Electrical Audio How-To: Microphone Techniques for Speaker Cabinets

[@robcorsini7281]

Rest in peace Steve. The world will always hear you!

[@NortsGhoul]

This guys dead?

[@alejoromero]

@@NortsGhoul yes, he died last week.

[@NortsGhoul]

@@alejoromero damn man

[@sometimesidreamaboutcheese]

Holy.. And I found this magnificent video and the channel only now... I'm so thankful for all these people who sharing their knowledge with everyone and giving help..

[@1realwild]

Steve Albini was a recording Legend! RIP.

[@StephenJPilat]

"We get better at things over time because we're bad at them at some point and we stop doing that." Words to live by. Thank you Steve!

[@asher5629]

It's insane that we live in a time where absolute legends in the field have KZbin channels giving away what are essentially masterclasses every video. Thank you Steve and everyone at Electrical Audio for these knowledge bombs!!

[@popkorn256]

I just found out now that he was doing these videos. It's crazy! I would never have dreamed of it!

[@JohnZipperer]

You’re so right! 👍🏼

[@lorenmeans4463]

The stuff he records is not good. Gloom haze or whatever was the worst thing I ever heard. Sounded like a kid who doesn’t want his dong anymore.

[@nickloss2377]

you wanna know why? cuz the old business model is unsustainable. recording engineers, the studios, their staff are not under appreciated in todays version of the recording industry.. they're not receiving the compensation in line with their value. with everyone thinking they are a producer with FL studio and algorithms like Landr undervaluing the importance of a mastering engineer, these "legends" have to diversify their revenue streams... KZbin is a good starting point for that since there are already so many wannabe how-to videos spewing wrong info and incorrect practices... Steve should really expand into his own line of beanies. lol he's always wearing 'em so might as well start making some paper will Albini beanies

[@deejaydubla]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@Polyfusia]

It says a lot about Steve that he put these out for free. He's a great teacher as well. I'm really broken up about his passing.

[@georgetwydell6166]

He is. Like wise mate :(

[@1realwild]

He helped so many people set up their own studios and never took a royalty fee from artists. What a guy!

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

Bloody hell, the times we live in where we can get a lesson from Steve on KZbin for free! Thanks a million, mate!

[@powpow99]

I agree. This is very cool to see. Thank you Electrical Audio!!

[@zappasmoustache23]

It’s just occurred to me how lucky we are to have these videos now the man has gone. What a document. The world is going to sound less interesting without him.

[@SusannMarieDye]

Anyone know why he liked dressing this way? The coveralls?

[@zappasmoustache23]

@@SusannMarieDye as a man in my early fifties I’m going to say comfort and possibly he had a very dusty studio.

[@anthonyc1883]

I think he believed in and embraced the aesthetic of a technician, a working man in service of the people and project who employed him. Remember, he always refered to himself as a recording engineer, never producer. Seemed to be a pretty humble guy.

[@nissekram]

​@@anthonyc1883 That's correct. Also, he wasn't the only one at EA that wore blue coveralls, most technicians there did - it was easy to see who were technicians that way.

[@streakinthesky]

This randomly showed up in my feed and I got emotional. RIP Steve, the music you’ve touched has left such a deep impact on my life and me as a person. The world lost a legend and will never be the same.

[@jackjackdaw5065]

This is probably my favourite video on the whole internet.

[@RhettShull]

An absolute masterclass on mic technique. Thanks Steve!!

[@citizenbxtr883]

Remember Rhett….there is a plan alBini

[@chrishepburn1503]

@Damon Davis 🤣🤣🤣🤣 crap music is right.

[@teresathomley3703]

Rhett's music is actually quite good.

[@OldManBadly]

What i love in this is that there is consideration for the real world. This isn't a dry technical class with a bunch of waves and things, it's a practical approach. it's really important not only to consider the sound from that amplified, but the effects of it's location. There is a point where the room sound becomes more prevalent than the improvement in cabinet sound, so even if technically you get a better sound at 5 feet away, you may have added so much of the room that it is no longer reasonable to do. Tim Pierce is a very successful session guitarist, and his home studio setup is worth checking out (search for his channel). Thanks Steve for a great video that really considers the real world.

