Recorded Realism

Is it live or is it Memorex? One goal of music recording is to capture a true sound, so when played back it sounds like the musicians are right there in the room with you. The experiment I captured on video proves it's not an easy task! We weren't entirely successful, but did manage to get fairly close with some of the instruments. Enjoy!

If you have technical questions about this video that require a reply, please do not post them here as comments. YouTube is not a good venue for a technical exchange. Please post your questions in whatever audio forum you know me from, or post in my acoustics forum at www.musicplayer.com.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• realism
• audio
• recording
• microphones
• speakers
• loudspeakers

[Millo1868]

Those are you MiniTraps, correct?

[EthanWiner]

Those gray panels are MiniTraps, but hinged to free-stand. We call that configuration "MiniGobos."

[SonicAxiom]

Interesting test. Convolution will help you facilitate your work: Record just one single hand clap right in front of the DPA, play it back via the loudspeakers and record this with the 4033. Load the resulting wave file into free SIR 1.x VST Plugin (set to "wet only") and you can easily apply the same sonic characteristics to any signal. Sending a clap (basically a single impulse) somewhere and record its (impulse) response captures the whole characteristics of the room or device!

[EthanWiner]

Interesting idea, though I was just trying to see how close I could get using normal techniques.

[Chadfish]

Hey Ethan. I have a matched pair of 4033a mics. What would you say the best use for them is? I used to have my brother's 4050s on indefinite loan, but he sold them. Nice mics all around.

[EthanWiner]

I use my 4033s for everything. Best "universal" microphones I've ever owned. Those, and my DPA 4090 omni, which is also great on anything.

[sweetsweatyfeet]

Simple instruments closely miced are easy to record effectively in contrast to complex demands of multiple instruments (orchestras) recorded in an acoustic environment.

However even over my crappy speakers the sound of the guitar was significantly altered by the recording. Transients were smeared and blunted and the body and warmth of the guitar disappeared.

[Gromeul]

Great video, thanks a lot!

[atinocore]

enteresting experiment :-)

[laripsspiral]

Thanks for this vid!

[triton92xx]

awsome, awsome videos man!! Really appreciate your time and knowledge!

[Millo1868]

Yes, I was very surprised by the closeness of the cello, after hearing the difference between acoustic guitar through the DPA and then trough the Mackie. I thought that closeness was useful. I did not like the sound of the acoustic guitar as played-back through the Mackie and/or picked up by the 4033. I did like the sound of the cello w/ just the DPA through my headphones, even though it wasn't exact it was beautiful and seemed very useful. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Thanks, Mr. Winer.