Recording Tips & Tricks
- You know that your choir is great, but the question is how to convince us here at Classic FM. Take a look at what we are technically looking for and the rest is down to you.
- Classic FM is a stereo radio station, playing only the best music from digital sources such as CD and computer playout. So, let’s start with the basics: we are looking for stereo recordings suitable for broadcast on CD or memory stick, not cassette, vinyl or tape.
- CDs should be audio tracks where possible, however we will accept linear stereo .wav files, at 44.1kHz, which could also be supplied on memory sticks. Please label everything clearly so we can identify you. As you may imagine a pile of identical blank looking CDs will not help us find your performance.
- During your recording try and leave a silent period of about 5 seconds each side of your piece, this will allow us to fade gently in and out of your creation. During this silence avoid coughs and bangs as this will take focus away from your performance and make it harder for us to edit into our programmes. Make sure everyone in the room has turned off their mobile phones, try to ensure that no one enters or leaves the room whilst recording.
- There are many recording devices available on the market today, all of which vary in quality. Just because a device claims to record in high quality stereo doesn’t necessarily mean it will be any good! Mobile phones and laptops with built-in microphones will not generate you a recording that will sound good on-air. Most quality acoustic recordings are achieved with high quality external microphones.
- There are two techniques to recording acoustic sessions: provide an individual microphone to each voice or instrument and then spend ages getting just the right mix, or go for a “less is more” approach and record the whole session from a little way back with just one stereo pair of microphones. This way you need only ensure there is a balance between left and right. We do expect the “image” to move between left and right, but generally speaking the main recording should be central between the loudspeakers when you play it back.
- Choosing a suitable venue can be critical. Outside or small soft rooms such as a carpeted lounge will sound dead and lifeless. Huge cathedrals with hard reflective surfaces will need a seriously large performance not to sound lost.
- A medium sized church or hall will probably be about the right mix, somewhere with a nice warm reverb or echo, but not too large or too small.
- There are many computer tools available to record audio, and to allow editing afterwards. They may also give you the opportunity to add some reverb or correct level or balance problems later. For example this free product works very well audacity.sourceforge.net
- Be aware that the more you edit or change the sound the harder it may be for us to correct it afterwards to make it suitable for broadcast. Over compressing audio is common mistake.
- Choice of microphone can make all the difference, some of which are very expensive but could be hired for the event. Here is a quick guide to microphone types: recording-microphones.co.uk
- If I were recording a choir for broadcast today I would probably try and use an AKG 414 or a Neumann U87, both of which are expensive; at the very least I would use an Audio Technica AT4033 or similar.
- A PC or a laptop is great tool for the recording as long as you use good microphones and an external soundcard interface such as an M_Audio Fast Track Pro m-audio.com/products
- Use of good quality equipment is the key to a brilliant sound, and given the costs we know that is not always possible. Where you can, use kit that will avoid hum and hiss. Avoid quiet only recordings, use plenty of “level” and make sure you don’t distort your recording.
- Always listen back after a recording. It’s often easier to do it again and get it right, rather than try and fix it afterwards.
Good luck!
Dave Walters
Broadcast Engineer
Classic FM
