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www.noeq.netFor things that boom, beam, rumble & glow Home > Sound Engineering & Systems > Recording & Studio Sound |
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Came across this site recently while seeking out a pretty rare mic preamp. Check out the Recording Tips page for valuable information on recording techniques, microphone arrays and, for young engineers, the types of things that just aren't written in books. Added to this, the guys @ RM were extremely helpful.
Online guide to audio recording based on similar principles to Wikipedia.
An experimental acoustic baffle from Ray Kimber of Kimber Kable, the Iso Mike sets out to address intrachannel interference. The microphones are separated by these rather unique baffles which apparently perform better than standard baffles at low frequencies. More information here
The word Stereophonic is derived by combining two Greek words, stereos (stereo) and phōnē (phonic) which together literally mean solid sound. The term solid implies the three spatial dimensions; width, depth and height. Stereophonic is therefore concerned with 3-dimensional sound. Stereo as it's more commonly known refers to the capture and/or reproduction of a sound source using two or more independent channels. The word is sometimes used to describe systems which are far from 3-dimensional, nevertheless, we should always bare in the mind the ultimate Greek meaning of the word. Stereo reproduction delivers a more natural auditory experience which is interpreted as having direction and depth or spatial fidelity. This direction and depth are known as “localisation” and we should take a quick look at this before getting into stereo systems in any greater detail.
Localisation
We experience three dimensional sound on an daily basis. These everyday naturally occurring sounds are acknowledged primarily in terms of their location and we derive cues (information about the source/s state) from all three dimensions i.e. width, depth and height. We have grown familiar with 3-dimensional sound and attach no singular importance to any one particular dimension. It is true however that we tend to use vision more in the analysis of what is in front of us (for obvious reasons) and rely on sound more for a perception of what is above and behind us.
Indoor -v- Outdoor
Sound environments can be broadly classified into indoors and outdoors. Outdoor environments present an opportunity to experience a close approximation to what is known as Free Field listening. A free field environment is one in which there are no reflections; acoustics researchers are very much interested in free field testing because sound waves travel away from a source and none are reflected back – allows for improved analysis of the source. True free fields do not occur naturally and engineers have developed acoustically treated rooms known as anechoic chambers (see the chamber at Meyer Sound here).
For the majority of us however we listen indoors and a room's response is complex. Sound energy is partially absorbed by the surfaces making up the room and by the air itself. A certain amount will also be reflected back into the room leading to reflections being reflected again and again. The result then is an ambient or diffuse sound field. It is this sound field which gives the room its character and makes it suitable for recording, or not. The diffuse field, a consequence of the numerous reflections, is relatively unchanging in level and though the direct sound will decay with distance from the source, the reflected sound will dominate with increasing distance from the source.
Reflections further give rise to Room Modes. These occur at low frequencies and are the result of patterns of high and low air pressure caused by standing waves which are in turn determined by the dimensions of the space. Depending on the physical location within the space i.e. proximity to a pressure maxima or minima, the source may or may not be supported by a particular mode. Where a strong coupling of source and mode occurs we hear an extended response from the space at that frequency. For more information on standing waves:
What is a standing wave? - by Acoustical Solutions
A bit about Resonance – by HeadRoom
Standing Waves – by HyperPhysics
Standing Wave (explanation by superposition with the reflected wave) – by Walter Fendt
Room Mode Calculator – by Bob Golds
The Aim of Music Recording & Reproduction
This is an area where there is much debate and little consensus. Virgil Moorefield describes perfectly a duality in approach; the illusion of reality versus the reality of illusion.
Illusion of reality is where we, the engineers and musicians, try to recreate the performance for the listener so they can relive the event in the comfort of their home. Effectively a retelling of the same story. Naturally enough this relies on a high quality recording but also on high quality reproduction – not always guaranteed.
A reality of illusion, the converse, proposes that recordings be tailored for a different experience; a virtual sound world which isn't necessarily natural. The production is entirely artificial and very often neither contains nor implies a natural reference point.
