MICROPHONE TECHNIQUES AND SOUND REPRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE DOUBLE SECOND STEELPAN

Abstract

” This Caribbean Studies Project explored the inconsistency of the reproduced sound of the Double Second Steelpan in live performance and recording environments. Seven Sound Engineers and Twenty Professional Steelpan Players were interviewed about their experiences in working with the Double Second in both live and recording environments. Five Steelpan Tuners were interviewed about the acoustic function of the Double Second and how it relates to the sound of the instrument when amplified. All their perspectives were compiled and referenced throughout the body of the study. The interviews of Steelpan Professional Andy Narell, and Sound Engineers Michael Low Chew Tung and Mark Wright have been placed in the appendices. Results from interviews concluded that feedback and leakage on stage were some of the main challenges of reproducing the sound of the steelpan. This study also revealed that skirt noise might be a contributing factor to feedback and, if controlled, could improve the amplified sound of any steelpan. Some tuners have been experimenting with alternative skirt design and materials. Most interviewees agreed that placing the microphone above the pans sounded better in most scenarios and have achieved success to some extent placing the microphones below as well. Pickup methods, which researched and tested magnetic transducers, were successfully implemented in two steelbands in the late 1980s by Professor Brian Copeland. Results for that research provided a solution for steelpan amplification, and although it was successful, financial difficulties prevented mainstream distribution. “Quote of ‘Abstract’ from the Full Text.