5 tips 2

By Nathan K.




The 3:1 Rule is a microphone placement technique that works on the basis of using distance to reduce the potential for phase cancellation of sound picked up by multiple microphones.

What is the 3:1 Rule? According to the handy Sweetwater glossary:


…when using two microphones to record a source, normally you will get the best results by placing the second mic three times the distance from the first mic that the first mic is from the source.

Confusing? An example: If the first mic is 1 foot from a source, the second mic should be placed 3 feet from the second mic. Using the 3:1 Rule will minimize phase problems created by the time delay between mics.

This rule originated when engineers were micing multiple sources in the same vicinity. The same principle applies. If you are recording two different sources of sound, their respective microphones should be at least three times further apart than they are close to their respective sources.

Keep in mind that rules are meant to be broken; you may prefer the sound created by ignoring the 3:1 Rule – experiment and let your ears be your guide!



3to1



Read more about Mic placements and Phase at HomeStudioCorner.com

For more information on Production and Recording tips, check out Producing a New Folk Recording Pt.1 and Approaching A Mix here on Studio Manifesto.





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This entry was posted on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 2:31 pm and is filed under Music Production. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.