Composition chart
MICROPHONE PLACEMENT
Microphone Placement is perhaps the most important consideration. If there is only one microphone then it is crucial to get the balance correct between the instruments. It is generally good practice for the person placing the mic(s) to listen carefully (with their eyes closed) to check that each instrument can be heard. This may mean that some instruments (for example, the louder ones) need to be placed further from the mic and quieter ones closer. This is how early recordings were done.
If there is more than one microphone available then it is important to understand exactly where the sound eminates from the instrument (it's sometimes not where you would expect!). However, these recording tips will be aimed more towards stereo or live recordings where each individual instrument will not be miked.
