What are the most common mistakes in mic placement for audio recording?

1 1. Too close or too far

One of the most basic errors in mic placement is positioning the mic too close or too far from the sound source. If the mic is too close, it can cause distortion, clipping, and unwanted noises, such as pops, breaths, and sibilance. If the mic is too far, it can capture too much room noise, reverb, and ambient sound, making the recording sound thin, distant, and muddy. The optimal distance depends on the type of mic, the sound source, and the desired effect, but a general rule of thumb is to keep the mic about 6 to 12 inches away from the source.

3 3. Inconsistent distance

Another mistake that can affect the quality and consistency of your recordings is changing the distance between the mic and the sound source during the performance. This can cause variations in volume, tone, and presence, as well as unwanted noises and effects. For example, if you are recording a singer who moves closer and further away from the mic, you might hear changes in the bass response, known as the proximity effect, or changes in the stereo image, known as the Haas effect. To avoid this, you need to instruct the performer to maintain a steady distance from the mic, or use a pop filter, a shock mount, or a boom arm to stabilize the mic.

4 4. Too many or too few mics

Another mistake that can compromise your recordings is using too many or too few mics for your setup. If you use too many mics, you might create phase issues, which occur when two or more mics capture the same sound source at different times and frequencies, resulting in cancellation or reinforcement of certain sounds. This can make your recording sound thin, hollow, or unnatural. To avoid this, you need to apply the 3:1 rule, which states that the distance between two mics should be at least three times the distance between each mic and its sound source. If you use too few mics, you might miss some important details, nuances, or perspectives of your sound source, making your recording sound incomplete or unbalanced. To avoid this, you need to choose the right type and number of mics for your recording situation, and experiment with different placements and combinations.

5 5. Ignoring the room

Another mistake that can affect your recordings is ignoring the acoustics and characteristics of the room where you are recording. The room can have a significant impact on the sound quality, as it can reflect, absorb, or amplify certain frequencies, creating reverb, echo, or resonance. These effects can be desirable or undesirable, depending on the type of recording and the genre of music. To avoid unwanted effects, you need to treat your room with acoustic panels, diffusers, or absorbers, or use a portable isolation booth or a reflection filter. To enhance the natural effects, you need to use room mics, or position your mic near a wall, a corner, or a window.

6 6. Not checking the levels

The final mistake that can ruin your recordings is not checking the levels of your mic and your sound source before and during the recording. The levels determine how loud or quiet your recording will be, and how much headroom or dynamic range you will have. If your levels are too high, you might cause clipping, which is when the sound exceeds the maximum amplitude that your device can handle, resulting in distortion and loss of quality. If your levels are too low, you might introduce noise, which is the unwanted background sound that your device generates, resulting in hiss and interference. To avoid these problems, you need to use a meter, a headphone, or a monitor to check the levels of your mic and your sound source, and adjust them accordingly. You also need to use a limiter, a compressor, or a gate to control the peaks and valleys of your sound.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?