On-Axis vs Off-Axis
- Thread starter mfprh
- Start date
innerdreamrecords.co
TrippyVinylologist
Re: On-Axis vs Off-Axis
Off axis tends to be darker.
Off axis tends to be darker.
ImmortalSix
John Mayer's Mankini
Re: On-Axis vs Off-Axis
I have some research I can show you. In college, I tested a few different commonly used studio microphones for their proximity effect and on/off axis coloration. These are the raw sound clips that I recorded.
Shure Beta 57A On-Axis Far
Shure Beta 57A On-Axis Close
Shure Beta 57A Off-Axis Close
Sennheiser 421 On-Axis Far
Sennheiser 421 On-Axis Close
Sennheiser 421 Off-Axis Close
I have some research I can show you. In college, I tested a few different commonly used studio microphones for their proximity effect and on/off axis coloration. These are the raw sound clips that I recorded.
Shure Beta 57A On-Axis Far
Shure Beta 57A On-Axis Close
Shure Beta 57A Off-Axis Close
Sennheiser 421 On-Axis Far
Sennheiser 421 On-Axis Close
Sennheiser 421 Off-Axis Close
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ginormous
Understatmentologist
Re: On-Axis vs Off-Axis
With cardioid (literally, "heart-shaped") dynamic mics, sounds tend to get dull and the volume diminishes unless you point the center right at the sound source. They're designed that way on purpose. This is meant to help isolate the intended sound from any surrounding interference.
Imagine a heart shape, with the 2 rounded parts coming together right at the mic, and the point about 12 inches away. Now, make that into a 3D shape all the way around... that's roughly the coverage area of an SM57 used for close-miking. Within that area, you'll get the greatest frequency range, and the most gain.
For example, some drummers put individual mics right above each drum head, to isolate each drum as much as possible. It gives a more defined sound, with the engineer having to balance out the whole drum kit in terms of volume and tone. If the mic is backed away slightly, you'll get more overtones, and a slightly rounder sound, at the expense of getting some of the other drums (not to mention other instruments in the room) in that particular mic.
If you're miking up a cab, it may help somewhat to hang the mic from above the cab to about halfway down, as if on a string. If there's too much top end, this might take some edge off. (I used to tie the XLR cord to the top handle of my combo, and let the mic come down to between the two 12s.) YMMV; experiment and find the place that sounds good to you, keeping in mind that what works for stage doesn't always transfer to a studio setting.
With cardioid (literally, "heart-shaped") dynamic mics, sounds tend to get dull and the volume diminishes unless you point the center right at the sound source. They're designed that way on purpose. This is meant to help isolate the intended sound from any surrounding interference.
Imagine a heart shape, with the 2 rounded parts coming together right at the mic, and the point about 12 inches away. Now, make that into a 3D shape all the way around... that's roughly the coverage area of an SM57 used for close-miking. Within that area, you'll get the greatest frequency range, and the most gain.
For example, some drummers put individual mics right above each drum head, to isolate each drum as much as possible. It gives a more defined sound, with the engineer having to balance out the whole drum kit in terms of volume and tone. If the mic is backed away slightly, you'll get more overtones, and a slightly rounder sound, at the expense of getting some of the other drums (not to mention other instruments in the room) in that particular mic.
If you're miking up a cab, it may help somewhat to hang the mic from above the cab to about halfway down, as if on a string. If there's too much top end, this might take some edge off. (I used to tie the XLR cord to the top handle of my combo, and let the mic come down to between the two 12s.) YMMV; experiment and find the place that sounds good to you, keeping in mind that what works for stage doesn't always transfer to a studio setting.
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everdrone
New member
Re: On-Axis vs Off-Axis
I mess with my mic settings on line6 toneportGX - I like the offaxis at 10% away the best. It really changes your sound; I dont like the closer on axis settings, too grainy for me, too much presence. My opinions are subject to change in the next 5 days of tweaking though
I mess with my mic settings on line6 toneportGX - I like the offaxis at 10% away the best. It really changes your sound; I dont like the closer on axis settings, too grainy for me, too much presence. My opinions are subject to change in the next 5 days of tweaking though
ImmortalSix
John Mayer's Mankini
Re: On-Axis vs Off-Axis
Point of information: altering microphone placement in an amplifier / cabinet / room simulation software is not an adequate substitute for gaining experience moving real microphones around real cabs in real space.
The emulations executed by Line6 are subjective, of course.
No disrespect aimed at everdrone, just a point of information for those who may be reading this thread.
I mess with my mic settings on line6 toneportGX - I like the offaxis at 10% away the best. It really changes your sound; I dont like the closer on axis settings, too grainy for me, too much presence. My opinions are subject to change in the next 5 days of tweaking though
Point of information: altering microphone placement in an amplifier / cabinet / room simulation software is not an adequate substitute for gaining experience moving real microphones around real cabs in real space.
The emulations executed by Line6 are subjective, of course.
No disrespect aimed at everdrone, just a point of information for those who may be reading this thread.
