You’ve probably heard about the 3:1 Rule, a way of minimizing phase issues when using more than one microphone. However, the number three has a lot more to offer within the world of audio and music production: it can be used in arrangement strategies, decision-making processes or even mixing approaches.

One word of warning though: if you keep reading, the number three could become your new favorite number.

Last week, we explored a variety of ways to get an excellent acoustic guitar recording using a single microphone. The next logical step in the quest for different sonic nuances is to combine two or more microphones to obtain different colors.

30 mics were used in a single drum set, to show some of the most common microphone techniques used to record acoustic drums; from one, two, three and four-mic methods, to multi-mic setups and room/ambience mics.

Download the audio files, and listen to the sound of different types of microphones, including coveted models such as AKG C12, Neumann U47 FET or Manley Gold…

30 mics were placed around a drum set to show some of the most common microphone techniques used to record acoustic drums.

This second part of the article covers stereo techniques with two and more microphones, and also multi-mic setups and room/ambience mics.

All audio files are available to download.

When recording electric guitars, moving the mic a bit may go a long way.

Download and listen to 20 different combinations of position & distance, and learn what to expect from each part of the cone.

Where´s the guitar tone you are looking for?

The article 'Recording Electric Guitars: Where to Shoot at the Cone' continues with the ‘Crunch’ and ‘Lead’ tones, analyzed in this second installment.

Download and listen to 40 new audio files, to discover what to expect from each part of the cone.

Where’s the guitar tone you are looking for?

This is the first part of a feature about vocal recording, with some ideas, tricks and simple but useful techniques you may use when recording one of the most amazing and complex instruments of all.

This first episode will verse about technical aspects, and the second part will dive into more delicate matters…

This is the second part of a feature about vocal recording, with ideas, tricks and useful techniques you may use when recording one of the most amazing and complex instruments of all.

The first episode talked about technical aspects, this second part will offer ideas about how to keep things running smoothly in the recording session.

Comparativa de cinco micros de voz excepcionales: Neumann U47, AKG C12, Neumann U67, Manley Gold y Blue Bottle.

Descarga el audio y escucha de primera mano cómo suenan cinco de los micros más selectos de la historia.