Choosing between close-miking and ambient recording can be tough for Year 1 music students because both have their own challenges.

Close-Miking:

• Good things: It picks up sound directly and cuts down on background noise.
• Drawbacks:
  • It can make the sound feel unnatural.
  • You need to place the microphone just right, or it could mess up the sound.
  • The equipment might be too pricey or tricky for beginners.

Ambient Recording:

• Good things: It captures the natural sound and echoes of the room.
• Drawbacks:
  • It might pick up noise from outside the recording area.
  • You need to understand how sound works in a room and where to put the microphone.
  • It can be hard to get a good balance between different instruments.

Tips:

• For close-miking, start with simple and budget-friendly setups.
• For ambient recording, try out different spaces to learn how sound works and how to capture it well.

By using both techniques together, you can create a richer and more exciting musical experience!