how to mic a flute on stage

[happy_days]

I am trying to mic up a flute and also pan-pipes and Quena (South American flute) on stage. I am using an SM58 - The problem is that the optimum angle for the mic is not the same for all three instruments. My question is this: What is the best mic to use for such a purpose. The tried and trusted SM58 work-horse would be a lot of people's first choice. I am thinking however, that a small "clip-on" mic might produce a better sound for the flute. The SM58 is picking up a lot of "air" in the blowing. If so, can anyone recommend a good make? Perhaps an AKG mic with small pick-up range and spit guard might be an alternative. The problem here might be the audience noise since AKG's tend to be mostly used non-directional. Any advice appreciated.

[prestomation]

We mic our flute player at church with a AKG C535EB. It's a handheld stage condensor mic, but it sounds excellent, even from a distance. It really is killer.

[Big Kenny]

http://www.music123.com/Audix-ADX10-...-i158008.music

[cpl_crud]

I've worked with a couple of south american bands, the best thing I've found is a SDC pointed downwards over where the instruments are going to be played.
Clip-on flute mics are good too, however if you're trying to do the pan pies etc then you're better off with just the one mic (cost reasons), which would probably be a SDC. I use the SM81 or the MK012.

I've also seen people use SM57s to some good results, but it requires teh musician to konw how to play to the mic

[jkokura]

I've used an AT pro37r (an SDC) with some good success.

Jacob

[xstatic]

Having done many shows for an Andean Flute band, I prefer sm81's at about 18" above the flutes at a 45 degree angle pointing towards them.

[Innovations]

While I sould agree with the SDC proposed by many I also had an outside-the-box idea. Maybe use a clip-on lavaliere on the musician themselves. A mounting on a hair clip just above their ear might be an excellent position and solve the problem of changing from one instrument to another. It could particularly work if the musician has a tendency to move while playing (as some flute players do)

[noisedude]

How about when you're dealing with loud on-stage volumes?

[TeyshaBlue]

Originally Posted by Innovations

While I sould agree with the SDC proposed by many I also had an outside-the-box idea. Maybe use a clip-on lavaliere on the musician themselves. A mounting on a hair clip just above their ear might be an excellent position and solve the problem of changing from one instrument to another. It could particularly work if the musician has a tendency to move while playing (as some flute players do)

I've used that shortcut on accordion for live work...it's a great idea that works better than most would think. Then I took the next step and installed the lav in my accordion.

[Han]

Beyer M160/260.

Done!

[gecko zzed]

Personally, I like a lot of air with wind instruments (just the same as I like fret noises on guitars, bellows noises on accordians and squeaky footpedals on drums). I think that noises that are a function of playing are important in providing texture and adding to the sonic landscape.

However, if it is overpowering, then I would look at mike placement. With flutes, for example, I would come down over the top, so that any breathing, and breathing deflection from the mouthpiece, is not going straight into the centre of the mike.

I think, with good placement, your sm58 will be fine. In fact, given your concerns about wind noise, it may be better for your purposes than something (e.g. a condensor) with a more sensitive upper reach.