Capturing the Soul of Sarangi: An Immersive Recording Journey
In our latest recording session, we dove deep into the nuanced world of the Sarangi, an instrument that breathes with incredible subtlety and resonance. Working with master Sarangi player Pankaj Mishra, we explored an innovative immersive recording technique that goes beyond traditional microphone placement.
Our setup featured a quad array of DPA 4006 microphones positioned just above head level, strategically capturing the instrument’s delicate sonic landscape. We discovered something remarkable – the back of the Sarangi’s chamber produces almost as much resonance as the front, leading to a multi-dimensional sound capture.
By blending close microphone techniques (using a Sheps MK4 and Samar VL37 ribbon mic) with an ORTF stereo pair and height channels, we created a recording that transports listeners directly into the heart of the performance. The height channels proved crucial, revealing subtle details that traditional recording methods might miss.
The result? A recording that doesn’t just capture sound, but truly conveys the spirit and intricate resonance of this extraordinary instrument.
Justin Gray is an award-winning mix engineer, mastering engineer and producer based in Toronto, Canada. He works with artists from around the world in a wide range of musical styles, in his world-class facility equipped for stereo and immersive audio music production.
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