Getting The Most Out Of a Portable Recorder - Pt. 2
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Have a little Zoom, Tascam, Olympus, etc., but feel like your recordings don't sound as good as they should? You're in the right place.
In part two of the series, we'll talk about optimal placement for some common applications. The mic I use here is a Zoom H2.
I don't have the money for patreon. But I do have such a love for this guy. He presents himself so well, and doesn't sound like somebody who just took their talent and ran with that. This guy has clearly done his studying and work and is obviously a scholar of some sort. Music theory>>>>>rocket science. This guy is such an inspiration to me and I am so thankful I found his channel in the sea of other tasteless channels.
+Jack Magee Josh is unique for sure. At risk of flattering him more than he would like, I have to say he is leading the way in the recent D.I.Y. music biz. Even more so now with this channel about some of the things that help him do it. I'm just stunned by what Josh and his friends have been able to accomplish without a record contract. D.I.Y. music is here to stay!
Josh, love what you do. Love your channel. Keep it up!!
You make absolutely outstanding instructional videos!
Brilliant!
Great and informative video, but why do you tilt the microphone horisontally, if you're trying to emulate the microphone XY configuration shown on your pictures? Tilting it like you do points one microphone towards the floor and the other towards the ceiling, doesn't it? Rather than pointing one towards the guitar resonance hole and the other towards the fretboard. I'm not saying one way is better than the other. Just that this is what you're doing.
Yup.
This is old video, but got a question, have you done any edit or noise filter or something? I can’t hear any floor noise or hum or hiss noise at all,, can you give me some tip?
I know I'm not him but as he stated, proximity is key. Also, anything you can use to deaden the room will help you. I've recorded songs from a bedroom and hung blankets everywhere and it works and keeps noise away.
What do you think of using multiple recorders like this to record multiple musicians? For example using two recorders in a duo setting?
This is dangerous as it is nearly impossible to get them perfectly in sync after the fact, which can lead to comb filtering in the recording - in short, it'll sound weird. For a setup like that it is better to either place the musicians carefully around a single zoom, or to use an interface that allows for multiple microphones. That way all of the inputs are going through the same clock source and will be perfectly in sync with eachother.
The good mythical morning reference made me so happy
Nick Castle sameeeeeeeeeee
Same
Heck, there were a few GMM references. The intro with the long title with a complete song attached was a GMM reference too.
I feel I have to express my gratitude for this video, Mr Turner. Incredibly informative and without sounding condescending or overly technical. Also, I found it subtly positive, sticking to the parameters of what can be achieved with the equipment at hand, and how to get the best from it. Your ability for expressing yourself clearly is probably somewhat down to good editing and rehearsal, but there's no denying there's an element of personal charisma and quiet confidence in there too, and it makes for captivating viewing. The appreciation is real and my concerns about investing in a portable recorder have been dismissed. Many thanks.
Id like to hear you cover "A horse with no name"
Clicked for the recorder, stayed for the musician. Great tutorials and outstanding playing, already subscribed to both of your channels!
YESS, GMM REFERENCE! Great, Josh ahahah
Yes
Definitely want a full version of that Avett Brothers song!
Yeah song tutorials would be so awesome! You've always been on another level musically and your covers have introduced me to a lot of different types of music and bands, I would love to see a music education video based on your favorite genres and artists!
The placement you do for the guitar XY has one capsule aiming up and one down, not L and R. Not sure if that's the best way to record acoustic guitar.
I also have the same thought. I am questioning why he aimed the Zoom like that. I guess, just putting the Zoom upright before the 12th fret of the guitar, would be the best position?
I prefer to aim my XY vertically in that context because it helps balance the sonic weight of the guitar. Conventional XY placement tends to yield one channel with way more low end (the mic pointed at the guitar body) and one that sounds thinner with more string noise (pointed more towards the neck). f you want the absolute most literal version of sitting with your head in front of someone playing, I guess that would be it (although really you would want to go for a wider stereo like ORTF or even a binaural pair of omnis), but for my taste, this is a good compromise of a natural guitar sound that doesn't have all the bass coming out of just one speaker.
I'd love to see a toutorial of your version of Sultans of Swing!
same:)
+Der Fuddler Yes!!
The time has come, brother.
+craft4him yeahh 😍😍
Thank you for this enlightening series! I never imagined these would be so versatile.
