Trumpet is known as one of the richest instruments in harmonics that can be very loud with sound pressure levels 110 dB. The good news is that you don’t need a studio to capture a clean, confident trumpet sound. With a bit of preparation and a simple setup, you can get recordings that actually highlight you at your best as a player. In this article, we will share easy tips on how to get a better sound recording of your trumpet.
How to Record Your Trumpet: 5 Easy Tips
- Use a High-Quality Recorder
Most people use their cellphone, which may work fine but still is not as good as dedicated audio recording devices.
Which device to use? For instance, you can use a compact and portable audio recorder designed especially for creative individuals — Zoom H1n. It’s known for its easy functionality and operation.
- Control the Gain of Your Recorder
Set your input gain so your loudest notes don’t clip.
Why does it matter? It’s not a good idea to turn on the gain way too high as the trumpet is a very loud instrument. It doesn’t need as much gain as with your voice recording.
- Choose a Proper Microphone Position
Place your microphone at a 45-degree angle.
Why place it like that? The power and energy from your trumpet comes straight to the microphone and hits the device at a very close range. This may exaggerate certain frequencies. However, once you place the microphone at a 45 degree angle from the instrument, you get a clearer recording. For warmer tones avoid placing the microphone on-axis with the instrument.
- Keep the Proper Distance
Your microphone should be placed 50–80 cm (about 1.5–2.5 ft) from the bell, slightly off-axis. The more space between you and the device, the more thin your sound becomes, with reduced low and mid ranges of your trumpet. However, if the bell is too close to the microphone, you’ll get signal distortion. Always have a little distance between the bell and the microphone.
Remember about the proximity effect. If you use a dynamic microphone, the closer your bell is to the device the warmer sound you get. The further away the bell is, the more of the highs you can hear.
- Use Additional Accessories
Use pop shields (also known as pop screens and pop filters designed to reduce harsh blasts), especially when you’re going to work with loud recordings standing close to the microphone.
Why to use pop filters: During recordings you may hear the knocking sound effect as the amount of power comes out of your instrument and the air hits the microphone. The pop shield helps counteract that issue and makes your trumpet sound clearer and more transparent.
The Basic Setup for Your Trumpet Recording
Here’s what you need to record a trumpet at home:
- USB mic or phone microphone
- Mic stand
- Pop filter / windscreen
- Headphones
- Blanket or thick curtain for better acoustics
Preparation Matters
Before you start your recording device, follow these simple preparation steps:
1. Prepare your trumpet
Ensure that your instrument’s tubing isn’t blocked by residue, your mouthpiece is clean and your trumpet valves and slides are lubricated to work smoothly. Any air leaks will lead to unstable intonation that will show up immediately on a recording.
2. Prepare your room
The room where you’re going to record your trumpet shouldn’t have bare walls, tile, or concrete. Otherwise, your sound will be sharp and thin. Before the recording, complement it with soft surfaces: a curtain, a blanket, or a couch.
3. Take your time to warm up
Play some exercises on long tones, scales, and articulations to wake up your air and center your pitch. Recording immediately exposes everything, so it’s better to be ready and warmed up.
4. Do a test run without recording
Before hitting the record button, take your time and play your excerpt a couple of times. Check how the space responds, experiment with the best distance to the microphone depending on your goal.
5. Record small segments
Do not force yourself to record the whole piece at once and the best. If you made a mistake and didn’t sound well, pause for 10–15 sec before another take. When you record, imagine that you’re performing for someone specific to boost your confidence.
Final Word
Recording a trumpet sound requires patience, proper recording devices, correct distance, and proper microphone placement. And each of these steps is easily manageable! Using our guide to quick prep and easy recording you will have a truly satisfying result that highlights your benefits as a trumpet player.
Recently we also shared information about Apps and Software for Developing Ear and Rhythm. Feel free to check it out! You can find more Tips For Musicians in our blog, which is regularly updated.
Sources:
Tips for Recording Trumpet | the t.bone
How Can I Get A Good Recording Of My Trumpet - 3 Tips To Help You Record Trumpet and Capture Detail
https://kgumusic.com/pages/about-us