[@teresathomley3703]

@@OldManBadly Tim Pierce's show is pretty good.

[@stagnatic]

This gentleman is the most informed janitor I’ve ever seen-the studio bosses should be sure to give him a raise and a promotion.

[@blackcodeblue8667]

He didn't wear his compliancy-mask long enough to qualify for a raise

[@profd65]

I swear the only reason people click on videos anymore is to make dumb jokes.

[@roadfordays]

Maybe one day they'll let him run the console.

[@nicolaemadalinboboc6704]

@@profd65 It's the way he talks and wears. He doesn't talk like someone who made very agressive music with edgy lyrics or album titles. He talks like someone you call to fix your defective boiler. That's not a bad thing, it just means he is done to earth, but it's sometimes funny how people who make agressive edgy music sound like in real life. For example the guy from Slayer sounds like a cheerful, friendly and modest dude.

[@matturner6890]

​@@profd65 or pissy complaints

[@CIPHER7968]

How the fuck have I only just learned that Electrical Audio has a KZbin channel? Steve is one of our generation's greats, and I'm ready to learn.

[@LightSoySauce]

me too

[@SteveKusek]

I've picked up so much usable knowledge in audio engineering, studio practices and the physics of sound from Steve's tutorials. I spent 4+ years at an expensive university to get my bachelors degree, taking all the theoretical and practical studio courses and NONE of my arrogant college professors could break down these principles in a classroom the way Steve did in his videos... What a legend.

[@gokdude]

By far, the highest display of comprehension and humor of speaker/mic/room relationship in a video I have ever seen. This is the canon

[@crifox16]

brian deck's video for reverb is equally great, maybe not as technical but still a great watch

[@devolucionario]

These videos are of great importance, humanity should be grateful Steve shared his knowledge Forever grateful ❤️

[@FrankBittom1]

R I P master, we will miss your philosophy about music and passion for audio..

[@danielcram4734]

I just want to say thank you Steve and everyone at EA for sharing your knowledge and making this free. Humanity at its finest.

[@spacecruiser101]

He just died man

[@scouge]

He's giving us absolute gold here people. It's shocking how much more 'real' an amp sounds just by backing the mic off a few inches. You can instantly hear it. I've always been suspicious of the 'mic at an angle technique' now we have a diagram to annoy the producers even more. Thank you Uncle Steve.

[@The_Absurdistt]

Albini is the best content on the tube.

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

That bass tone is the stuff of legends.

[@veronicabianqui]

Omg I love Albini being silly like this 🤣

[@veronicabianqui]

Little did I know he would pass just a couple days after I wrote this :( 💔🕊️

[@lootwijk]

@@veronicabianquiIt is still a big unfair sorrow.

[@TheBBQify]

Love steve, every word that comes out of his mouth is solid gold

[@justinroconnell]

I've been binge-watching Steve Albini interviews for six months and only now just realized he has a YT channel.

[@adamtucker3128]

I've got to say, as a teacher myself, everything here is explained with such brilliant simplicity. It all makes complete sense to a relative layman - I feel like I've witness a masterclass in pedagogy as well as audio engineering. Steve, when you're ready to quit music you should retrain as a teacher.

[@Gretsch0997]

You mean Andragogy , as pedagogy is for children. Although in my case (51) I still consider myself the latter

[@Podcastage]

Albini, the lord of audio has spoken. When the lord speaketh we listen.. Thank you Steve for sharing your incredible knowledge and expertise.

[@KyleGushue]

Click the doobly do to see what he doobly did.

[@natangurfinkel]

*hath

[@lorenmeans4463]

Na.... actually not

[@johnkaplun9619]

"Don't be a sheep" Steve Albini, I'm sure at some point

[@CarstenGoeke]

✌🏼

[@Breakbeats92.5]

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." Albert Einstein. Steve, thank you so much for making yourself available and sharing your expertise.

[@getbentaudio585]

This man has given me more advice than my own father ever did. RIP the greatest engineer of all time.

