putting a pencil in front of a mic

[beyond]

it will split the air stream but it's not a super great thing to do. Use a good shield instead. You're supposed to stick the pen to the mic by the way.

[Darm]

Do you have a picture?
I have also heard that it will work as a de esse, but I don't think that's possible

[beyond]

http://nicolasray.info/img/9/bic.png

[Darm]

I meant a picture of a pencil and a microphone together. I would like to see how are you supposed to put it up

[ryanojohn]

just literally tape the pencil across the face of the mic... it's supposed to split the path of the air so that there is less DIRECT impact on the diaphragm from plosives

[theblue1]

Originally Posted by beyond

http://nicolasray.info/img/9/bic.png

Best post in thread.

[henryrobinett]

I think it works great. I use it all the time. I also use it in conjunction with a Stedman shield. I actually tape it before the mic, hanging off the suspension bands, or something. About a half inch away, in front.

I don't know if that's correct. It's what has worked for me.

There are pictures here somewhere. Look for Kings X and Wagner sessions. ???

[Chrisc_o]

I will start by saying that I have never tried this for myself, so I cannot say for sure whether or not it really works.

That being said, I believe that simple physics would prove that this should not work. I am not an expert in physics, but I cannot help but be reminded of an experiment I witnessed in High School physics where a candle was placed directly behind a glass jar. You could then blow out the candle by blowing on the jar directly across from the candle. The air will actually follow the outer wall of the jar only to continue on the other side where the moving air from either side of the jar meets. I guess that this is kind of the same principle as lift generated by and airplane wing. The faster moving air creates a low pressure zone causing the higher pressure of the slow or non-moving air to force it to follow the smooth walls of the cylindrical object.

The only thing I think that may factor into the equation is the fact that a pencil, or other non-perfectly-cylindrical object be used. The corners of the hexagonal pencil body may disturb the air-flow, therefore a smooth cylindrical pen would not work.

I hope that my reasoning is not too far off. Can any physicists chime in to confirm or destroy my theory here?

[henryrobinett]

http://gearslutz.com/board/so-much-g...cil-trick.html

[beyond]

This helped me once, I had a singer that really popped those "p" and "S" all over the place. This saved the sessions.

session saver

[Tibbon]

I'm not a great Singer, But never have ProblemSss wiTh PloSiveS....

Or maybe I do

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by APOHStudios

Again, not a replacement for a good filter, but it is better than nothing.

Some people would say that the pencil trick is better than a good filter and still others would say that no filter is is the best filter of all, and just fix the plosives in the computer unless your vocalist has a real problem with control.... I would be in the latter camp by the way.

thumbsup

Oh and moracspace is dead right, try it for yourself and see Darm but don't use beyond's pen....

[XSergeantD]

Originally Posted by Darm

I have also heard that it will work as a de esse, but I don't think that's possible

just plosive vocalists

Originally Posted by Chrisc_o

I will start by saying that I have never tried this for myself, so I cannot say for sure whether or not it really works.

As you've read it does work, remember the flow you're describing is deflected, as the flow hits the grill the force continues to follow the grill path as opposed to forcing it's way thru.
As for it's use, I discussed this with one of the producers I've worked with. He showed me a simple movement of the mic at a slight angle does the same thing. So try it out and experiment, that;'s how we each learn what works for 'us' and what doesn't.
l8r

[Lusitano]

Originally Posted by Darm

Just heard that you can put a pencil in between a vocalist and a mic, and it will work as a pop shield and a de esser at the same time...

Just remember that not all pencils will do that job.
Don't use any color pencils or they will COLOR you sound.

[panhandler]

The great thing about the pencil is if it doesn't work out you can always erase it

[golden_goose42]

I can say it definitely worked for me in a pinch. I loaned my filter out and it hasn't come back yet. When I had to track a vocalist, I taped a Sharpie to another mic stand and positioned it a couple inches off the mic, about where my pop filter would be. I have no idea if it matters, but I aimed the pocket clip at the vocalist so there would be some degree of symmetry. I think they call that obsessive compulsion?

So, if I wanted the brown sound, should I put up a Burnt Sienna Crayola, or would Burnt Umber be better? 8^)

[golden_goose42]

Probably would help to mention that the problem here was plosives, not sibilance. Can't comment on whether it helps for that or not.

[Acoustic Cloud]

You know whats really a bummer about all of this?!?

Its too bad the mesh/grille isnt enough to take care of all of the problems.........

You would think its enough dispersion?? Dispersment? Dispersmentation? e, whatever the word is.

Maybe its too close to the capsule to fix all the siblance? I agree that turning the mic is a better suggestion.

If a pencil would be better than a pop filter, that would be interesting, BUT, is this a $$$ thing only? If it is a $$ thing, just spend the 19 bucks, and dont lend it out!!!

[absrec]

I have tried the pencil trick before. Didn't seem to work that well. I had one singer that had such huge plosives that I taped a pencil to the front of the mic in conjunction with using a pop filter. I seem to remember it making a marginal difference. It did, however, make it look like I knew what I was doing so I guess that part was cool.

Originally Posted by not_so_new

Some people would say that the pencil trick is better than a good filter and still others would say that no filter is is the best filter of all, and just fix the plosives in the computer unless your vocalist has a real problem with control....

And some would say that the other reason a pop filter is good is because you don't want people spitting into your expensive condensor microphones.

And I wouldn't say that just because a singer's plosives are loud without a popper stopper, that they have poor technique. I've used one on every singer I've ever recorded.

I also will say that a pop filter will reduce the high end ever so slightly thereby reducing sibilance. Not saying it is a cure by any means. You will probably still need a deesser if they have a sibilance problem. I don't think this is necessarily a sign of a bad singer either. Just a difference from voice to voice.

-Aaron

[SparkyCanada]

Probably positioning of the pencil is most critical - along with the size.

The scenario below may/may not work for you...




SparkyCanada

[matt82aust]

thats amazing! i can't wait for someone to release the plug in version!

[Psychoguitarz]

Originally Posted by beyond

http://nicolasray.info/img/9/bic.png

LOL