Recording Brass
Tips and Secrets for Recording Brass | EP 05
HOW TO RECORD BRASS: TIPS AND SECRETS
- Why trumpet and trombone produce such bright, overtone‑rich sound
- How sound radiates from the bell — and why direction matters
- Recommended microphone distance and height
- How to avoid harshness and overly direct tones
- How to position the microphone to achieve a warmer, more balanced sound
[00:00]
In this tutorial series, we get into the essentials of how to make you and your orchestral instrument sound and look better. In this episode, we take a closer look at how to record brass instruments.
[00:10] Among all orchestral instruments, the trumpet and trombone are the richest in harmonics. The light and brilliant tonal effect, is almost uniform over their entire range. Both instruments are also capable of producing very high sound pressure levels, often exceeding 110 dB SPL.
Brass instruments primarily radiate sound from the bell, with increasingly narrow beam radiations at higher frequencies.
[00:45] Place the microphone approximately 1.5 to 2 meters away from the instrument and about 1.5 to 2 meters above it.
If you are aiming for a warmer tone, avoid placing the microphone directly on-axis with the instrument. Instead, move the microphone slightly to the side. Also if the player moves, big changes in tone and color are also avoided with this position.
[01:10] (Instrument plays)
FAQs | EP 05
Place the microphone around 1.5 to 2 metres from the instrument and slightly above the player to capture a balanced and natural sound.
Brass instruments project high frequencies directly from the bell. An off-axis position often produces a warmer and more balanced tone.
Trumpets and trombones can exceed 110 dB SPL, making microphone distance and placement important considerations.
Move the microphone slightly to the side of the bell rather than pointing directly at it. This can reduce brightness and create a smoother sound.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Record Brass Instruments
1. Understanding the Sound of Brass Instruments
They can also reach very high sound pressure levels, often above 110 dB SPL, which is important to consider when choosing microphone distance.
Brass instruments radiate most of their sound directly from the bell, and higher frequencies become increasingly directional, projecting in a narrow beam straight ahead.
2. Recommended Microphone Placement
- 1.5 to 2 meters away from the instrument
- 1.5 to 2 meters above the player
To achieve a warmer sound, avoid placing the microphone directly on‑axis with the bell. Instead, move the microphone slightly to the side.
This off‑axis angle reduces harshness and overly bright high frequencies. In addition, it also helps maintain a consistent tone, even when the player moves — preventing sudden color changes caused by small shifts in playing direction.
3. Listen and Adjust
As always, trust your ears. Subtle changes in height, distance, and angle can significantly influence brilliance, warmth, and overall tonal balance.
Curious to know more?
- In Episode 6, we’ll provide you with some tips and secrets on how to record Woodwinds.
- Discover more guides and expert tips in our Knowledge Hub.
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