How can I control ambient noise, spill and crosstalk?
When recording quieter instruments, try to be aware of what else the mic is picking up in addition to the sounds you want. For example, I’ve had quartz watches ticking away on acoustic guitar tracks, and then there are wall clocks, central heating systems, computer drives and fans, and outside noises to worry about too. The best way to check is to use enclosed headphones – this way you should only be able to hear the instrument you’re miking. If there’s anything else, do what you can to minimise it before continuing. Cardioid pattern mics pick up less spill than omnis, but off-axis sounds may appear slightly nasal or coloured, making them sound less natural. In many situations, using an omni mic and accepting a little more spill will produce a noticeably more natural result. The difference in spill between an omni and a cardioid isn’t always as much as you might imagine, and even with on-axis sounds, omni mics tend to produce a more open, natural result. In any situation where multiple
