recording synths

[Wide Awake]

My question; why do I dislike the sound of synthesizers and digital piano recorded D.I.? I've played keyboards for about 13 years and just started home recording a few months ago and I was shocked at how "different" my keyboards sounded when recorded. Is it because I'm used to hearing them through my P.A. speakers? Is it because I am hearing the reflections off the walls in my untreated room? I am very pleased when I mic the P.A. with a condenser mic. I would love to hear from some experienced engineers and keyboardists on this issue.

 

[Shailat]

I'm sure that is way you feel it sounds different (PA versus Direct).

I prefer to record a direct sound to mixer (of if neede through a DI).

I mic the speaker cabinet for acoustic sounding instruments to get a realistic sound. By moving the mic closer to the speaker or futher you can adjust the amount of "room" sound on the track.
Just remember that the sound will come influenced from the position of placement
at the area of the cone. For smoother warmer place mic on the outer part of the cone.
You also have the option of combining the 2 ways.
1. direct to mixer one one channel
2. one to the amp. and then to the mixer.

Another option is to combine but to add a X-Y stereo mics in the room.
Now you'll have 4 tracks to blend to your liking.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Wide Awake: [bet you didn't know that a Wide Awake was a hat worn by farmers in THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE by Thomas Hardy.

I've been recording my DX-7 synth direct into my MD-8 or direct into a mic pre {ART two channel} and it sounds fine.
When you record LIVE FROM A SPEAKER, funny things can happen, especially if you have a home studio and lack some of the special stuff that major studio have.

Also, do you add reverb to your recordings? Reverb, used the right way, warms up the sound, just as a good mic pre does.

Experiment a bit and I think you'll get to where you like to hear.

Green Hornet

 

[Skyline609]

i think you should always record a synth direct. Unless of course you are looking for the sound of a keyboard being played through a speaker. but recording direct captures every detail of the patch or program. I think a speaker may lose a bet of this fine detail and it will later hurt you witht he quality of your recordings. You probably just need a good pre amp, and give your patches a little effect. the sound will grow on you..