Quick question though: would you recommend using the built-in mics to mic an amp to record electric guitar tracks?
Way, way late on answering this, but yes, absolutely. Just make sure the mic gain is pretty low, point the mics roughly halfway between the center and edge of the speaker cone (use a flashlight to see through the grill if needed) about a foot away from the amp.
Which tripod are you using?
what song 4:08 please ??
I'm so glad I discovered this video. I've often wondered about all this when I'm watching your videos. You're a technical wiz kid! But the most important question to ask is, WHO ARE THE TWO DUDES YOU FLASH ON THE SCREEN AROUND 1:28??? Very subliminal!!!
Rhett and Link! Or good mythical morning
My Dream come true! Thank you so much Josh! This little Handy Recorder was the reason why i found your channel in the past. THIS CHANNEL IS GREAT!!!
Incredible. I was wondering how you got this crazy sound from this cheap device for so long. And you had already shared that with us. Thank you Josh
I appreciate these instructional videos greatly. I like that you aren't using the latest and greatest, but what works. Thank you
Hi josh, I found this video really helpful, I'm used to recording in a similar scenario with a wide capsule condenser mic and I was wondering if I could get similar results out and about with one of these portable mics. I see that very similar principles apply and I'm happily surprised about the overall quality, seems like an entry level one like an h2n might do the job for me... Also great playing! I'd love to connect with you, share some experiences and maybe collab in the future! Have a good day, cheers!
Federico
Nice sounding guitar! What’s the model?
Boatloads of shame. Avett’s, nice! ✌️
is it possible to connect the zoom h2 to a smartphone? so that recorded videos are automatically with the zoom sound?
you have such a great voice Josh and of course a great guitar player!!
Josh. Thank you for the helpful video. I recently acquired a used H2 and like it a lot. Can you please tell me what kind of tripod thingie you are using to screw in the H2? I want to get the same one. Also... would I need an interface in order to use the H2 as a vocal mic when recording on GarageBand via my phone? Your help is appreciated!
Hey! That tripod is a Magnus, although you might be better off to just get a 5/8 inch female to 1/4 inch male stand adapter and put the zoom on a mic stand. If you want to record onto your phone, I actually wouldn't recommend the H2. Zoom's newer products have something called "Class compliant mode" -- that's what you want to look for which indicates it can work with iOS. After that I think you just need a lightning to USB adapter.
That was really helpful!
Thanks and good luck!
Another tip is to not touch a microphone while it's recording and make horrid sounds
Question. I have the same H2 but I get so much background fizz noise on my recordings. Any suggestions on this?
it's probably faulty.
How to connect it to camera or mobile? Or do you mix it up later?
Great stuff, Josh.
Can you use this as a usb microphone?
Thank you for these :)
what your guitar?
I loved that little excerpt of Shame. What is your favorite Avett Brothers album?
Thanks! For me it's Mignonette. 4 thieves gone and emotionalism are a close tie for second. Both of the gleams are also superb.
I'm confused. For recording music, Zoom H1, H2, H4, or H5 ...?
Neither. Either a Neumann tlm 102 or something similar.
@@ancientslav4863 Can't afford one.
@@ColtraneTaylor I understand. I'm just saying. I too have no money to spare. I saved for a long time. Forget about the USB mics and these digital recorders if you want true acoustic sound. I've tried everything in that aspect. Maybe something like the at2020 USB is worth the 100$ if you can find it but don't expect miracles.
@@ancientslav4863 Ok, I appreciate that. It's just from the reviews of Zoom I thought it's studio quality.
Thank you mr Bueller
nice avett verse :)
Guitara super!!
Damn, I've been looking for a video like this for a while THANK YOU
I would like to see how you sync the video with the audio you have recorded and worked on in your daw.
That's quite simple as long as you start every video with a syncing phrase or sound so you can easily sync video and audio using that sound (mostly a sentence in time), then cut that out in the final edit
Very good
Thanks Josh....Im going to get an H2.....I just play for myself so I'm not concerned about the latest gadget......this is a great primer for me...Im 61 and a complete technophobe so I really appreciate it!
Thank you very much for sharing this. Very useful.
