automative mic placement mic stand

[ron florentine]

OK this maybe my wildest or lamest post of all time........but..............I notice i settle alot with mic placement especially micing guitar cabs...................i do get lazy walking into the tracking room and moving it no more than a couple of time and get as good as sound as i am used to.........................is there anything made that is somewhat like an automative mic stand that can be controled by remote control for mic playcement .....something robotic that can move the mic up or down and side ways and also angle the mic position.Being in here by myself there are many times that I wonder if I am getting the best phase and sound but continually going from the control room then into the tracking room is really a pain when you are alone tracking in the studio......................this maybe science fiction but it seems that something along these lines would be quite feasable with todays technology..................maybe something like this exist or maybe i will spark inspiration of a new musical equipment creation..................this would be a must have for any studio with limited or no extra help.........................ok flame away,I was just thinking outside the box tonight.



Ron Florentine
Soundswest Studio

[gainreduction]

I believe they are called assistants.

No seriously, I don´t know but I would start by looking at what goes on in the movie industry. One would think a remote controlled camera stand is invented. An assistant is probably cheaper.

[ron florentine]

LOL.....this would be a marvelous invention...............a small robotic stand on wheels that could go up and down and horizontally in small incriments.......set the aproxiamate dstance and hieghth and make smaller adjustment with the remote control................with all the new home based project studios where people work alone this would sell like crazy....every studio would have 3 or 4 for multiple micing techniques.Recording all alone and always get perfect micing and pefect phase without having to jump up and down from tracking to control room 3,5-10 times for that perfect placement. With all the remote kids toys this doesnt seem that far out of reach.Be honest how many times have we just settled for an exceptable sound tracking just because we didnt feel like getting up again....................The old .......OK that sounds fine lets just record it...... ..........I dream of a day when...............!




Ron Florentine
Soundswest Studio

[RockManDan]

this is an idea ive thought of before also. it would be great and is totally feasible with today's technology. Since im a DIYer i would try going to walmart or target or any toy store and look around at the remote controlled toys they have. Might be able to find a slow-moving tank or truck or something that would allow you to mount a mic on it and control its distance from teh cab remotely. maybe some sort of toy firetruck would have an extendable ladder to play with height as well.
-dan

[PVAUDIO]

I've seen really cool automative microphone systems in a few different large performance halls. The one i have been to most recently, is Jordan Hall in Boston. They have a few different systems, they seem pretty simple. Its just a string and pulley system. These systems are really more for stereo micing techs. I dont think they get to close to the instruments. Either way, really cool....

[Trakworx]

Chapman Powered Microphone Stand | ProAudioSuperstore.com

[Matt Whritenour]

that's funny that you posted this because I thought of the same thing last week. it would come in handy.

[Trakworx]

Studio Toyz

[Matt Whritenour]

Lego MindStorms might also be an option.

[Matt Whritenour]

something like this?
Amazon.com: Robotic Arm Edge - Wire Controlled Kit (requires assembly): Toys & Games

[CompEq]

Originally Posted by gainreduction

I believe they are called assistants.

+1

Make sure you engage the MUTE function.

[Vogon]

Yes, I have wished for a (multiple mic) mover before... One that worked in the three directions.
Had an image in my mind of a couple of mini-joysicks and a little monitor screen to position a couple of mics on cabs. T'would be too cool.

[ron florentine]

Originally Posted by Matt Whritenour

something like this?
Amazon.com: Robotic Arm Edge - Wire Controlled Kit (requires assembly): Toys & Games

This little thing looks pretty cool..........................it looks fairly lightweight and most likely the wieght of even an sm57 never mind a large condensor would most likely make it take a tumble................but thats the idea.......something that has free range of motion even if its only for 3-6 inches of mobility.....................you can get relative basic hieght and distance and then have something like those to make fine tuning your position from the control room..........................So far the other items mentioned in this thread seem to only go up and down...........that seems way to limited...........................having an assistant is great, but what assistant what to risk their hearing when trying different subtle mic position while someone has there amp cranked to eleven.............................this invention could make some serious mula with the right R&D and market team!



Ron Florentine
Soundswest Studio

[JustinAiken]

Only would be cool if it had DAW-controlled automation

[RockManDan]

i like the idea of mounting a mic on some sort of remote controlled car that can move closer or farther from the amp at will. could be cool for during a take you could move it closer to emphasize a part or backwards to add more space. kind of like level riding, but done live.