Helpful tips for the aspiring producer

Here are a few useful tips for those of you recording at home.

1) Understand Microphone Polar Patterns
A polar pattern describes the shape and direction of the microphone’s “sweet spot”. Some mics pick up from one direction, some from all around and all offer different degrees of bleed from the sound source. Most of the time, you’ll want to use a uni-directional mic that is most sensitive to sound arriving on-axis.

More information on Polar Patterns

2) Know when to use a dynamic or condenser microphone

Dynamic and condenser mics have different frequency response characteristics. Dynamic mics (like the SM58®) tend to be “shaped” for vocal use. Condenser mics (often used in recording applications) can be “flatter” and usually have an extended high frequency response.
Detailed description on transducer types

3) Invest in a pair of studio headphones for the right application

A good pair of studio headphones won’t break the bank and will let you hear your mix with a great deal of clarity. Models with a swivel that allow you to use just one headphone at a time can be convenient for mixing applications.

More information about Headphones

4) Add a microphone adaptor and be totally portable

The Shure X2U provides a portable and convenient way to connect a professional quality XLR microphone into your computer by converting the analog XLR signal into USB. It also acts as the computer’s de facto sound card and provides zero latency monitoring, and is the perfect solution for  home recording and recording on the move.

More information on the Shure X2U, XLR to USB adaptor

There are plenty more educational documents, videos and downloads in the  education section of our website for microphones, in-ear monitoring  and home recording