best way to record vioin?

[lucid]

what would be the best method for violin?

mic placement really; angles, distances...

mics: 2 sm 57's
2 ecm8000's

thanks

[Harvey Gerst]

Just did a violin track with the ECM8000 and it turned out great. I positioned it about 8 feet in the air, pointing straight down at the carpet, and put the violinist under the mic.

But keep in mind that the specific violin and the player will make a huge difference. At times, I've positioned the mic off to one side, level with the body, pointed at the side of the violin. I've also had great results miking from below the violin as well.

Try to stay at least 18" away from the instrument, and just move the mic around till you find the best position.

Finally, if it's gonna fit in a rock track, just use one mic.

For a nice, spacious, warm violin sound, put the violinist in one corner of the room and position the mic about a 1/3rd of the way out into the room, slightly off the center line.

[gregkat]

I agree with Harvey, the violin and the player will dictate which placement is best. I recorded a violinist today(wedding music demo). I used a Oktava MC-012 into a Grace 101. With this violinist( I've worked with him before) overhead sounds a bit screechy. So, I came from the front at about a 45 degree angle pointed at the sound hole, then slight adjustments till it sounded right (about 24"). Make sure to move the mike around till it sounds right to you. One inch can make a big difference

Greg

[lucid]

ok i will try that. i will be recording this song this week...

i guess it would be classed as a 'rock' song, but it has a VERY ambient feel to it, and it is a slow song. should i use an ambient mic for the violin then as well...?