[@hddbugg]

He's a great teacher. Please post more. I'd gladly pay for it.

[@educesar77]

Same

[@uriahfiiya]

Shhh! Don't give em ideas. Us poor people need it for free ;)

[@seamusmaguire2160]

Albini selling educational videos directly conflicts with his social and political ideologies so I think you don’t have to worry.

[@mvsr990]

He's done a for-pay Mix with the Masters series, I believe.

[@saftovooey4569]

@@seamusmaguire2160 Make yourself poor to own the capitalists.

[@ingojetten7131]

Pure gold. Liked how you slipped the Wilhelm Scream in there.

[@lippi2171]

And again we have Albini teaching us pro audio engineering for free.... By the way, I never thought of placing the microphone that far from the speaker (10-12 inches he said I believe) to capture the ideal sound of a cab or combo. In most videos engineers put the mics right in front of the speakers, so for me as an amateur this is was quite a surprise

[@MetricNotStandard]

uniform. pens. articulation. knowledge. humor. This guy has it all. Mr. Albini is the only mentor I need. Teach on.

[@timstevens3183]

Please come back and teach us more Steve!

[@BreedersSyndicate]

Wait … what? Steve freakin Albini?! I’m just clicking a random video in nerdy electronic speaker stuff, and frickin Steve albini is hosting! I’m tuned in all day!

[@mrNobody100]

i want to go back like, 16 years and show this to my recording class i took in college (or 4 semesters of them that i took) Mainly to show the professor, who would name drop his friendship with Danny Elfman and other self-serving egotistical elements that were detrimental to the learning process. i learned more in 20 minutes of this video than most of my time in those classes. Electrical Audio, you are one of my professors now. great stuff!

[@dulla8469]

thank you youtube for finally recommending a video i actually want to watch

[@rasputinvanclitt]

This video solved most of the problems/bad habits I've had with mic'ing my amps all these years, and were explained with such clear simplicity that even a gorilla like myself may get a decent guitar tone down on tape. Thank you Steve!!!

[@VexxJam]

He doesn't waste any time. I appreciate that. Well done , awesome vid. Ty

[@Tomversal]

And he keeps it informal whilst just being a fun video to watch, so damn rare these days to find that

[@snarfusmaximus]

This video has taught me a ton of stuff to help me get better recordings in the shitty 8-track studio I'm setting up in my bungalow. Thank you, Steve!

[@cassmyers]

Steve's videos are such a valuable resource I'm sure to visit for years to come. I'll always be bummed we couldn't learn even more from him, but I'll always be grateful. What an awesome guy.

[@alexmac513]

Can't believe I'm not going to hear his voice in person ever again. Already missed. Never forgotten.

[@xenotype3258]

I just found Steve this year - he’s the best communicator I’ve ever listened to. Rip.

[@neocollective]

So informative, clear, concise, relevant and even funny ! Steve has the heart of a teacher... I want to see the Albini School for The Recording Arts somewhere soon !!

[@zombiesatethem]

That 20 minute click flew by as I was streamlined with absolute golden knowledge. That was such an informative video on micing I didn't even need time to pause. Thank you so much for that, Steve. RIP.

[@davidwilkey7389]

Steve needs to do a kid's show. He could be the Bill Nye of independent music creation. Think of the children, Steve!!

[@massgrave8x]

@@DylanPank71 Yeah, I was gonna say that it probably wouldn't be a good idea for a guy who used to be in a band called "Rapeman" to host a children's TV show

[@Mandibularmenace]

They don’t need to know that part

[@justinsmith2487]

RIP Steve

[@justinsmith2487]

RIP Steve

[@LimewaterMusic]

@@massgrave8ximagine giving a kids TV show to a straight up pedophile… like what is this, Nickelodeon in the 90s?

[@tiagoandrade5826]

When he wrote, back in the days, the terms for working with nirvana (on paper) you could tell that he was an amazing guy. It felt like some poetry because it was so honest, direct and amicable. Rest easy, Steve. Maybe its time for me to learn about recording, so here we go.

