Critique my saxophone recording

[JonathanRay]

Could you guys critique my saxophone recording? I'm using an SM58 about 1.5 feet away from the bell. I think I might be getting to much key noise.

Thanks for any help!

 

[TimOBrien]

Try moving the mic over towards the left side away from the keys.

Technique helps, too (try not to let the keys slam all the way up when you release the note). That just takes practice...

Also if you're pointed down the bell, point up more towards the center of the horn (the inside edge of the bell).

Remember that the sound of a sax comes from the ENTIRE horn, not just the bell.

-- just my experience (I play alto, tenor and WX-5 windsynth...)

 

[Seeker of Rock]

First the bad news...I can hear the keys to prominently too. Not sure sax recording technique, but I'll bet if moving to the side doesn't work, you could rig some sort of transparent shield like a piece of plexiglass to shield the key noise. Or maybe oil them?
Dude, I've heard some shit and you are AWESOME at your instrument. Holy SHit, man. Careless Whisper was a nice throw-in, too. It is TRULY refreshing to hear someone so in touch with their music, and their instrument. Just get the key thing resolved for recording and you are set.
My hat is off to you, sir.

 

[treymonfauntre]

having enver recorded a saxophone and not knowing what the keys would sound like.. i thought this suonded great!

 

[Seeker of Rock]

And you are correct...it DID sound great. It's just a little recording snaffou wih the keys you have to dodge. If you are adding tracks to percussion, vocals, bass, etc. it would probably not be prevalent. Pick strikes in my acoustic tracks still come out, and I'm still working on masking them too. Not that it affects the sound of the guitar, and hearing a bit is natural, but hearing a lot is something that can be learned in recording technique. Again, this has NOTHING to do with you playing, which is incredible btw. But this is the forum that seeks advice and the way to learn recording techniques, and that is objectively where my advice to you lays.
Again, you are an excellent player, no one in the entire thread would dispute that.

 

[JonathanRay]

Thanks for the suggestions and comments! I'll try aiming the might a little higher and away from the keys. Are condensors usually the mics used for saxophones?

 

[TFunkadelic]

I really really like your playing...only thing I can say is there's a bit much jaw movement for me...nice work though.

 

[JonathanRay]

Thanks! I think theres a little less key noise in this one. I tryed aiming the mic off alittle. Theres still some, but like Seeker of Rock said, with all the other tracks, you probably wont be able to hear it.

 

[SnakeDog5050]

Wow, is all I have to really say. I've tried to record trumpet a few times and gave up for now, so this is very impressive to me. Excellent playing too, you have a very good feel and timing. I like By the way, I only heard your new version and can't hear the keys at all.

 

[FattMusiek]

Sounds great in my opinion. Would love to hear in the context of a mix!

 

[TimOBrien]

Are condensors usually the mics used for saxophones?

Depends.

On tenor I use a dynamic (Sennheiser MD-421) at the bell and then a Large-Diameter Condenser 4 or 5 feet back and then mix the two together. On alto, I just use a single LDC.

From what I understand, KennyG uses one LDC at the bell but many soprano players are mic'ed using two LDCs; one a foot or so from the bell and one pointed at the middle of the horn (again to pick up the entire body's vibrations...)

If you ever get a big budget, a ribbon mic is supposed to be the Holy Grail but I doubt my bank account will ever let me try them...