For over five years, I’ve been recording my music with professional equipment. (Before that, I used a handheld recorder). This type of recording is often called “field recording” because it happens on location—like during a concert—instead of in a studio. My journey into recording began out of necessity, but it has become an essential part of my work as a musician.

I play a lot of unique repertoire and wanted to capture high-quality recordings of my performances. Asking church AV teams to handle the recording didn’t seem like a practical solution. Churches, understandably, aren’t equipped with the tools or expertise needed to record classical concerts. That’s not their primary focus, and I didn’t want to add to their workload.

During the lockdown, I experimented with “bedroom recordings.” Those experiences showed me that I needed my own gear to take control of the process. So, I started researching. I talked to professional sound engineers, read articles online, and joined a dedicated Facebook group for classical recording professionals. All this helped me put together the equipment and knowledge I needed.

Most of the music I record is chamber music—solos, duets with piano, trios, and quartets. While I have the ability to record larger ensembles, I haven’t had much need for that yet. This journey into recording has taught me a lot about how professional recordings are made. One surprising discovery is how much microphones, placement, and production techniques affect what we hear. These factors can sometimes matter more than the strings or even the instrument itself, as long as the instrument is of decent quality.

My Recording Setup

When I head to a recording session, I bring more than just my cello, Adjustrite chair, and sheet music. Here’s what’s usually in my gear bag:

• Zoom F8n Recorder: This recorder is central to my setup. I usually set it to 24-bit/48kHz for high-quality audio. I also adjust the high-pass filter and panning on certain channels, depending on the setup. Sometimes, I place the recorder on a stand in a roped-off area of the front row.
• Sony AX43 Camera: This video camera, along with its stand and power supply, is essential for capturing the visual aspect of performances.
• Microphones:
  • For cello, I often use an AEA R84a ribbon mic, placed about 3–4 feet away.
  • For piano, I use Schoeps MK22 mics with a stereo bar placed close to the strings for a “studio-style” sound.
  • In spaces with great acoustics, I might use a single AEA R88a ribbon mic or a pair of spaced DPA 4006a mics at a height of 7–9 feet and a distance of 6–8 feet from the musicians. This is my usual setup for a string quartet or piano trio.
• Cables and Stands: I bring at least three 25-foot XLR cables and appropriate mic stands.
• Other Essentials:
  • Gaff tape for securing cables.
  • In-ear monitors (Westone UM 50) and a headphone extension cord to check balances while playing.
  • Surge protector and extension cords to ensure reliable power.

Editing and Mastering

After recording, I use Nuendo 13 to mix and master the audio. Previous versions of Nuendo work just as well for what I need, so there’s no rush to upgrade. For mastering, I rely on plugins like Ozone 8 and RX 7 from iZotope. These tools help polish the sound, though newer versions are available. I also use Symphony Reverb by iZotope to add depth to recordings, though I previously used their Exponential Audio R4 reverb.

Encouragement for Beginners

If you’re thinking about starting your own recording journey, I encourage you to go for it! It’s a rewarding experience that will grow you as a musician. There’s so much to learn, from microphone placement to understanding the finer details of sound production.

When I was first starting, I wrote an article about microphones and their impact on sound. You can read it here: Microphones: An Audible Difference.

You can also check out my YouTube channel, where I’ve shared many videos of my recordings. Here’s a sample playlist: My Playlist.

Starting to record has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s allowed me to take control of my art, preserve my unique repertoire, and share it with the world. Whether you’re a musician or just curious about recording, I hope my story inspires you to try it for yourself!