[@ErickC]

This is probably the most concise and useful video I have ever seen on the subject. I had never thought about the potential problems of a microphone at an angle. This probably explains why it feels like I got better results when I had my 30W combo amp vs. the 100W Marshall I use now - I assumed that I had somehow forgotten how to place a microphone, never once considering that I was recording an angled cab with a microphone not placed on-center to the actual axis of the speaker I was recording. Suddenly, the last few years of constantly turning knobs on the cab and fighting with EQ are starting to make sense. Thanks!

[@simonbarth3181]

Hello, dont know if thats your problem or not, but most amps sound best when the master gain is at least 75% cranked, which can be hard with a 100 watt amp if you dont want to make everybodys ears bleed. Also speakers that are able to handle such high volumes (watts) usually tend to be more stiff than speakers made for lower wattage. So it might be a good idear to use a amp atenuator (the cheap one that doesnt fuck with the sound) and a lower wattage speaker to really drive the amp. Driving the normal high watt speaker with the atenuated signal might also sound strange. I dont know maybe that is completly not your problem, but it was mine recently so I thought I could share this 😅

[@johnt.mickevich2772]

I love how serious and knowledgeable he is... then there's these moments of genius goofiness as he switches cameras.

[@InspiringTracks]

Why on earth this video doesn't have ten million views? Every second of it is just fantastic. Thanks Steve!!

[@1realwild]

Steve was an absolute genius! He will be sadly missed!

[@herzbub]

This is one of the best recording 'lessons' I have ever watched on the web (and I have seen - and paid for - quite a few): Very clearly explained theory, practical audio examples and even funny gags! Killer whiteboard skills, too. All all that for free! Amazing. Thank you so much!

[@edsohovocals]

Who knew Steve Albini is an incredible teacher! And with humour. And those guitar and bass riffs were killer.

[@nimitz1739]

Maybe we’ll get a video of how Steve gets those amazing live drum sounds. He’s the best at doing that.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

We love you Steve. Rest in Power.

[@Hermiel]

I had to rub my eyes and pinch myself when I saw a new Electrical Audio tutorial with Steve hosting. What a treat! May this content be a source of revenue on its own, and may it drive new business through the doors at Electrical! P.S. Watching Stoic Steve Looney Tunes-ing himself about the studio was unexpected albeit entertaining. Made my knees hurt just thinking about it. Frickin' Wile E. Albini over here, amirite. 😁

[@ericmaher4756]

Here is someone who knows his art, and how to explain it, with enough passion to share it with the world for the benefit of anyone loving to perfect it. Thank you, mr. Albini!

[@timstevens3183]

Please come back and make more videos Steve :(

[@markitux]

...most of it is just common sense, but when Steve talk about it, it's always a tsunami of wisdom!

[@igmaribanez]

3:34 this is a great example of a take off axis from the cam mic after a goofy transition :) damn steve is the best ! imagine work with him and learn every day ... this is an excellent tip video and for free ... thank you !

[@discokaboom9345]

14:17 This shot is impressive. Well done.

[@AngelAngelesIII]

I really love the editing on your videos as much as the content.

[@GreenProleThumb]

Steve’s showmanship @19:30 was 100% professional, and therefore allowed. All arms, so not to kick mics. We need a video on that technique.

[@hazeofthegreensmoke505]

These videos are so helpful, glad I got to hear some Shellac!

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Steve! Wow, a gazillion thanks! for this lesson... you've helped clear up countless questions about the irregularities associated with the perimeter of the speaker. Ha! It's amusing how this idea can apply to micing a singer. At super close range, the sound of nasal passages and saliva can almost reveal what a singer had for lunch. Rock on, bud!

[@ddrum121]

The Coles in front of a small amp is a golden technique. For those who havent seen Eric valentines video on No one knows, all of the bass tone on that song came from a tiny peavey decade practice amp with a 4038 mashed up on the grille. It really sounds incredible

[@amphlett7]

Glad someone else has watched this! I bring this fact up on a weekly basis

[@dinmentor]

Not all, if i remember correctly, but the Majority of the bass tone came from a decade. I since bought one, awesome little amp!