From an engineering perspective, the approach then is to either maintain and reproduce as accurately as possible the natural cues and spatial information or to instead present a program which will challenge the listeners perceptions. In either case, regardless of fidelity, the listener must be willing to suspend their disbeliefs for a period of time. Stereo recording and reproduction is about controlling and/or manufacturing perceptual illusions.
Interaural Coherence
It'll come as little surprise to most of us that the auditory system is based around using two ears. Even with a single source, the sound reaching one ear can be slightly different to the sound reaching the other. Where the signals arriving at the two ears are the same they are said to be coherent. When the signals arriving at the two ears are not the same they are incoherent. The auditory system is amazingly adept at filtering incoherent and coherent signals; it uses differences in level (more technical name is intensity), time of arrival and spectral content to assess the source condition. It further turns out that all or a combination of the three are used simultaneously – this is because not all the techniques work well at both high and low frequencies.
Stereo Recording
Reproducing stereo requires a minimum of two channels and as we've just seen our hearing system expects differences in the signals arriving at the ears. For accurate stereo imaging, microphone techniques involving two microphones are therefore mandatory. Note that stereo recording is distinct from dual mono – our hearing system will be searching for differences in the two signals and it is these differences which inform our perception of the space. Stereo microphone techniques are well documented (see below) so I'll not keep you any longer. Happy “stereo” recording!
For more information on the topic of stereo recording techniques consult any of the following articles:
Great site dedicated to professional recording, technique and equipment. Interesting selection of articles including over the limit and choosing an audio platform. The discussions page will also be of interest.
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SSL have announced the production of Shed of your Dreams - a studio built within a shed and based on the shed at the end of Peter Gabriel's garden at home. Reading between the marketing speak it does bring into the focus the importance of a comfortable environment when engaged in music creation. Many of us spend years in dark, sometimes damp basements huddled over equipment oblivious to the world outside. Gabriel went the opposite direction, let there be light! That said, this little shed certainly isn't for everyone; cost estimates are in the region of $250k. Watch a short video interview on the subject of the shed with Peter Gabriel here
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George Massenburg shares some thoughts on vocal overdubbing.
The video demonstrates the audible difference in tone that can be achieved in a recording by altering the microphone orientation and distance.
An interesting service providing the user with virtual tours of recording studios. The gallery so far is relatively small but contains the famous Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Of particular note is the tour of Studio C @ Blackbird; Studio C is home to the legendary George Massenburg. The side wall diffusion is extraordinary and unique.
Specialising in ambient surround recording systems. There is a vast amount of information here with extensive links, technique and demo recordings . Learn about HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function i.e. the effect of the head on what we hear) stereo-surround recording and review tips for operating portable recorders here
From HowAudio Terry Howard discusses technology, music recording and the importance of a performance
Founded by Larry Crane and dedicated to the art of recording, Tape Op is published 6 times per year and comes packed with interviews, tips, tricks and reviews. Readers will find the interviews inspirational and the focus on technique, invention and creativity rather than latest and greatest toy refreshing. A free subscription is available for one year (USA and Europe). Selection of Bonus Articles here Definitely one of my favourites!
Great site by Des McKinney dedicated to independent musicians recording, producing and promoting their work. In his own words "Hometracked is a home recording weblog, filtering the mess of information for good stuff, with a focus on the techniques and tips you need to make and market great music". I can confirm that the site is true to its aims with a large amount of relevant and accurate information. Respect!
Pages of particular note:
Great Free Vocal plugin chain - On the importance of checking a reference while mixing - The big page of mix tutorials - 10 hallmarks of amateur recordings
Software utility (Mac & Windows) which delivers engineering tips and tricks. It's accurate, easy to use and completely free!
