How do I record this Instrument?

[Stevebol]

I'm recording an instrument called a Tambura.It's about the size of a cello and a lot of the sound comes from the neck.I would like to use 2 mics,one pointed at the main body about 1-2 feet away and the second mic somewhere else in the room.the room is about 12x30 feet.Then go mono into the computer.Any suggestions on the second mic?

 

[Massive Master]

I'd stay a little closer on the "body" mic - 1 foot max, pointed towards the bridge.

The tambura loses a lot of energy with distance - the high end stays pretty much intact, but the tone thins out quickly - So, on the second mic, just three or four feet away will leave PLENTY of room ambiance in there.

Best results would probably be with a small diaphragm condenser (SM-81, Oktava MC012, Neumann KM184) close, and a large diaphragm condenser (U87, V69, Solaris) distant.

If the room is really live, you might want to low-cut the distant mic to keep the room rumble out - There isn't going to be a lot of low energy at 4' away that you're going to miss...

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

 

[Stevebol]

I have 2 Oktava MC-012's and 1 MK-319.I'm still waiting for some cables before I can try it out but I'll try the 012 at the bridge area and experiment with placing the the 319.The room should be fairly dead sounding.Thanks.

 

[Massive Master]

For sure, consider the low cut on the 319 - That's my only bee-otch about that mic - There's a body resonance that drove me nuts on the ones I used to have. hopefully, they filled in some space and took care of it, because the low cut made it sound very anemic.

But yeah, experiment... You'll get something very usefull I'm sure even if you only use the 012's.

John -

P.S. If you're recording it to be used as a "solo" instrument, try putting a mic facing a hard surface or wall (at a slight angle) to catch the reflections for that "classic" sound.