Question: recording live musicians / clipped audio

[Gert van Santen]

Martin Naef schreef:
> Hi Gert
> 
> Gert van Santen wrote:
>> problem he has when recording classical 
>> music.
>>
>> This music can often be very dynamic. 
> 
> Yes, that's the whole point...
> 
>> A good solution would be integrated 
>> limiters in your audio interface, but he 
>> has an Edirol thing, which doesn't 
>> support that.
> 
> No - classical people won't like that. There's essentially only one 
> solution: Record at a low level, make sure it doesn't clip, and use a 
> very good and *clean* recording chain that maintains the dynamics (no, 
> tubes are not a good idea).
> 
> Other tricks: Be careful with the microphone positioning. If you move it 
> a bit further away, there's a good chance that you don't get as heavy 
> spikes as you would with a close-miked sound. You'll also get a better 
> sound overall, as most classical instrument don't sound good with small 
> mic distances anyway.
> 
> With classical music, the performers are in conrol of the dynamics, and 
> your job as recording engineer is to retain those dynamics.
> 
> Of course, there's the area of what I'd call "pop classics" (e.g. what I 
> did for Ilona's wedding gig portfolio CD) where compressors can be used 
> to good effect. I'd still prefer to compress/limit as postprocessing 
> option, but if that's not feasible for whatever reason, well just use 
> any compressor/limiter after the mic preamp.

Thanks, Martin. I will send Hans your tips.

-- 

:-)

G e r t  v a n  S a n t e n
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