3-D Sound Primer - Directional Hearing and Stereo Reproduction
A Brief Guide to Microphones by Audio Technica - Good introduction to microphone design and selection by Audio Technica
AES - Audio Engineering Society
AES Student Site - Audio Engineering Society Student Pages
Ambiophonics - Everything you needed to know (and more) about ambiophonic recording and production. Ignore at your peril!
Ambisonia - Ambisonic and 5.1 recordings
Audio Media Magazine - Professional Audio Magazine. Digital edition available by subscription
Barry Rudolph - Engineering and Production Services. There's a vast amount of information within these pages. The Technical Directory is excellent as is the Book Store, Links and Whatever pages
Basic Mixing Method - From The Department of Music Columbia University the page details an basic approach to mixing for newbies
Binaural Source - Mail order supplier of binaural recordings. Binaural FAQ here
Birth of the Recording Industry - By Allen Koenigsberg, the title is all explanatory
DAT Heads FAQ's - Microphone Edition
Digido - Excellent site by the masterful Bob Katz
DIY Audio - DIY Audio electronics projects
eMasters - Online Mastering Studio
Gateway Mastering & DVD - Home to the multi-Platinum and Grammy Award winning Bob Ludwig (short interview here). Very useful information on how to prepare for a mastering session here
Gearslutz - Utterly excellent forum for gear junkies!
Gearwire - News and video site for music and audio technology
Holophone - Developers of the Holophone Surround Sound Microphone System - designed to record multichannel surround sound for a range of applications
Holophonic Sound - What is Holophonic Sound? From Sound Ideas
Home Recording Tips - For everything from buying equipment to setting it up and using it
Jensen Transformers - System interfacing, ground loops and balanced circuits
John Sayers Productions - Recording Studio Design. This site covers so much information that I felt I should list in numerous sections. Lot's of helpful resources here incl. Studios Under Construction, Reverberation Calculator, Forum and DIY Wall Units. Perhaps of most interest for this subject area however is the excellent Recording Manual
LaLena - DIY Audio and Video. This site is loaded with useful and authoritative information. Very much worth the time to browse in depth
Maths, Physics and Engineering applets by Paul Falstad. Some very useful ones for visualising waves
Microphones - From UCSC (University of California Santa Cruz). Microphones: how they work, specifications, polar patterns and placement
Microphone Data - Truly comprehensive resource detailing microphones in professional use. You must register but it's worth it!
Mix Magazine - Mix Magazine Online: Leading Professional Audio and Music Production Magazine
MTG Group: Sound In Space - Ambisonics and 3-D audio research home page from Music Technology Group at the University of York
NTNUJAVA Physics Simulations - Hundreds of physics related Java simulations. Very useful when trying to visualise what's happening
OSTA (Optical Storage Technology Association) - All about CD-R & CD-RW
Phase Audibility - Masters Thesis (by Daisuke Koya) which examines the significance of phase audibility
Phil Ramone - Home to the master music maker Phil Ramone. My favourite is the Interviews page
ProSound Web - Expansive collection of articles and links relating to audio and recording
Rane Pro Audio Reference - Perhaps the most comprehensive online Pro Audio Reference I've come across
Recording Music - Pro Audio, Engineering and Industry site. Great forum - registering is required
Record Production - Aimed at Record Producers and those interested in the field, this site features video tours of leading recording studios and interviews with a host of record producers. Make sure to check: Elliot Scheiner, Trevor Horn and Al Schmitt....amongst many others!
