Something that I've been curious about doing for a while now is recording in water. It's probably been done before but... I figured I would open the topic up for discussion.

Most of the ways i have thought of doing it include: setting up a coffee can or similar holder of water, filling it up most of the way with water and setting a mic in it. Protecting the mic would be key of course so I think putting an unlubbed condom or balloon over the mic would be a good idea. That way there would be protection without giving up the contact to the water which would be transmitting the sound. I think it would work best in a kick drum or maybe in front of or in a bass cab. I've yet to try it due to lack of equipment and generally not wanting to get my ass chewed out by the faculty at my school. I'm mostly curious how it would work with bass oriented instruments. Has anyone had any experience with this?

I assume this is the place to post such a topic, but if not then please direct me to the correct area of discussion.

Actually I have experimented with water. I bought 4 of those MXL crap microphones (which was good because I ruined 3 of them) to play around with. I did pretty much exactly what you're saying but I found that all the water did was kinda act like a wall. the more water, the thicker the wall. It sounded pretty much the same as putting a mic in the next room over. somehow i want to try putting the intrument in water and micing that.

DPA makes a waterproof mic called the 8011. It is a small omni condenser.

-Amos

keith wrote:Something that I've been curious about doing for a while now is recording in water. It's probably been done before but... I figured I would open the topic up for discussion.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that Geoff Emerick tried recording a Beatles vocal this way. I think it was John's idea and I can't remember if it actually made it to the album or not. I believe it was something like a KM54 in a plasic bag dunked down into a milk jug. John then sung to the milk jug.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

Oh cgarges, you beat me to the post. Yes, they did some of those experiments with Lennon's vocals. I read that too, maybe in Behind The Glass? Can't remember.

One thing to remember, a phantom powered condenser mic is a powered mic with a crap load of juice so be really careful when you are experimenting. Two words...Keith Relf!

didn't beck (everyone's favorite) supposedly record some vocals in a swimming pool with a c12 in a condom?