Recording Tips???

[artfultouch]

I am a beginner alto sax player with some previous experience in music.
Currently, I am trying to record the sax and have many questions.
How do I record without getting the pad sounds and clicking of the rods as they go back into place?
I have never heard these sounds over decades of recorded music (with many placement techniques and mics used).
I am taking my borrowed sax to a specialist to see if it makes more noise than is normal. Perhaps I'll need softer cushions on the rods, etc.
Any help would be appreciated from this forum on how to record sax without picking up the inevitable noise of the keys and pads, etc.

[GaryLee]

In the current issue of Saxophone Journal ther is an article about clip on microphones. The author, Andrew Clark, states "Key noise is a problem when you mic a sax with any mic and clip on mics can be loud. It is pratically unavoidable that you will pick up some rattle."
Although the article deals exclusivly with clip on mics his commets may apply to stand mounted mics as well. It seems that the amount of key noise varies considerably from mic to mic. Later in the article he recommend the SD Systems SDS mic over an AKG D409 because it did a much better job of reducing key noise. Another mic the Audio-Technica ATM 35 has a filter which can be activated to reduce key "thumping".

He also mentions that the key noise is less noticable on a recording after the final mix with other instruments than when recording a sax alone. I would think that a good sound engineer can filter out the clicks without degrading the sound quality of the sax.

As far as the sax goes it may not be the cushions (corks/felts) that make the noise but play in the keys between the posts. Try gently sliding one of the offending keys back and forth on its rod, if it is loose it will make noise when you play. A good tech should be able to help you diagnose the source of the noise.

I don't know if this has been much help but at the very least it may reassure you that your problem is not unique.

[sw3119]

Generally when recording a sax, you want to put the mic about 12-20 inches away from the horn, pointing in between the bell and the left hand keys. This is because not all of the sound from the sax comes out of the bell.

Besides getting the full sound of the horn, you should reduce key noise by not having the mic too close.