the piece I would perhaps adjust the spatial positioning to enhance the stereo effect of the piece.