What are you wearing, dahhhling (in the studio)?

zenpicker · Sep 28, 2005

Now this may seem like a trivial thread, no pun intended. But here's a real question: what is the best way to minimize noise from clothes inadvertantly brushing against acoustic instruments when recording with a super-cranked open mike?

I play acoustic guitar with a stereo mike setup that is quite sensitive, then I run it all through a gain stage in a preamp, so by the time my signal gets recorded any extraneous noise is clearly detectable. E.g., if my sleeve happens to brush the body of my guitar at the wrong instant, it's thereby part of the recording. Unfortunately my sleeve isn't all that musical.

I guess the best thing I've found so far is a cashmere sweater--far quieter than cotton. Pants are trickier, though it's a little less of an issue since the guitar just sits there on my leg.

So, what do you all recommend? What do the pros wear? This sounds like such a silly issue but I have seriously messed up otherwise good takes because of some stupid stray movement. So I figure someone who does this all the time might have better ideas than I do.

Now, now, I can hear all the snarky jokes about recording naked, etc. etc....go on, let 'em rip, but note that I live in Chicago, it's damn cold in the winter, and I try not to have the furnace running in the background while recording. So, humor me here.....and tell me what you're wearing when you go into the studio.

Johnny Raz · Sep 28, 2005

Old sweatpants and a t-shirt. I also make sure when recording acoustic tracks that I breathe with my mouth and nose at the same time -- I did a recording of just my acoustic guitar into a very sensitive microphone and in the recording, each exhale and inhale through my nose was very audible -- how embarassing!

Or you could just record wearing nothing at all (maybe the Chilli Peppers did this already) - In my opinion, recording is like standing in front of the mirror naked and then being FORCED to look at yourself - the good and the bad.....

MattB · Sep 28, 2005

I would stay away from the naked route. If you get a bit sweatty you could get some bad squeaks

Sweater and a long sleeve T.

-MattB

MichaelK · Sep 28, 2005

Cotton button-down shirt, right sleeve partially rolled up. That's my answer today, anyway.

I dunno - whatever I wear normally. As long as no buttons are hitting the wood it's not a problem. The mic doesn't pick up my clothes rustling.

trisonic · Sep 28, 2005

The only time I've thought about what clothes was late one night at Decca's West Hampstead Studios when I'd ordered a mini-cab to take me to Liverpool Street Station after attending a session of The Keef Hartley Band (for the "Battle of NW6") with Neil Slaven. I was standing in the foyer tapping out a drum rhythmn with my feet (I tend to do this when bored).

Mike Vernon suddenly appeared looking agitated - "Oh, it's you, Pete. For f@#k's sake please stop tapping your feet we're picking it up on the vocal mic in no.1". Martha Velez who was the one singing thought some idiot was tap - dancing in the studio somewhere (which should have been deserted).
Since then I tried to wear sneakers around studios..... I think I was 19 at the time but this incident has kept in my memory as if it was yesterday (not surprising, really).

Best, Pete.

LSchefman · Sep 29, 2005

I generally wear jeans and a T-shirt, and let 'er rip.

Never had a noise problem. Well, except that time I farted.

MichaelK · Sep 29, 2005

Originally posted by LSchefman
Well, except that time I farted.
Click to expand...

"Depends" make that crinkling sound every time you sit or stand. From an audio standpoint, I think it's better to live with the incontinence.

achord · Sep 30, 2005

Winter: khakis or jeans and a golf shirt
Summer: shorts and a golf shirt

It's usually cold in studios, but I'm hot-natured, so it doesn't present a problem for me.

Stay away from those swishy "windsuits" you usually see older women wearing.

zenpicker · Sep 30, 2005

"Depends" make that crinkling sound every time you sit or stand.
Click to expand...

Is that something you learned from Mick Jagger?

MichaelK · Sep 30, 2005

Originally posted by zenpicker
Is that something you learned from Mick Jagger?
Click to expand...

Um... yes!! Yes! I learned it from someone else, not personal experience!

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