Taking the 'air' out of mic'd up tones? (4-6k "ssshhhh")

[Mattayus]

I'm finding that I'm having to pull a lot out of that region post-tracking in order to dry up the tone and let the note fundamental come out. Otherwise I'm left with a layer of air, like a "woooossshhhh" that washes out the note fundamental (low mids, high lows, usually) and is quite an undesirable effect for me.

Any tips? Is it possible I'm pulling the mic back too far? It's usually only 1-2 inches max though, I wouldn't have thought that was a problem.

 

[Trevoire520]

I find I have alot of bother with this region aswell, pulling back the presence and treble can help but it's a very fine line to walk as doing it too much will kill all your brightness and attack.

Would be interested to hear how other people get this region right aswell.

 

[Mattayus]

I think (hope) it might just be a case of finding the right balance between mic position and amp setting. That coupled with absorbing reflections (which is why the mic distance thing crossed my mind)

 

[ShadowKind]

I think (hope) it might just be a case of finding the right balance between mic position and amp setting. That coupled with absorbing reflections (which is why the mic distance thing crossed my mind)

Well first I'd have to ask what mic's you're using? Normally, I use a 57 / MD421 classic standard pretty much up at the cloth. I also place a GIK trap about half a foot back from the mic to get rid of some reflections.. If I use a condenser which if the mood swings I sometimes do, then you are most likely going to have to EQ it a slight bit.

 

[Mattayus]

I think I've cracked it, tbh. I think it was a case of taking the grill off this thing and finding the sweet spot, much happier now. Goddam new cabs, this just goes to show you can't 'guess' where things are going to sound right with different gear, you just have to bite the bullet and try it.