Mic'ing Hand Claps

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cominginsecond

cominginsecond

Decentralized Media Mogul
We're talking late 60's-early 70s style rock hand clapping.

(1) How many of you guys have ever done this?

(2) How did you do it? What mic(s) did you use? How were they placed?

Thanks!
 
I've done it using a LD condenser.

Tips:

1. use the pad on the mic if you can. Handclaps are essentially a percussion instrument with big transients, so watch those peaks.

2. get three or four people to perform at the same time if you can. the subtle differences will add realism to your claps. one hand clapping ain't gonna get it!

3. double track. then pan the two performances. heck, even triple track!

4. use a limiter to tame the peaks.

5. a very small room reverb--I mean very small--can help give them a nice space in your mix.

6. I never tried it, but I bet the ECM 8000 would be nice on handclaps too.

7. try finding a small room, like a bathroom or closet to do the recording in--if you can fit a few people in the space. dare I say a tiled shower? well, if the performance is no good, at least maybe you can save some water! :-)
 
Do you compress/limit them going to tape, or afterward?
 
I say to compress/limit going to tape. The idea being to keep the transients from overloading. This is essential tracking to a digital medium. If you are using tape, maybe a little overload would be compressed by the tape itself. Try both ways and see what sounds best.
 
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