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Looking at this video from youtube featuring the amazing Bob McChensey playing the trombone, I can identify two microphones, the Royer R-121 and the old Sony C-37A. I can see both mics in use, would you guys have any idea how they would be mixed and why they have used both?

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Just noticed Henrik - under your name it says 0% accept rate. If you look at your previous questions, you can click on the check mark next to the post that answers your question. This helps later visitors quickly find the appropriate answer, and gives some reputation points. It will also encourage people to answer your questions. – Dr Mayhem Dec 17 '12 at 8:59
wow thanks, I did not know about this. Much appreciated! – Henrik Söderlund Dec 24 '12 at 2:36

1 Answer

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The reason for using microphones of different types is generally to get the best features of both. Key would be:

  • The Sony, a condenser mic, has a sound which is often considered brittle and sharp, but very good for vocals
  • Ribbon mics usually have a more broadly balanced output, so aren't as peaky in a particular frequency range
  • The sound pickup gives a slightly different spread as well, with the condenser mic being a bit more directional

In terms of mixing they would both be EQ'ed individually to get the sound the producer wants - this is very subjective, but with two differing microphones you just get more parameters to play with to bring out the sound you want in that venue.

Also have a read of this question on microphone differences.

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