How to Record With Omni Mics

Microphones contain various polar patterns that accept and refuse sound from different directions. Cardiod and hyper-cardiod polar patterns block sound from the rear of the microphone, while figure-eight polar patterns block sound from the sides. Microphones with omni-directional polar patterns capture sound equally from all directions. The omni-directional pattern is useful in studio and field recording settings to capture all the sound qualities found in a particular area. Proper microphone placement is critical, as the distance to surrounding sound sources will determine their prominence in the mix.

Things You'll Need

• XLR Cable
• Microphone stand
• Mixer or preamp
• Recording device

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the microphone stand in the middle of the performance area.

   • 2

     Attach the microphone to the mic stand. Move the mic closer to or farther from surrounding instruments to increase or decrease their prominence in the mix.

   • 3

     Connect the female end of the XLR cable to the microphone.

   • 4

     Connect the male end of the XLR cable to the preamp or mixer.

   • 5

     Adjust the input gain on the mixer or preamp until the meter peaks at below zero decibels.

   • 6

     Press the "Record" button on the recording device to begin.