How To Pre-Mix a Microphone – Best Microphone Settings

Pre-mixing a microphone involves setting up the microphone and adjusting its levels before sending the signal to the main mixing console or recording device. Here are some steps to pre-mix a microphone:

• Set up the microphone: Position the microphone in front of the sound source, such as a singer or instrument, and adjust the height and angle for the best sound capture. Make sure that the microphone is connected to a preamp or interface that will boost the signal and send it to the mixing console or recording device.
• Check the signal level: Use a sound level meter or the meters on the preamp or interface to check the signal level of the microphone. Adjust the gain or input level on the preamp or interface until the signal level is strong but not peaking or distorting.
• Adjust the EQ: Use the EQ controls on the preamp or interface to adjust the frequency response of the microphone. Depending on the sound source and the desired tone, you may need to boost or cut certain frequencies to achieve the best sound.
• Add effects: If desired, you can add effects to the microphone signal at this stage, such as reverb or compression. Use the controls on the preamp or interface or an external effects processor to adjust the effect parameters.
• Test the microphone: Before recording or sending the signal to the main mixing console, test the microphone by playing or singing into it and listening to the sound through headphones or monitors. Make any final microphone adjustments to the levels, EQ, and effects as needed.

By pre-mixing a microphone, you can ensure that the signal is optimized for the sound source and that it will integrate well with the other tracks in the mix.

Best Microphone Settings For Vocals

The best microphone settings for vocals depend on the microphone type, the singer’s voice, and the desired sound. However, here are some general guidelines to get you started:

• Microphone selection: Choose a microphone that is suitable for recording vocals. Dynamic microphones, such as the Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE20, are often preferred for their ability to handle high sound pressure levels and rejection of ambient noise. However, condenser microphones, such as the Neumann U87 or AKG C414, are also popular for their sensitivity and clarity.

Also read: Condenser Microphones vs. Dynamic Microphones

• Polar pattern: Choose the appropriate polar pattern for the sound source and recording environment. For vocals, a cardioid pattern is often used to capture the singer’s voice while rejecting off-axis sounds. However, a hypercardioid or supercardioid pattern may be used if the singer moves around a lot or if there is a lot of ambient noise.
• Distance: Position the microphone at a distance of 6-12 inches from the singer’s mouth to capture the desired proximity effect and reduce plosives and sibilance. However, the distance may vary depending on the microphone type and the singer’s voice.
• Gain level: Set the gain level on the preamp or interface so that the signal level is strong but not peaking or distorting. The optimal level may vary depending on the microphone and the singer’s voice.
• EQ: Use the EQ controls to adjust the frequency response of the microphone to match the singer’s voice and the desired sound. Generally, you may need to cut some low frequencies to reduce boominess or rumble, boost some high frequencies to add clarity and presence, and adjust the midrange to balance the tone.
• Compression: Use compression to even out the dynamics of the vocal performance and add sustain and warmth. Set the threshold, ratio, attack, and release according to the singer’s style and the desired effect.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the best microphone settings for vocals may vary depending on the specific recording situation and the artistic vision. Experiment with different settings and listen critically to the results to find the best sound.

Also read: How to Record Vocals: 8 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Best Microphone Settings For Drums

The best microphone settings for drums depend on the microphone placement, the drum kit setup, and the desired sound. However, here are some general guidelines to get you started:

• Microphone selection: Choose microphones that are suitable for recording drums. Dynamic microphones are often used for close-miking individual drums, such as the Shure SM57 or Audix i5. Condenser microphones are often used for overheads or room mics, such as the AKG C214 or Audio-Technica AT4050. Ribbon microphones are also used for their warm and natural sound, such as the Royer R121 or AEA R84.
• Placement: Position the microphones in the optimal location to capture the sound of the drums. For kick drum, place the microphone inside the drum or just outside the hole to capture the attack and low-end thump. For snare drum, place the microphone above or below the drum, pointing towards the center to capture the crack and sizzle. For toms, place the microphones above or below the drums, pointing towards the center to capture the fullness and resonance. For overheads (hi-hats), place the microphones above the kit, pointing towards the center to capture the cymbals and overall sound. For room mics, place the microphones in a suitable location to capture the ambience and natural reverb.

• Polar pattern: Choose the appropriate polar pattern for the sound source and recording environment. For close-miking drums, a cardioid pattern is often used to capture the direct sound and reject off-axis sounds. For overheads or room mics, a cardioid or omni pattern may be used to capture a wider sound.
• Gain level: Set the gain level on the preamp or interface so that the signal level is strong but not peaking or distorting. The optimal level may vary depending on the microphone and the drum volume.
• EQ: Use the EQ controls to adjust the frequency response of the microphones to match the drums and the desired sound. Generally, you may need to cut some low frequencies to reduce boominess or rumble, boost some high frequencies to add clarity and presence, and adjust the midrange to balance the tone.
• Compression: Use compression to even out the dynamics of the drum performance and add sustain and punch. Set the threshold, ratio, attack, and release according to the drum style and the desired effect.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the best microphone settings for drums may vary depending on the specific recording situation and the artistic vision. Experiment with different settings and listen critically to the results to find the best sound.