Testing 8 Mics in UN-Treated Track Room

[Mack Caster]

OK, I have done a few mic test in the UN-treated track room. All the recordings were rendered to around a -18LUFS with a -0.2dbTP. I used the -0.2dbTP due to placing a master limiter on the master channel. Each mic was tested at a 2 to 3 inch range, speaking off axis as well as using a $10.00 homemade sound booth as well as being 12 inches from the mic.

I used my Alesis mixer going into Reaper between a -12dbs and -18dbs. I will list the dynamic tests first. This will be my base line to see the effects after I install my room treatments.

ATR 2100

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Shure SM 57

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Radio Shack High Ball

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CONDENSERS

AKG P120

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AT Pro 70 Lav

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Logitech Headset

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C-2 Matched Stereo Mics

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ECM 8000

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[CoolCat]

thats a pretty big difference with and without the shield.

distance a huge difference, especially on some mics.

so? in crappy rooms mic close up helps reduce room ringing and the neighbors dog barking.

 

[Mack Caster]

thats a pretty big difference with and without the shield.

I know, all I did was drape a $10.00 light fleece jacket over my head and over the rear of the mic stand. I have a $130.00 face shield but I wanted to check this jacket idea out as well. Some company is selling a head booth for $600.00 on line and I will make one using 2 inch pvc pipe and moving blankets for around $60.00 that I hope will do the same thing.

 

[CoolCat]

interesting, I was wondering what the pics would look like.

head booth for $600..geez...a fool and his money?
yeah moving blankets at Harbor Freight, or just comforters off a bed. tracking rooms are more fun....the mixing/mastering rooms gets all flat and less creative imo, theres more rules to follow.

as a HR gearhead the demos listened too, the first 10 seconds its obvious if the tracks are in a crap room with the mic picking it up or that garage sound...or if its more studio-ish and clarity is up a level.

I didnt know the mics other than the SM57, but the test showed the effect well.

 

[Mack Caster]

This is what I will model mine after. I will add a third side and use 45s on the top, twice to keep reflection from coming in the rear. I don't want to create a sound booth type of set up due to it sounding dead. I will also make a smaller version for instrumental work when someone is sitting. I misquoted the price above, it is $999.00 and you can view it here.


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