Tiny Tech Tips: Microphones
Choosing different mics to capture a variety of instruments is an art form. There are countless options at different price points and there are no right answers. EQ adjustments to treble, bass and midrange frequencies can make an inexpensive mic sound good. Mic placement can change the sound dramatically. Whenever I'm not sure how to record an instrument, I move my head around until it sounds nice, then I replace my head with a mic. (Trade secret!) Also, what does the room sound like where you're recording? Are there a ton of reflections or reverb that could affect clarity? Are the lights buzzing or is there a humming refrigerator in the background that could be unplugged? Are you outside and need a dead cat windscreen?
Recording With One Stereo Mic
If you're looking for a quick way to dramatically improve the sound of the built-in mono mic on your phone, Shure's ($250) should do the trick. The kit includes a mount for your phone and a solid Manfrotto mini-tripod. I made this video of and was impressed how it recorded a variety of sources, and I was also able to monitor the audio I ($150), which plugs directly into the Lightning port of your iOS device, though it won't work with Android. 's used this mic at SXSW this year.)