Great sound great guitar sound great guitar playing & great singing 👍👍
I just bought one, the very same with yours... It is a second hand zoom H2, but I found the Left front mic doesn't have the same sensitivitty as the Right mic ?? Is this possible to rrepaired ?
Hello Josh, nice sound! nice demo . I might going to buy one Zoom h2, but i how to immediate check my guitar recording's sound is good or not? if i not have computer on hand (with different space or different room)Thanks!!:)
Hi Josh, I wonder wich stand for zoom are you using? Thanks
Great work Josh. Arnt the capsules in the zoom H2 phantom powered? And when you place your h2 side ways essentially don’t you have an x/y pattern with one mic pointing down under your guitar and one pointing up at your face? Last I knew the h2 has two x/y pair of mics. One in front and one in the back
Excellent video. I am so impressed with you music and professionalism.
Great review , helpful information and tricks. Just bought one second-hand Zoom H2. It gives me great confidence that you've been using it for your recordings. I do really think I have made the right choice !!!
I have this same Zoom recorder its excellent for solo guitar ! A very good demonstration !
Your brilliant Retro H2 video in 2023 has sent me seven years back in time here
Thanks Josh your'e the gift that keeps on giving.
What is the first song that you play called? The one with strumming!
hi, does anyone know how I turn on notifications on UA-cam app? I receive a notification every time he posts something on the main channel, and I want to receive from this one as well, but I forgot how to do it!
But...it's the sound of the H2 going to a video device that we are hearing right? So the video device has to maintain the integrity of the H2 to get any sound quality on the video. How are you accomplishing that?
1 like tks, Make sure you make more videos like this. Video about producer for guitar cover.
The quality of the guitar or other instrument must be good also....a guitar that sounds like a gourd will sound like a gourd no matter what placement, mic, pre, or any other equipment you use
I really loved the finger picking tune you were playing. Do you have a whole song to this?
Is that just a photo tripod, or something else?
How would you direct record the audio from the h1n to (android) phone without the need to sync later? Thanks
Hey Josh - so I teach music production, have run commercial studios and have a small home set up. I'm writing this during Covid lock down in the UK. With one of my bands I'm attempting remote recording. A couple of them have Zooms but have never got to grips with using them so I was looking for a decent guide.
As someone who has been teaching this stuff for well over 20 years I just want to say - you're awesome - I think your X-Y guitar positionn would be better if the mics stayed horizontal, but still... you're awesome!!. Your guitar playing is damn fine too!.
Keep up the good work.
Nice work Josh. Thank you.
This is very helpful, thanks!
Hello Josh, what's the name of the zoom h2 mic stand you are using here in the video? I need one!
What about with amps in the room? Should it be placed behind you or ?
What do you think about Zoom H4n? Is it as good as H2 to acoustic guitar recordings?
How do you record video with this?? Do you have to sync it up later?
Thank you! This channel is great. What string gauge are you using in generally on your acoustic (mainly the Martin)? 11??
Great man. I have the zoom h2 too. How do you use the settings ?
Low cut - on or off
Compressor - on or off
Mic in low, mid or high position and what level you recorded ?
Lo cut - off unless you're outside and there's wind and you don't have a wind screen
Compressor - off unless you don't plan to edit the audio at all after it's been recorded
Usually mid position for gain, but if it clips put it to low. High is rarely needed unless you're micing something very quiet or far away.
damn I was not expecting to hear an avett brothers song in this vid, good shit
is it possible to have a direct feedback with headphones ? it's seems a bit hard to find the right spot
Great tutorial man! You have some serious talent with the guitar and your voice accompanies your style of play very well. Quick question, what was that fingerstyle song you played in the second tutorial? I would love to learn how to play it! Thanks and happy new year (ps more dylan please)
Pauses video at 1:10 to peek at room treatment 👀
This is a great video series! I found your other channel via youtube and am making my way through all your videos. I am constantly thinking your production quality is great, love the feel and great performances.
I'd love to hear a few minutes of recording position/live blending when you're playing banjo along with a guitar or just banjo solo & then editing. perhaps a future video idea?
It sounds pretty good!
i have really loud pees 0:20
Hi josh!!!! Thanks for the video. I was wondering if recording with more than 1 zoom could give good results. Im owing 3 zooms and i was thinking to record my group with the. (percussion, voice, guitar, bass) . U think would work?
