The 21st century band typically records with an array of microphones, allowing for a greater range of control over individual instruments and allowing for a sizeable set of options when it is time for the recording to be mixed. It is a tried and true method that can yield excellent results, one that has widely replaced the technique of capturing a performance on a single ribbon microphone (or stereo microphone setup) in most instances. The latter forces a musician, or group of musicians to balance themselves around a single microphone, or a pair of microphones. Close attention needs to be taken to utilize the null (dead) area of a ribbon microphone’s figure 8 pickup pattern, and musicians need to be placed in appropriate spacings and distances from the microphone itself, to utilize the front, back, and sides of the pickup pattern appropriately. The band essentially mixes itself as it performs. If an edit is needed, the whole band will either need to do the whole take over again, or possible play as a whole to fix the error, if the second option is even possible.

The description of singular, or stereo ribbon microphone recording may sound quite off putting. One only has to picture the differences between a modern setup and the ribbon setup of old to understand the amount of pressure that is placed on a band to achieve a great end result, but that pressure can also be a benefit. There are producers who like to use tape to capture a band in a multiple close mic setup, in order to force decisions to be made. Indecision leads to “paralysis by analysis”, making studio sessions a grinding slog. This lowers the chances for a successful end product that reaches a band’s and their teams’ goals. Recording using one, or two ribbon microphones creates a similar atmosphere as recording to tape (and of course this technique can also be recorded on to tape as well). It relies on the ability of musicians to perform a piece completely and on the skills of an engineer to monitor the band’s playing so that it is properly recorded. Everyone involved must operate as a single unit in that moment. Care must be taken that not one entity is overpowering the other instruments, as what is laid down has less options for manipulation during the engineer’s mixdown process than what close micing brings. A live document is being constructed. A moment in time is being captured, warts and all, sonic brilliance and all.

There are many ways to capture a band, each possessing its own strengths and weaknesses. All of these types allow for successful recordings to be made when used appropriately, under knowledgeable hands. Some musicians prefer to use the studio as an instrument, creating sounds and textures unachievable, or impractical for the band to forge alone. This takes the listener on a journey to unexplored territories, as they are sent on an adventure with the band. Some like to enter the studio with the skeletal structure of a song. Its muscles and flesh finalized in the hours spent in the studio alongside a producer, allowing for spontaneity to be captured and songs to be built on the fly. This brings the excitement of a production to the audience, as they stand witness to a band’s experimentation and producer’s ability to hone. Then there are others who want to display a living, breathing band. One that requires a great deal of time and refinement to have taken place before the record button is pressed. A realized form that builds a connection to its audience solely through its pure musicianship. Every time the listener plays an album born from these circumstances, they become guests to a private concert. If they were to have walked into the session they would have been met by the same performance as the one that now dances around their ears at home.

If you are interested in listening to a quality single ribbon microphone recording, I highly recommend Chris Whitley’s Dirt Floor Album. As you listen, close your eyes. As your mind tunes into his voice and his guitar, you will begin to picture the man standing before you. You will be the audience for this private performance now gracing your home.