Acoustic treatment

As part of my research for acoustical treatment, I have found images of a band named "Carnivores" doing a live performance which was broadcast on the radio.
These images clearly show how acoustic panelling is used to limit spillage, as preventing it entirely would be completely impractical in this particular situation, will also be the case in my honours project recordings.

Whilst availability will determine whether or not I can place panelling between sound sources, it is possible for me to set amplifiers up that they are facing away from one another, as well as the drum kit.

This means that the sound spillage being picked up by microphones will be reflection of the original sound source, meaning the sound waves will have lost some for their energy by the time they are picked up.

 By doing this, I hope to limit the volume of sound spillage present within the record. 

In addition, I will place acoustic panelling in front of the amplifier where possible, however I will make an effort not to avoid breaking the lines of site between band members.

I will also raise the amplifier off of the floor to prevent sound waves from reverberating through the floor and causing the microphone stand to vibrate which will transmit the sound waves to the microphones.

supervisor meeting

at my supervisor meeting, i was advised to:

• Create rough versions of the questions which will be included in my blog
• research methods of acoustically isolating elements within a live room
• continue to research recording techniques

Equipment list - revised

As expected, availability of equipment has forced me to slightly alter my intended equipment list for my project recording. These alterations are as follows:

• 1. Hi-hat Mic - AKG C1000 AKG C1000s
• 2. Snare mic Top - Shure SM58
• 3. Snare Mic Bottom - Shure SM57 Shure SM57 Beta
• 4. Kick Drum Mic - AKG D112 Shure SM52 Beta
• 5. Rack Tom Mic - Shure SM58 Sennheiser E604
• 6. Floor Tom Mic - Shure SM 58 Sennheiser E604
• 7. Overhead Right - Neumann U87
• 8. Overhead Left - Neumann U87
• 9. Guitar 1 Mic 1 - Shure SM57
• 10. Guitar 1 Mic 2 - AKG 414
• 11. Guitar 2 Mic 1 - Shure SM 57
• 12. Guitar 2 Mic 2 - AKG 414
• 13. Bass D.I. - XLR to wall box
• 14. Bass Mic - AKG D112 Shure SM58

Update

for the last fortnight, I have been working on my project proposal for the research and dissertation module for Colin Cartwright. Since this has been complete and handed in, I have booked my recording session for the 11th of February, rather than the 8th as this was the only day the studio was able to give me one continuous session rather than splitting it into 2 which would have undermined much of the purpose of my recording.
I have also been given permission from Dr Kenny McAlpine to use the Neumann U87's and AKG C414B's as part of my project recording, which was necessary as these microphones are not supposed to be taken of uni campus. I am waiting for a response to the booking form i submitted but Kenny has stated that there should not be a problem.

Pre Production - Planning Diagrams

I have created the following microphone set ups diagrams and floor plan based upon the test recordings I carried out. In all cases, the exact distances and angles will be determined by the sound produced on the day.

This is the layout I intend to use for the recording session, it is based upon the layout of the recording space I will be using as well as the standard arrangement of the band in relation to one another. 

This microphone set-up is loosely based upon mic set ups I have used in the past when recording drums.

This recording set-up is based upon recording set-ups I have used in the past coupled with the addition of the AKG D112 micing up one of the speakers, which is something I have always wanted to try but never been able to do before.

This microphone set-up is based upon common practice, using and SM57 to record a guitar amp, with the addition of a 414, a recommendation by one of my peers, Daryl Robertson. The placement of the mics, diagonally opposite one another, is an attempt to ensure I capture the widest variety of sounds from the amplifier.

This amp set-up employs the same set-up, however this guitarist will be using his own amplifier, meaning there are only 2 speakers available to record.

Pre Production - Arranging Recording Date

I confirmed the date for the recording session for my honours project with all members of the band I intend to record. Here is a transcription of the conversation with the drummer, with whom it was necessary to pre arrange the recording as he lives out with Dundee. Please ignore his ridiculousness.

Me: are you free to record on... probably the 8th of february?

for my project

Drummer: Let me see....

Just checking my diary

.....

I have a pedicure on the 4th

a colonic on the 5th

Me: probs be a 10 hour session

Drummer: but I was really wanting to know what was going to happen on the 9thI could maybe shift my psychic reading to the 10th

Me: this is all going in my blog Ross

Drummer: Ach, I'll do it

Fate will just have to take its own course I guess...