Module 03: Recording Techniques

The Basics of Microphone Recording

The quality of your recording starts long before the microphone—it starts with proper positioning. An expensive microphone with poor technique sounds worse than a budget mic with good technique.

Distance is Key

The distance between mouth and microphone affects three critical factors:

Volume: Too close = distorted, too far = quiet
Bass response (Proximity Effect): Closer = more bass
Room sound: Further = more reverb

The Golden Rule: 15-30 cm distance for speech and vocals. For loud instruments (drums, guitar amps), move further back (50cm-1m).

The Angle Technique

Never speak directly into the microphone—this causes "plosives" (explosive sounds on P and B). Instead:

Position sideways or at an angle (approx. 15-30 degrees)
Tilt the microphone slightly downward
Let air flow past the side

Visual Guide: Microphone Positioning

Correct: 15-30° sideways, 20cm distance

Wrong: Directly frontal = plosives

Vocals

20-30cm distance, slightly sideways, use pop filter

Speech/Podcast

15-20cm distance, more direct position possible

Acoustic Guitar

20-30cm in front of soundhole, slightly toward neck

Amplifier

5-10cm directly in front of speaker, centered

Mono vs. Stereo: What's the Difference?

Recording technology distinguishes between Mono (one channel) and Stereo (two channels). This decision affects how wide and spatial your recording will sound later.

Mono Recording

L+R

One channel: Same signal left & right
Typical use: Vocals, bass, kick drum, snare
Advantage: Focus, punch, center placement
Technique: One microphone, direct to DAW track

When to use: Everything that should be centered and present

Stereo Recording

L

R

Two channels: Different signals L/R
Typical use: Overheads, acoustic guitar, rooms
Advantage: Width, spatiality, natural sound
Technique: Two microphones (XY, AB, ORTF), stereo track

When to use: For width and spatial atmosphere

Stereo Techniques Overview

XY Technique

Two condenser microphones at 90 angles overlapping. Cardioid pattern. Phase-safe, compact.

AB Technique

Two microphones parallel at 50cm-2m distance. Very natural room imaging. Caution: Phase issues possible.

ORTF

Two cardioid microphones at 110 angle, 17cm apart. Optimized for human hearing. Standard for orchestra.

Pro Tip: For beginners, stick with Mono for vocals. Stereo becomes interesting with instruments that have natural width (piano, drum overheads, choir).

Understanding Room Acoustics

Your room is the invisible co-player in every recording. Hard surfaces (windows, walls, floors) reflect sound and create reverb. Soft materials (curtains, upholstery, carpets) absorb it.

The "Wardrobe Trick"

A full wardrobe is often the best "studio room":

Clothing absorbs sound (no reverb)
Small space = fewer reflections
Free and available everywhere

Recognizing Problems

Clap your hands: Do you hear reverberation like in a church? Then the room is too bright.

Quick Fixes

Towels over hard surfaces, dampen the ceiling, stand in a corner.

Mobile Solution

Reflector shields made of styrofoam or specialized vocal booths made of foam.

Caution: Windows and mirrors are the biggest troublemakers. They reflect sound unattenuated and create echo.

The Recording Workflow

A systematic workflow saves time and prevents mistakes. Before every recording, run through this checklist:

Pre-Recording Checklist

Check microphone distance (15-30cm)
Adjust angle (not frontal)
Make test recording and listen back
Minimize air noise (windows, fans)
Phone on airplane mode
Have water ready (for longer sessions)

Gain-Staging (Level Setting)

The most important part of recording: the right input level. Too quiet = noise when amplifying. Too loud = distortion (clipping).

Optimal range: -12 dB to -6 dB on the level meter
Peaks: Should never reach 0 dB (red zone)
Safety margin: Always leave some headroom

Audacity Tip: The level meter shows green (good), yellow (caution), red (too loud). Stay in the green with occasional yellow peaks.

Multitrack Recording

Modern audio production works with multitrack recordings. Each instrument or vocal track is recorded separately and mixed later.

The Benefits

Mistakes in individual tracks can be corrected
Each track gets its own EQ and effects
Volume balance optimizable during mixing
Overdubbing: Record over your own recording

Practical Order

Guide track: Simple version of the song as orientation
Rhythm: Drums or percussion (the foundation)
Harmony: Bass and chord instruments
Melody: Lead instruments or vocals
Details: Effects, backing vocals, ad-libs

Practice Exercise

Your First Professional Recording

Setup: Choose a small, furnished room. Close windows and doors.
Position: Place microphone 20cm in front of your mouth, slightly angled.
Test: Make a 10-second test recording. Speak loudly and quietly.
Level Check: Open the recording in Audacity. Check the waveform levels.
Reflection: Listen to your recording. What do you hear? Room reverb? Laptop fan?
Optimize: Eliminate noise and repeat.
Multi-Track: Record three takes on different tracks. Compare them.

Use the Audio Player (bottom left) to test and compare your recordings directly.

Summary

Distance: 15-30cm, never directly frontal
Room: Small and dampened is better than large and bright
Level: -12 to -6 dB, never in the red zone
Workflow: Checklist before every recording
Multitrack: Record individual tracks, mix later

Perfect recordings aren't magic—they're the result of consistent craft and attentive listening.