micing a Violin?

[csebree]

Hey Everyone,

I 'am in the market for a good all around studio mic. It will mostly be used for vocals. Last night I agreed to do a session for someone wanting to record thier violin, and all I have curently are some sm58's, a roland dr20, and a cheap radio shack condenser (it was a gift). What I am asking for are some suggestions on the type of mic I should use (brand or model would be helpful), what type of pattern I should begin my experimentation with, and what type of technic I should start with. As you can probably tell I have never recorded any orcestral type tracks. Any advice I would be very thankful for.

Chad

[Harvey Gerst]

Originally posted by csebree
Hey Everyone,

I 'am in the market for a good all around studio mic. It will mostly be used for vocals. Last night I agreed to do a session for someone wanting to record thier violin, and all I have curently are some sm58's, a roland dr20, and a cheap radio shack condenser (it was a gift). What I am asking for are some suggestions on the type of mic I should use (brand or model would be helpful), what type of pattern I should begin my experimentation with, and what type of technic I should start with. As you can probably tell I have never recorded any orcestral type tracks. Any advice I would be very thankful for.

Chad

Chad, there are a lot of different ways to mic a violin, but this might be helpful:

Don't get too close - stay at least 18 to 24 inches away.

My favorite mic position is about 2 feet above the performer, aimed right at the center of the violin's body, but that only works if the violin is NOT overly treble heavy. On a bright violin, try micing from the side of the violin, or even from the bottom, with the mic pointed straight up.

I normally use a small omni condensor (usually the Audix TR-40) for miking violin, but almost any mic pattern will work, as long as you get the mic placement right to start with.

Avoid any mic that has an exagerated high end response, especially if the violin is bright to begin with. I would avoid the AKG C1000 and C3000, the Rode NT1, the big Oktavas, and some of the Audio Technica mics (like the 4033 or 4041). I think the 4050, 4060, or 4070 would work fine.

Don't use a lot of board eq while recording, since most violins will already sit pretty well in a mix, if you get the mic placement right

As you may notice from all of my comments above, when recording violin, mic placement is crucial to getting a good sound. It might even take a few hours to dink around with the placement until you find the spot where everything snaps into focus. When you do, your face will light up, and you'll say to yourself, "Ahhhh, THAT'S what he was talking about."

I hope some of this has been helpful.

[mikeh]

Harvey provided many good points. I tend to agree with all he said. I do have to add that room sound is a significant part of any accustic instrument - and my limited experiance has proven to me that the room was even more critical with violin.

Violins have very bright high end (as Harvey said - try to avoid mics which increase the highs) and if you have a bright room, with high end reflection the violin will end up sounding harsh. I ended up useing significant room treatment (hanging curtains, etc) to "warm up the room".

By the way I had no luck with a C3000 - but a AT4047 worked well - and as Harvey said placement is everything.

[Harvey Gerst]

Originally posted by mikeh
Harvey provided many good points. I tend to agree with all he said. I do have to add that room sound is a significant part of any accustic instrument - and my limited experiance has proven to me that the room was even more critical with violin.

Violins have very bright high end (as Harvey said - try to avoid mics which increase the highs) and if you have a bright room, with high end reflection the violin will end up sounding harsh. I ended up useing significant room treatment (hanging curtains, etc) to "warm up the room".

By the way I had no luck with a C3000 - but a AT4047 worked well - and as Harvey said placement is everything.

As long as we're getting into the effect of the room (which mikeh rightly pointed out will affect the sound), there are a few tricks to try to improve the room sound.

Tack a few packing blankets on the walls in the corder of the room, and have the violinist stand and play into (and out of) the corner. That will significantly reduce the standing waves and reflections in the room, which most mics hear easily.

Set anothe mic in the opposite corner and bring it up to were it's just barely audible, then mix it in with the first mic, and try your polarity switch for the best sound. It can sometimes actually cancel out some of the room reflections, and ocassionally really enhance the tone, plus, it's a nice natural delay.

[csebree]

Much thanks & appretiation to Harvey, and Mikeh. Just what I was looking for. I will be sure to follow your advice on placment & room treatment.

One last question. I am considering purchasing the shure ksm-44 for vocals, ( which I read is similar to the 4050) does any one think this mic will do the trick on the violin.

Thanks Again,


Chad

[Harvey Gerst]

I haven't heard the Shure KSM44, but it should do fine.