Proximity

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rokket
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Rokket

Rokket

Trailing Behind Again
I tracked my acoustic a couple nights ago, and after listening to it for the first time today(I don't normally wait, but the honey-do list was calling), I discovered that my mic placement experiment went all to hell. I got too close to my pick hand and picked up a lot of bad pick strokes. Beyond retracking, how would you get rid of the proximity effect? I can retrack, but I don't know when I would be able to, and I want to get this one done.

Any help?

P.S. I was experimenting with lining the mic up with the back of the box, pointing toward the bridge, about 6" away. Don't ever do that....:o
 
IMHO, the damage is done and retracking is your best bet. I suppose it depends on how bad it is and can you salvage the recording by working your skills with an EQ but it will probably turn out better if you just retrack.

I like close micing as well. My favorite mic for acoustic is the humble and nicely priced MXL603. I used to have issues in getting that sweet spot...close but not too close for fear of the proximity boom. A while back I picked up a pair of omni capsules and wish I done it a long time ago. Proximity effect is virtually non-existent. You can get right up to the bridge and it still sound clean and clear.

Bottom line, I guess I'm suggesting that you consider an omni pair. Hopefully someone else chimes in here and has some other ideas.

Good luck.
 
I got too close to my pick hand and picked up a lot of bad pick strokes.
Click to expand...
Usually the "proximity effect" refers to the unnatural increase in bass response that occurs when you get close to a cardioid microphone.

In your case, you are just too close to the picking hand. Try moving the mikes out to at least a foot, and I liked to use 2-3 feet. That is really close enough.
 
Agree with above. Also, and I'm not trying to be smart, but..... the best way to not record bad pick strokes is to not make them. In a broader sense, instead of working on mic techniques to not pickup performance shortcommings, work on perfecting the performance. That is energy much better spent, and nothing will improve a recording better than improving the source.
 
Good call Gents...I read the words "proximity effect" and went right over the business of the bad picking strokes.
 
Ooops... my bad. I mislabelled it... :o


Anyway, I went the retrack approach. I couldn't get past the sound of the pick on the strings. That's what was bugging me. It's not bad technique, it's a mic too close to the pick hand.

Thanks anyway... :D
 
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