In my interview with Harry Mack, he gave us a lot of great tips for building a career as a freelance designer. I originally contacted Harry because of the article he wrote for Gamasutra called Best Tips for Building a Freelance Career. I'd like to combine the valuable advice from those sources and apply it to a career in pro audio as a sound engineer or designer. Always Be Professional Use correct grammar and spelling in emails, with no shorthand. Speak clearly, confidently, and to the point. … [Read more...]
The Sound Design Live eBook Is Live!
Ciao! Hope you enjoyed last week's series of posts on condenser microphones. I had a lot of fun making it. Those Ear Trumpet Labs mics are beautiful. The Sound Design Live eBook is live, and I can't wait for you to check it out. Those of you who preordered will receive a download link shortly. I wish everyone lots of fulfilling work and projects in the future. Enjoy your Sunday! Best, Nathan Still Here? Maybe you'd like to read Bob McCarthy's foreword to the book? Audio … [Read more...]
There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Microphone
There's no such thing as a bad microphone. Even a broken microphone has its uses...like making drummers happy who want mics on every element of their kit. Bad Mic = User Error The most common microphones in the industry, the Shure SM57 and SM58, are considered by some to be bad mics because they basically require close miking. (For further discussion, see my podcast with Philip Graham on Condenser vs. Dynamic Microphones For Live Sound.) These mics have a crazy built-in EQ curve, can handle … [Read more...]
Single Miking Groups On Stage With Condenser Microphones
In the last post I talked about how surprised I was to learn that my mic choices had been largely dictated by my habit of close miking everything. Many instruments and stage setups do not require close miking, and some even sound worse with it. Think of all of the opportunities for phase cancellations that you introduce by using so may microphones in close proximity! How about eliminating some of those microphones by single miking multiple sources using a condenser microphone? You're afraid … [Read more...]
Condenser Microphones For Live Sound
Last week's podcast with Philip Graham revealed some of my misconceptions about condenser microphones being a bad choice for live sound. Most sound engineers and musicians are so used to close miking with dynamic mics like SM57s that they don't really know how to use condenser mics for live performances. I know that I'm guilty of this, but many situations do not require close miking and actually would sound better without it. Let's take a look at some of Philip's ideas from his post, Condensers … [Read more...]