[@robertpeterson8640]

Steve’s work always sounds great. That he is willing to tell all is amazing. He is always striving for simple clarity and impact. Let the music speak for itself. Bravo

[@lootwijk]

3:25 I am shocked, I say shocked, when the stern and strict mister Albini out of nowhere performs a goofy gag.

[@timstevens3183]

This is the man, after all, who wrote Songs About Fucking. Very very stern and strict indeed....

[@TheGreatIndoors1979]

Time for a sequel: Songs About Gagging.

[@Scoots1994]

@@timstevens3183 That was exactly what I thought of. Steve has always had a sense of humor ... he just had no patience for assholes (even if he was one).

[@JamesStrassburg]

Steve is a craftsman of the highest order.

[@jamiemcparland]

I like seeing the silly side of Steve.

[@leiferickson3183]

Wait wait wait - isn't all of Steve silly? Billiards anyone?

[@brunocerous]

What an absolute legend - and to be so generous with his knowledge is just mind blowing. Thank you for your genius in so much of the music we love. ❤

[@alexfoye855]

bless these how-to's

[@coreymelanson2906]

STEVE RULES MAN!!!!! GREAT ENGINEER,GREAT TEACHER,DEFINATLY A HUMBLE GUY,WITH LONG LONG MILES OF ROADS TRAVELLED MIXING,ENGINEERING SOME TOP BANDS THAT PLAY REAL MUSIC,REAL INSTRUMENTS,WITH REAL TALENT. ANALOGE GENIOUS,DEFINATLY TOP 10 LISTING THE GREATS,LEARN SOMETHING VALUABLE EVERYTIME ,CAUSE IT STICKS WHEN ITS EXPLAINED CORRECT,THESE VIDIOS ARE GOLD!!! WISH U-TUBE WAS AROUND WHEN I WAS YOUNG,WOW WOULDA CHANGED MY LIFE EASILY. LISTEN / LEARN / APPLY / RESULTS ARE EXCITING TO HEAR!!!! LEARNED LOTS FROM THIS ONE GUY,AND HELPED ME SO MUCH,JUST SO MUCH EXPERIENCE ,AND CAN STOP,REWIND,WATCH AGAIN,ECT. KIDS DONT KNOW WHAT THEY GOT TODAY COMPARED TO JUST 35-40 YEARS AGO,YES,....ITS JUST AMAZING TO ME STILL. AHHHH,CAPS WERRE ON,SOWRY

[@thechrisricci]

Steve just reinforced my observation about speaker miking. I've tried moving the mic off center and off axis. It invariably sounds like mud or sounds phasey. If it's pointed right at the center of the cone the signal tends to need less eq in the mix. If you're not satisfied with the recorded sound, try a different mic or amp settings. Minimize the mic placement variable. Thanks Steve!

[@tbhv]

How lucky are we to have videos of Steve Albini Teaching

[@vaportrails7943]

Another reason for close micing is to eliminate as much reflected room sound as possible. It may be a sound you want, but it all gets much more complicated as you move away from the speaker. Which is part of the reason why drums are the hardest thing to record. Phase can become a monster with multiple mics picking up room reflections. Although generally when the distance between two mics is large and they’re at different heights, as in this example, phase cancellation is not an issue. There is enough delay that it prevents any overlap.

[@77apes96]

What a great video. I'm blown away not just by Steve's clear explanations and illustrations, but his hilarious sound effects and rushing in and out of frame. I always saw him as a serious grim person, I laughed out loud when I saw this. I'm going to put some of this to use on the new album!

[@kniferideaudio]

Champs always amaze me. Such a stupid simple little amp that almost always sounds great.

[@amusik7]

This video is so funny - it just gets better and better. And the information is by the far the best I’ve seen anywhere about recording speaker cabinets. Absolutely brilliant!

[@Spencergundersenmusic]

Live engineers could have developed that “sneaking in” or “angled” mic technique to try and use the Null of the microphones to their advantage; willing to sacrifice some high end clarity for less bleed from the drum kit for example. That’s only the reason I still use that placement I do a lot of live stuff on 4 tracks.

