Member Chat - November 7, 2020 - Audio Recording for Handbell Ensembles

Saturday, November 7, 2020, 5:00 pm Eastern

Whether you are an experienced audio engineer, one who is dabbling or someone who just wants to know more about how to specifically record handbell ensembles, this session is for you. An attempt at the impossible which is to cover every aspect in depth will not be made; however, many topics will be addressed with comments and details enough to give you a more practical based knowledge. At the close, Q&A is available to help extend any topic.  

Handbells present a challenge to record adequately with a natural sound as compared to other instruments. Some of the variables include the physical layouts that we perform in, the varied sound projection characteristics of the different ranges in the handbell set, the direction of the sound coming off of the handbells (or chimes), and the overall balance or soundscape that we wish to achieve despite the layout of the tables. Equipment and other aspects play a critical role in the success of a recording session. In addition, since very few ensembles get to capture recordings in an actual recording studio, additional in-room or external sound issues can be introduced into a recording. There are steps and strategies to help overcome the less than perfect recording space scenarios.