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Topic: Proximity Effect Good or Bad? |
Cass Broadview
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Posted 16 May 2011 8:55 am |
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In regards to recording, and live vocal microphones, is Proximity a good thing or bad? I try to keep a few inch's away from my audix OM2 while on stage. But for slow songs i notice i get closer to the mic, and my voice appears to have more bass. Same in the studio, i'm always asked to back off the mic a tad.
Why do some companies rave about Proximity, and others say they have put in filters to eliminate it, Electro Voice being one such company? Cass  |
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Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 16 May 2011 9:49 am
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It's a tool you can learn and use just like many other factors in recording, Cass. You may have heard the term "work the mic" referring to stage performers moving in and out of the mic pickup pattern for the effect it has on their tone and projection, or even see a real belter with their head turned away and a foot away from the mic!
Most dynamic and condenser mics exhibit proximity effect, which is mostly heard as a bass boost as the mic is moved closer to the source. Hence micing guitar cabs with a 57 right up on the grille, or how a vocal track can sound more intimate recorded just a couple inches from the mic. Some dynamic mics (Electrovoice RE-20) have been designed to reduce proximity effect changes to get a more even sound for broadcast or voice-over use. They also sound great in the studio, and on kick drums.
Ribbon mics by design have little or no proximity effect, but can be damaged by air blasts so always need a pop screen for close vocal use. You might try one of those on your next studio outing to ease the effect. While you generally get more depth and warmth from getting right up on the mic, you'll also generate more plosives- the poppy b and p sounds, and that might be why they're asking you to back off in the studio. Good pop filters are a big help. I like the Steadman metal screen filter. |
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Cass Broadview
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Posted 16 May 2011 2:53 pm
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Thanks mark for all the valuable information. I know microphone technique is very important, just like technique on an instrument.
We recorded down in chicago last winter, at a nice studio named "Jakes Place". When it came time to harmonize on a track, the studio engineers sat me on a stool, in a clear plexiglass booth. They pointed to a spot on a Neumann mic, and told me to sing to that spot. They positioned the mic in a way that i had to actiually look up, with my head actually looking almost above my lead sheets. With only one handheld earphone. Very awkward. I was not comfortable, or at ease in my singing. I'm use to my mic right in front of me level. Apparently that's the way the big guys do it though. |
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Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 16 May 2011 4:00 pm
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Well, my philosophy is the vocalist always needs to be happy and comfortable...
Engineers often have a setup they prefer out of habit or previous good results. Aiming the mic's sweet spot a spots other than the mouth brings out different percentages of head or chest voice, and may avoid some breath noises, but the singer still needs to be comfy! |
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