As in any endeavor, recording music has its potential hazards. Identifying these issues will be the first point of consideration. Solving these problems which are usually intuitive in nature, and being able to adjust the parameters when needed using simple solutions in general. If more serious problems occur in a given space perhaps a change in venue would be appropriate. Some of the more common problems and solutions are listed:
Distortion in the microphone signal
-Use pads or input attenuation
-Switch in the pad in the condenser microphone, if any Use microphones with a higher SPL capability
Too dead (Insufficient Ambience, Hall Reverberation, or Room Acoustics)
-Place microphones further from performers
-Add reflective materials in areas if possible
-Use Omni Directional microphones
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Too detailed, too Close, too Edgy
-Place microphones further from performers
-Use alternative instrument positioning (adding diffusion if needed)
-Add damping materials such as carpeting to dull sound
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Too distant (too much Reverberation)
-Place microphones closer to performers
-Use directional microphones (cardioids)
-Try using alternate room positioning with less reverberant fields
-Add damping materials or baffles to isolate instruments as needed
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Narrow stereo spread
-Separate performers
-Angle or space microphones further apart
-Position microphones closer to ensemble
Excessive separation or hole-in-the-middle
-Position performers with less spread
-Angle or space microphones closer together
-Place microphones further from ensemble
Poorly focused images
-Avoid spaced-microphone techniques
-Make sure that microphones are matched and recording patterns are the same
-Listen for room acoustic problems, standing waves or null spaces
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Images shifted to one side (Left-Right balance if Faulty)
-Check and adjust channel levels so that center images occur
-Make sure that you use microphones that have matched sensitivities, check pads
-Positions instruments in a more balance array
Lacks depth (Flat Sound Stage)
-Make sure to record in True Stereo
Lacks spaciousness
-Make sure to record in True Stereo
-Angle or space microphones further apart
-Place microphones further from ensemble
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Early reflections too loud
-Place microphones closer to ensemble
-Move ensemble to less reverberant part of space
-Use damping materials such as rugs in front of microphones
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Poor instrument balance
-Repositions instruments for proper balance
-Use risers and or baffles to correct balance issues
-Talk to musicians about adjusting their playing levels
Muddy bass
-Avoid the use of proximity effect
-Avoid standing waves in room
-Use riser on Acoustic bass
-Record in space with more appropriate acoustics for given subject
Poor tonal balance
-Make sure to record in True Stereo
-Change the microphones
-Make sure to always record in appropriate acoustics for given subject
Recording in True Stereo is like any other recording method subject to various problems. Using your ears and common sense is most often the solution to these, and keeping an open mind to possible manipulations of room and ensembles to derive the intended result.
Ken Christianson, Pro Musica, Chicago