It's risky. it is nearly impossible to get them perfectly in sync after the fact, which can lead to comb filtering in the recording - in short, it'll sound weird. For a setup like that it is better to either place the musicians carefully around a single zoom, or to use an interface that allows for multiple microphones. That way all of the inputs are going through the same clock source and will be perfectly in sync with each other.
Thanks Josh for the well done video series on the H2. I found them while researching whether to replace my trusty H2 with something newer. I was leaning toward the H1n for its simplicity and X/Y mic config then thought before hitting the BUY button I should make sure it offers something better than what I already have. The mic arrangement is obvious on the H1n but what voodoo lies beneath the hood of an H2? I finally located a few tear down / repair videos of the H2 and saw that the mic arrangement is the same as the H1n without the chrome mic armature - just the capsules held in place on a black plastic mounting plate. Your placement tests and ideas go beyond what I've ever done with it and I really appreciate the tips for getting a more balanced sound. Any more (I'm 65) the H2 is my go-to for recording my AG and voice tunes - my multitracking days are over as I find it a real joy/spontaneity suck. Again thanks Josh. All the best to you! Jack
For me the magic of the H@ lies in the voicing of its capsules, which have a really gentle top end. A lot of newer zooms have way more treble, which sounds more "hi-fi" but can also be brittle depending on the situation. The h2 also has fairly rolled off bass, which is great of acoustic guitars that tend to be too boomy anyway.
Hey, I just picked up a Zoom H4 and I am trying to find out what's the cheapest and best way to do UA-cam videos with acoustic and vocals. Should you get a DSLR camera, or can you go through Android or IPhone and video through it?
If you figure this out let me know, I’ve been wondering the same thing..
Black lipstick ftw
it would really be great if you could do a tutorial of life in the fast lane
keep up the great work
You have soft eyes.
NIce! I'm a Big Fan!!!
Thank you for your advises! I am searching for tips about recording classical voice in acoustic spaces (like chapelle, church or practise room). The best spot to place the microphone is probably not very close to the singer, because the resonance from the walls and all the objects participates in the sound. I have Zoom H2 and I am very curious how to make best recording of opera voice. Thank you for any answer. Greetings!
Very, very late response - I hope the recordings went well. But for what it's worth, in a space like a church I would actually recommend keeping the zoom fairly close to the singer, but using all four of its capsules at once. That way, you can blend the front microphones, which will be mostly singer, with the back microphones, which will be mostly reverb, however you like.
which is that music around 6min19? thank you
It's a cover of the song "Shame" by The Avett Brothers. Thanks!
About how far are you putting the recorder from the guitar or you when you're doing solo work? Maybe you adjust the distance to get the levels you want at the gain you set?
about 14". It's better to adjust the distance to get the tone you want (closer usually yields more bass, further=less and so on) and then adjust the gain for a healthy level if needed.
hey, this video is really helpful! I will definitely be using this info when recording in the future. I was wondering about placement and such, do you have any advice or knowledge about where to place it for a flute? It may be a long shot to ask, but if you had any tips, they'd be much appreciated. what you've said already is really helpful, though, so thanks!
The thing to avoid with flute is it being overly bright. If you are looking for more of a pop sound, I'd suggest putting it 1-2 feet away from the mouthpiece, but not pointed straight at it - angle towards the floor or ceiling slightly. If you're looking for more of a classical sound, I'd recommend putting it more like 5-6 feet away and raising the preamp gain to compensate. good luck!
ha the gmm reference
Dude, thank you!
You should do a lesson on Baby (You've Got What It Takes) please. I've really been wanting to learn that.
I'd like to record an upright piano, where should I place the recorder?
If you can open the top, do that and place it right in the middle of the piano pointing down. Alternatively, if the piano is not up against a wall, place the recorder about two feet from the back of the piano right in the middle. Try both techniques if you can and go with whichever you prefer the tone of.
Do you have to plug it into a computer to check how it sounds then record again? or can you listen to it through headphones from the microphone?
xPNova Most (if not all) portable recorders have headphone jacks that you can listen back through or monitor in real time through. The recorders are made to be used standalone without the need of a computer, you would only need the computer for editing.
Thanks Josh, this helps a lot
Great
Are those Yamaha HS5, HS 7 or HS8 monitors?
Great!! Thanks for replying, Josh
2nd sub!