About This Site

I think its safe to say that the majority of questions I get from my students start with the phrase “How would you mic…”. Microphone placement is an extremely important (arguably the most important) step in the recording process. Even a small change in the placement of a microphone can make a big difference to the tone you achieve in your recording.

That’s why, when I wrote The Encyclopedia of Home Recording, I decided to add an entire appendix on the subject (along with The Basics of Sound, and a Studio Setup Guide). The full Microphone Placement guide also talks about the variables that affect mic placement, choosing a microphone, stereo microphone techniques, and how to approach miking an instrument you’ve never recorded before. I’m afraid to get that information you’ll have to pick up a copy of the book, but I am sharing with you some mic placement techniques for a variety of instruments.

Remember: these are just places to start. Every room is different, every microphone is different, and every instrument is different, so take the time to experiment with different setups. You’ll be glad you did.

Happy recording!

Mark Garrison
Author, The Encyclopedia of Home Recording