Handclaps
- curtiswyant
- re-cappin' neve
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Handclaps
Any tips on getting good handclap sounds? I've tried overdubbing myself a zillion times, getting a group of friends, LDCs/SDCs/dynamics etc but to no avail. Any advice on compression/gate settings and stuff? Next time I might try doing them "dirty..."
- inverseroom
- on a wing and a prayer
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Of course you need this
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- zen recordist
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Next time you're by yourself, try overdubbing a few passes of slapping your bare leg with both hands. It'll get you to a group clap thing faster.
I often have groups of people clap with their backs to the mic(s). Or sometimes, I'll mic a reflective surface like a wall or the control room glass. A metal music stand is usually my favorite.
Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC
I often have groups of people clap with their backs to the mic(s). Or sometimes, I'll mic a reflective surface like a wall or the control room glass. A metal music stand is usually my favorite.
Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC
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- zen recordist
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I like to have as many people as possible. Basically anyone who?s at the studio at the time we're doing claps HAS to participate. Only a couple people get cans and everyone else has to watch for cues. Make sure that there are some non-drummers and maybe even non-musicians.
I like an omni, but it really doesn't matter. If I do multiple passes I have people move around or maybe take a step back each pass.
While we're at it lets talk about clapping technique. The best way to get claps to be in the pocket is to teach people to only move one hand. The other stays in the same place so there is a defined target for the moving hand. Then can then get used to how long it takes for the moving hand to reach the still hand and they can get in the pocket. If both hands move t will always be a crapshoot!
I like an omni, but it really doesn't matter. If I do multiple passes I have people move around or maybe take a step back each pass.
While we're at it lets talk about clapping technique. The best way to get claps to be in the pocket is to teach people to only move one hand. The other stays in the same place so there is a defined target for the moving hand. Then can then get used to how long it takes for the moving hand to reach the still hand and they can get in the pocket. If both hands move t will always be a crapshoot!
- TapeOpAndy
- TapeOp Family
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- trashy
- dead but not forgotten
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yeah, I'd love to hear tracks of a west coast jazz trio with handclap overdubs all over them...drumsound wrote:Be sure to post an MP3!TapeOpAndy wrote:This is the most useful thread I've read in a while. No joke! I've always had a hell of a time trying to get a good handclap sound/track. Great ideas here!
Next project, I'm insisting on adding handclaps so I can try some of these techniques!!!!
actually, that sounds pretty cool.
i've done the multitracking myself handclapping (the loneliest home recorder )- it can work. omni, do several passes (odd number seem to work better than even- dunno why). move around the mic for each pass, try different clapping styles (you know what i mean, the closed hand ones, the 'fatter', cupped hand ones, slapping yer legs etc). group them, bung a compressor over 'em (distressor seems to work well) and voila- instant wall of clap...
Wetting the hands can also help to get a crisp sound. Put the mic several feet away to get some room sound. Double or triple it in different rooms. Bathrooms are good for claps.
We've got an old Simmons ClapTrap from the 80's. They actually sound pretty good mixed in with real claps. You can dial in some white noise with it's internal mixer and also vary the clap's pitch and decay time. A very cool little box.
We've got an old Simmons ClapTrap from the 80's. They actually sound pretty good mixed in with real claps. You can dial in some white noise with it's internal mixer and also vary the clap's pitch and decay time. A very cool little box.
it always makes me laugh how hard it is to get claps I'm happy with. I mean, wtf? I feel like I always get too much room (proly cause I'm always in shitty rooms?). I've got a friend with crazy sorta leathery hands. I dunno but her handclaps always sound better than anyone elses. so maybe get your grandparents to clap for you?
will
will
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