Customer Reviews

The Home Studio Guide to Microphones

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before I read this book, all I knew was which end was the business end of a microphone. The author (thankfully) wrote this book with beginners in mind. It was very well written and it didn't put me to sleep. Considering the subject matter, I consider that quite an accomplishment. He starts with the basic theory of how a microphone works and builds from there. He never left me in the dust with technical jargon. He doesn't preach or insist on his way as THE way to use microphones. Instead, he explains ways to possibly use microphones to achieve the sounds you (the recordist) are trying for. Great beginning book for a curiculum in recording engineering or as a reference when building a home studio. 2 thumbs way, way up!!

This book gives you everything about mics from how sound works to buying mics for all the best prices. Have mic recording techniques for electric and acoustic guitar, drums, woodwinds, pianos and any other instrument you can think of. Great for people starting out or those who just need some flavoring.

A terrific book that we rely on here at Mercy College.

Basically the book is broken up into three sections: In the first, Alldrin talks about microphone operational principles. You'll find lots of useful information about microphone design, how directional mics work, how to understand micropone specifications, an so forth.

In the second section, he covers issues regarding Microphone Apllications, such as placement techniques and stereo miking. There are several short 2-4 page "chapters" that focus on miking particular instruments in various ways. As with all of the sections of the book, these chapters are well-illustrated and easy to follow.

The final section discusses the characteristics of specific common microphones. A "buyer's guide" groups mics into price categories such as Mics under $500, Mics from $500 to $1000, etc.. Each mic is featured with a photo and specifications, making this section a great way for a beginner to become acquainted with what's out there.

My students have responded positively to this book as a text. It's also a good model of HOW a music technology book should be written. If you are interested in learning about microphones, you won't regret picking this book up.

Stephen B. Ward
Mercy College, White Plains, NY

Everything you need to know about sound is in this book. Understand sound, then you can manipulate it, according to your ear's preference. And it shows you how important it is to develop several styles of recording for different music. The recurring theme is "there's no right way". Instead, every technique is analysed, and explained, in plain enough English (with some SPF's, and dB's which are also explained anyway), and it shows that what determines the mic positioning, is what YOU want from the sound. Vague, I know, but you'll understand once you get this book.

The night before a major recording, this is the book I read through to recap on a few mic positioning techniques for the different instruments. It shows you the kind of techniques from the harmonica and accordion, through to the modern rock drum-kit.

There is also a list of microphones with some of its data, though a small comment on each would be appreciated. Still, it's a good start for the engineer who is starting from scratch.

Nothing has been exaggerated above, it truly is a great book, well worth its price.

I have been around music as a musician for years and knew a thing or two about the recording process...but, I knew very little about mics, mic placement, etc.

This book really opened up a world for me that I was always fascinated with...how did those guys get such great sound on their album??? The most important thing is the mics and where and how you use them. This book gives you the basics and then some.

With this book I was able to record my first band with near professional studio quality sound...

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in recording or for bands going into the studio to give you input as to what you want...

Yea I thought I knew what I was doing and I thought I knew alot about microphones. As it turns out I didn't know squat. This book was so informative and easy to read and understand. I have improved in my performing from the knowledge I gained by reading this book. Many of the choices I have made in buying equipment in the past would have been different if I would of read this book first and I would of saved a ton of money. Not that I bought bad equipment but that I purchased the wrong stuff for my voice and type of singing. I understand now why this certain mic or that certain mic didn't work for me or give me the sound I was looking for. A great must read.

I love mics and books about them, and this is no exception. New users setting up personal studios have a lot to consider, and the rules that applied to the use of mics in recording studios and tape recording aren't necessarily the same as in the personal studio environment, and computer based recording. A bit of the info on ribbon microphones, which are now competing directly against condenser microphones in most applications, is obsolete, and recants old information (for instance, about fragility, which is no longer a concern) and seems to come from books written in the 50's. Despite this, I recommend this book highly, and admire the Alldrin's clear and concise style. Buy it!

Great book that will give any home recorder a good idea on what microphones they can afford and should get for different types of recording. But don't get ripped off by any seller trying to sell this book for more than $20.