User manual AKG C 214

[. . . ] 1) lets you increase the microphone's headroom by 20 dB for distortion-free recordings of very loud sound sources or close to sound sources. The preattenuation pads prevent the microphone's output level, particularly at low frequencies, from overloading the miniature transformers used in mixer input stages, etc. 2 Bass Cut Selector Rumbling or wind noise may cause distortion at very low frequencies. The bass cut also minimizes the proximity effect that may arise when close-in miking from less than 6 inches. [. . . ] 2 Choir/ Backing Vocals To mic up a large choir, we recommend using a pair of microphones plus one spot microphone each for the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections. In rooms with perfect acoustics, using just a pair of high quality microphones is a proven way to get superb-sounding recordings. Backing vocals/technique 1: If enough tracks are available, we recommend overdubbing each voice separately. Backing vocals/technique 2: If only one or two tracks are available for backing vocals, use one microphone each for two or three vocalists maximum. 3 Violin, Viola Solo violin: Direct the microphone to the f holes from a height of 6 to 8 feet (1. Large string sections: Use a combination of a pair of microphones in an XY, ORTF, or other stereo configuration and close-in spot microphones. Double bass: Align the microphone with one of the f holes from a distance of about 16 in. If you need to record the double bass together with an ensemble, place the microphone closer to the instrument to prevent leakage from other instruments into the microphone. 5 to 1 m) away from the guitar and aim it obliquely at a point between the sound hole and neck. Using two microphones gives you even better control of the sound. Point a C 214 at the sound hole from a distance of one to two feet (30 to 60 cm). 5 to 1 m) away from the guitar and align it with a point between the sound hole and neck. 7: Miking an acoustic guitar with a single C 214. Place mic 1 above and to one side of the player (to reduce blowing noise) and align it with the player's mouth, and aim mic 2 at the instrument from the side. If you prefer to use a single microphone, place the microphone as mic 1 above at a distance of about 7 to 8 1/2 ft. 8: Miking the flute with a single microphone. To minimize key noise, place the microphone a little ways to the side of the instrument. 8 Tenor and Soprano Saxophones a Aim the microphone at the middle of the instrument from a distance of about 2 to 3 1/2 ft. (30 cm) in front of the instrument, slightly off the bell axis. Grand piano: Aim a single C 214 or an XY or ORTF pair of C 214s at the middle strings from a height of 5 to 7 ft. For a rock/pop sound, place two C 214s roughly 8 to 16 in. Align mic 1 with the treble strings and mic 2 with the bass strings, both at a point about 6 in. [. . . ] For a fatter sound, place the microphone closer to the front head or outside the shell, up to 6 in. (15 cm) from the opening in the front head. Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the surface of the microphone body . Do not use the windscreen before it has dried completely. [. . . ]