Recording a solo sax: Technique two

Sometimes using two mics on the sax can provide a more balanced and pleasing sound, especially…if the player will be playing a lot of high notes.…In this video, I'm going to show you how to do just that.…The notes at the top of the instrument range come out of the upper left-hand side of the sax.…Altissimo notes and high-pitched screams come out of the upper front and middle tone holes.…These are usually much louder than most other notes.…That's why adding a second mic can not only bring a nice balance to the recording, but…a lot more realism as well.…Place a small diaphragm condenser directly in front of the sax at a distance of 12-16 inches.…

Here is what that mic sounds like by itself.…(music playing)…Now place a second mic at the top of the sax, up on the left of the instrument, near the reed.…Since the sound coming from this placement could be a bit harsh, a mellower mic, like…a ribbon, might work better. Here is what that sounds like by itself.…

(music playing)…Balance the sound between both mics to get the ideal blend.…