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What mic for recording loud metal band?

R

ReeV0

Apr 5, 2013
732
273
#1
Hi all,

I've been trying to use my Zoom H4n to record my band practice. Unfortunately it does a terrible job and it always just comes out completely distorted. I've tried using auto-level, setting the level manually, using the limit and compressor functions... Nothing helps.

The only thing I havent tried is plugging in an external mic. Would using a Shure SM57 help? Is there a better mic?

Thanks for any help
 
#8
When you've set the record level manually, where are the levels peaking? With today's recording technology you can (and should) aim for -12 or -15 and then boost things later on. If you're much higher than that there's still the possibility of overloads in a live situation.

According to this review:

Zoom H4n Pro In-Depth Review - Sam Mallery

the original H4n can handle inputs up to 130dB and the newer Pro model up to 140dB. You might try using an app to check the levels while you're practicing. If you're below those, you should be able to get a decent recording with the built in mics.

The thing is, external mics will only fix a distortion problem if the internal mics are being overloaded and the preamps aren't. If you are in fact playing at >130-140dB the Zoom's preamps could be where the distortion is happening.

That said, there's no reason not to try the SM57s and see what you get. They'll have a different tonal balance then the internal ones, of course, but maybe it'll click!
 
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#9
A different mic is not the answer, and an sm57 is a poor choice for a room recorder (though it will work in a pinch). We record my metal band's rehearsals with a room recorder similar to the one you're using. You should be able to turn the built in mics down low enough to handle very loud music. Make sure the recorder isn't very close to any amps or the drum kit. You should have no problem lowering the mic level enough to get a clear recording of what it sounds like in the room.
 
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#14
ReeV0 said:
Hi all,

I've been trying to use my Zoom H4n to record my band practice. Unfortunately it does a terrible job and it always just comes out completely distorted. I've tried using auto-level, setting the level manually, using the limit and compressor functions... Nothing helps.

The only thing I havent tried is plugging in an external mic. Would using a Shure SM57 help? Is there a better mic?

Thanks for any help
Click to expand...
Cell Phone
 
#15
And I said:
A different mic is not the answer, and an sm57 is a poor choice for a room recorder (though it will work in a pinch). We record my metal band's rehearsals with a room recorder similar to the one you're using. You should be able to turn the built in mics down low enough to handle very loud music. Make sure the recorder isn't very close to any amps or the drum kit. You should have no problem lowering the mic level enough to get a clear recording of what it sounds like in the room.
Click to expand...
While it's true that 57's aren't the ideal room mics in general, If the built-in condensers can't handle the sound pressure levels in the room, which might be the case, a pair of mics that can, such as 57s, might be a viable option.

This assumes that the op has already tried setting the unit's preamp level as low as it will go. If that's the case, then it would seem that either the pre or the mics can't handle the sound pressure levels. Testing a high spl mic set would troubleshoot the mic part of the signal chain.
 
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#16
And I said:
"If you are in fact playing at >130-140dB" ...

Doubtful. A loud rock concert in a big venue rarely gets much louder than 120.
Click to expand...

I agree that it's pretty unlikely they're hitting those levels, especially 140dB, but sometimes bands use equipment suitable for big venues in small practice rooms….and Zoom did feel it necessary to increase the sound-handling capability of later version of the recorder, so users may have been having overload issues with the older one. Just figured it couldn't be ruled out!
 
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#18
KeepItMoving said:
I agree that it's pretty unlikely they're hitting those levels, especially 140dB, but sometimes bands use equipment suitable for big venues in small practice rooms….and Zoom did feel it necessary to increase the sound-handling capability of later version of the recorder, so users may have been having overload issues with the older one. Just figured it couldn't be ruled out!
Click to expand...
This. I have played in some stupid loud metal bands. You might be surprised at the volume a couple of Marshalls, an SVT and a loud drummer can achieve in a small rehearsal space.
 
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#19
1/r²:

That is the inverse power law. However it is not as easy as that. You are not in an open space. You have to take into account reflections, adsorptions, constructive and destructive interference. In an open space how sound power falls off as you move away from the source. You get an approximately 6dB decrease every time you double your distance from the source.

Again, this is all academic as you are not in an open space. Your recorder input and internal mics apparently cannot handle the input signal. From what it sounds like, you probably can not move your recorder further away.

You need to attenuate the signal going into the recorder.
  • Turn your schiznit down
  • Go to a bigger room
  • Try a different recorder that can do the signal attenuation
  • Try external mics that may have attenuation.
 
#20
Thanks for all the great replies. I don't think the Zoom tells me the decibel reading, but I have the input manually set on 1 (out of 100) and the recording is still distorted. Also, quieter segments of the song become inaudible and there is no dynamic range. I have fiddled about with the limit/comp features, to no avail.

I've ordered an SM57, thought might as well give it a go. I typically place the Zoom in the middle of the room, as the drums and amps are in all the corners.
 

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