Recording Magazine - Be sure to check the Resources section, Tips & Tricks and Studio Buddy
Record Producer by Audio Masterclass - Entry to mid level resource by David Mellor with many tips, tricks, articles and industry news
Resolution Magazine - Great magazine! Be sure to check the Know How Sweet Spot and Interview sections
Richard Hess - Media restoration tips, notes and resources
Shure - Educational articles discussing microphones, the selection thereof and technique
Sine Wave Applet - Great little applet by William Idsardi demonstrating the summing of 2 sine waves. You can adjust frequency, amplitude and phase
Soldering Guide - How to solder from The Electronics Club. See also Soldering and associated pages from Leads Direct
Sound on Sound - Sound on Sound Magazine: Foremost Pro Audio and Music Technology Magazine
Surround Associates - Specialists in Surround Sound from production to consumer. Surround Sound FAQ here Glossary here
The Recording Project - Online recording community. Good selection of Articles. Of note for newcomers to the subject of mixing: Mixing 101 - A Mixing primer
The Mix Bus - Aimed at young audio engineers the site contains a number of introductory audio engineering articles here
Tinfoil - Early recorded sounds and preservation, wax cylinders and Thomas Edison
Tweakheadz Lab - Dedicated to music production at the home/project studio. There's a quite a lot of information here. The Guide to the Home and Project Studio might be a good place to start; from here you'll find an extensive selection of pages directed at the project studio user. Forum here Creative Workshop here
ADAM Professional Audio - Developers of the A.R.T (Accelerated Ribbon Technology) tweeter. Quality engineering!
AMS Neve - Infamous mixing consoles
Apogee - High end Analogue to Digital (AD) and Digital to Analogue (DA) recording hardware
Brauner Microphones - Microphones by Dirk Brauner. Excellent build and sounding rich with every detail
Cadac - High quality sound mixing consoles
Dolby Professional - All you need to know about Dolby.
DPA Microphones - Superb microphones! Founded in 1992 as a Pro Audio spin off from B&K. Be sure to fully explore the Microphone University and Application Guide pages
Dynaudio Acoustics - Monitors are very much a personal choice. Bit like a musical instrument - some you like some you don't. Personally, I really like what these guys do. I have an old set of PPM II's at the home studio - would be lost without them!
Earthworks - Exceptional microphones; particular models have a frequency response extending up to 40kHz! Earthworks also produce the unconventionally shaped Sigma Precision Monitor range. I havn't as yet had the good fortune to hear these in action but if the technical specifications are to be believed these monitors are extraordinary. An information page includes a number of really interesting technical papers
Focusrite - Respected Pro Audio manufacturer. Products include Liquid Channel ISA 430 Mk II and the Saffire Range of audio interfaces. Helpful answer base here
Genelec - Fine fine monitors and some very useful information. Includes test signals for evaluation and calibration
German Masterworks - Home to Klaus Heyne; Master microphone modifier. Klaus and Brauner came together to develop the highly coveted Brauner VM1 Klaus Heyne Limited Edition microphone. Interviews with Klaus: ProSound Web and EQ Magazine
Heil Sound - Home to the legendary Bob Heil: developer of the highly regarded PR-20 , PR-30 and PR-40 dynamic microphone. Microphone primer here Available as a download here
Josephson Engineering - Optimum Stereo Signal Recording with the Jecklin Disk
Manley Labs Inc. - Supremo manufacturer of tube gear for studio and home. Discussion about Valve Circuits here and Compression here
Massenburg - Home to the legendary George Massenburg and his line of mastering processors. Lot's of detailed info here regarding equipment and his engineering experience. Essay page will be of interest to engineers.
mh acoustics - Home to the Eigenmike; a spherical microphone array
PMC - Highly regarded manufacturer of professional monitor and audiophile speaker systems
Prism Sound - Foremost developer and manufacturer of digital hardware; Analogue to Digital and Digital to Analogue
Schoeps - Exquisite Microphones
SSL - Legendary manufacturer of audio consoles for film, audio and broadcast. Newly posted tutorials directed at Duende users here Even if you don't have the particular unit it's worth a read
Shure - Perhaps primarily known as the manufacturers of the classic SM57 and SM58 dynamic microphone, Shure also develop excellent wireless systems, monitor systems and even turntable cartridges and needles
Soundfield & Soundfield USA - Soundfield microphones
TC Electronic - First class audio products! Tech Library is well worth a look