[@FrancSchiphorst]

Also most stages are small so mic's sticking out tend to get hit a lot. Sneaking in from the side has less risk of mics getting knocked over. Studio placement does not work on a live stage with sound bleeding all over the place :)

[@aliasdandavisofficial]

This is the least hype, most straightforward, & most useful explanation of this that I've ever encountered. THANKS SO MUCH for putting this out (& for free).

[@somedude5414]

Great to see a video that explains "WHY?"

[@Scoots1994]

Excellent! It's never been so clearly put to me before. Thanks Steve.

[@erestube]

Thank you, Steve.

[@cool...............]

Steve is very generous with his time and nerdiness. Love the man.

[@pattonPwr]

RIP to the great Steve Albini 💔💔💔

[@Lu_Woods]

Pure gold..thank you. ...Sorta wishing there was foam corners on that bass cab.

[@rootvalue]

I’m sorry the interns are throwing you into these shots so rudely. Make them pay for your physical therapy, Steve.

[@MusicManxxxxx]

Ha ha!

[@dulla8469]

what if he likes it?

[@spiritspouse2028]

One of the most impressive no bullshit masterclasses not only on the subject at hand but from a teaching viewpoint as well this is amazing. Thank you very much.

[@deronforde1360]

Unlike the vast majority of audio engineering videos on KZbin, there’s not a single SM57 to be found here.

[@andyknowles772]

As it used to say on the EA website: " if you need to record something and you don't have a microphone handy, this will do. I guess."

[@christopherdunn317]

Ya true ! but i don't need to tell you why its good, cause the records are out there, and you know who I'm talking about ? who used two sm57 on the cab.

[@andyknowles772]

@@christopherdunn317 I was just quoting the EA website as an explanation to why you don't see them in his videos, I don't have enough experience with other mics to have an informed opinion on the subject ;-)

[@chrisknight3734]

Within reason you can match any semi pro mic with a speaker cabinet and get something good. It's just easier and less time consuming to do that with a better mic.

[@jakubhladik5898]

I’ve always thought the tried and true method of using an sm57 on guitar amps was over rated. I like to have options when mixing and the 57 doesn’t have a large enough frequency range. Better to throw a condenser mic and roll off what you don’t need. But using two mics ( one a 57 ) has worked for me.

[@haywarddaryl]

As a 30 something I want you to know I've been waiting for this video my entire life. Epic.

[@The_Absurdistt]

I feel like I need a knee replacement myself after watching Albini stage diving....

[@blakecollinsmusic1]

So glad I found Electrical Audio’s YT channel - I’ve admired Steve Albini’s work for years. It’s great to know I can check in on these videos to learn about (and hear) some great techniques.Thank you, Steve, and all at EA!

[@LaTigerGenesis]

these videos make everything else in life MUCH less meaningful by comparison

[@ghostdrums]

Those are pro tips. Presented with passion and fun. Adorable!

[@aboveaxis]

cool vid... but what was the point of having the mask on for 2 seconds

[@moksja667]

That is how the minds of brainwashed covidians work, don't try to find any logic in it.

[@kromeknifemind]

Mr Albini, Thank you for sharing your wisdom! This means a lot.

[@jeremybarnes7873]

A few minutes in, it hits me. Perfect room tone. Must be a great room to work in.

[@FredandChase]

Thank you for this. Your sharing has carried beyond your passing. Thank you

[@f33fifofum]

One of the most comprehensive videos I've seen on micing cabs. Subbed.

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

First time the other day micing up my guitar amp for recording. I watched your upload and my recording worked out really well. Thanks for the tip for ambient room capturing.❤

[@Gukkke]

This is just great, he doesn't try to get my attention by voicing strong opinions or using click baiting. He just explain calmly how to mic up a cabinet (and get all sorts of great inside). but remember, always try by yourself. Sometimes I get a more fitting sound when placing the mic off-axis.

[@fedesartorio]

These videos are so useful and fun, it’s incredible this stuff is free. Steve Albini is a great pedagogue and he aged like fine wine, a big thanks to the whole Electrical Audio team!