The Commaroto Blog

Let’s assume that you have a fourpiece rock band, which you will be recording live to a multitrack recorder. In this scenario, you are planning to mic a guitar amp, a bass amp, a vocalist, and a drum set. You might consider using seven mics for these sessions one on each of the amps, one for the singer, and four for the drums. Let’s begin with the drums. The scenario allots four mics for the drums one each for the bass drum and snare drum, and a pair of overheads to get the cymbals and toms. A combination of large and small diaphragm dynamic mics, with directional patterns for maximum separation, is a common choice for this setup.

A large diaphragm mic would be best for the bass drum, with small diaphragm mics for the snare drum and overheads. For the guitar amp, you can use either a dynamic or condenser microphone of almost any size. For the bass amp, on the other hand, you will want to have a midsize or large diaphragm condenser or dynamic to catch the lower frequencies of the instrument. Again, both amp mics should be directional to help keep other instruments out of their range. Finally, like the guitarist, the vocalist could choose between a dynamic or condenser mic, and any diaphragm size. Because the band needs seven mics, price is going to be a big consideration. There are many inexpensive small diaphragm dynamic mics to choose from, and most will be well suited to the needs of a rock band.

Large diaphragm dynamic mics intended for bass drums would suit the bass guitar as well, and these mics are also priced competitively. Vocals are among the hardest things to record well. There are so many different types of voices and vocal styles that it’s impossible to use the same microphone and miking technique for everyone, so, the singer will want to try a number of microphones to find the one that best fits his voice and style of music. If the singer cannot afford a highend vocal microphone, such as a Neumann U 87 or AKG 414, he can still get great sounds from an inexpensive microphone like the SM58.

It is known to most people that there are two major categories of pearls and these are freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls.  Saltwater pearls are those that come from oysters and are usually kept in bays or lagoons.  There are three most common types of pearls that are created in the saltwater and they are Tahitian, akoya and southsea pearls.  Most of these can be found in the markets today.

The freshwater pearls on the other hand has a reputation of being of lower quality as compared to its counterpart, saltwater pearls.  These freshwater pearls are created in a different way that saltwater pearls are created.  A piece of tissue will be used to nucleate the mussel instead of using bead.  That is the reason why freshwater pearls, as compared to saltwater pears are less symmetrical.  However, there is a benefit of using tissue instead of bead and that is being 100% nacre of pearls.

There are many differences between different types of pearls.  Each of them has characteristic that makes them unique and appeal to the consumers.  The market for freshwater pearls are on the rise because their image and their quality are  improving.   When you are looking for pearl, consider which type will fit you.