microphone for a trombone (classical)

[sathyan]

Please recommend a few microphones (under $500) to audition for use with a trombone playing classical (19/20th cent.) music.

I'm looking for both close and distant miking options.




thanks
sathyan

 

[Markd102]

A ribbon is really the only way to go. But then you really need a high-end preamp to do it justice.

The Beyer ribbons are the cheapest, and still quite decent sounding.

 

[Han]

Mark, a Sennheiser MD441 or a Beyer M88 will do also. I'm afraid a nice LDC can do a remarkable job as well on bone.

 

[Markd102]

Mark, a Sennheiser MD441 or a Beyer M88 will do also. I'm afraid a nice LDC can do a remarkable job as well on bone.

Sure, but they won't sound as nice as a ribbon.
Bone is my first instrument. I used a MD421 live, but in the studio I always used a ribbon. It was the only way I could get a true trombone sound. Can depend on the player I spose.

YMMV

 

[sathyan]

A ribbon is really the only way to go. But then you really need a high-end preamp to do it justice.

The Beyer ribbons are the cheapest, and still quite decent sounding.

Who sells Beyer M88?
My usual sources MusiciansFriend and Brasswind don't seem to carry that brand.


Is this for close or room miking?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

A Beyer M160 will also be quite effective... as would an AKG C419.......

 

[Han]

Who sells Beyer M88?
My usual sources MusiciansFriend and Brasswind don't seem to carry that brand.


Is this for close or room miking?

A Beyer M88 is a dynamic mic, a classic, one of the best dynamics, a supercardioid.

A M160 is a ribbon, which is a different sounding mic. Ribbons can sound awesome, sometimes it's the sound you were looking for, for a long time, but ribbons are fragile.

Ribbons combine the advantages of both condensers and dynamics.

Room miking? I would mic a Tbone from at least 1.5 - 2 feet, so the room can better be good sounding.

 

[sathyan]

This is the maker of the trombone: Schagerl
http://www.schagerl.at/

I've heard the instrument and it has an amazing sound. Not at all bright (IMO, a good thing). So the idea would be to capture that sound with as little processing as possible.

Three rooms are available:
1. 25x15x10 ft, hardwood floor, plaster walls
2. 25x15x10 ft, concrete floor, masonry walls
3. 6x8x10 ft, vinyl on plywood floor, plaster wall
a large carpet is available for the floor

The trombonist said he asked his teacher about microphones and the response was a AKG D112 (a kick mic I think). Is this a good idea?

I should mention, at this point only the following pre's are going to be available so keep that in mind (no money for an upgrade of that yet)
-built into Yamaha MG10/2 mixer (SS)
-Behringer MIC100 (tube)
-M-audio DMP3 (SS)


Other microphones available:
1 x Sony FV100 (DYN)
3 x Nady SP5 (DYN)
1 x Studio Projects B1 (LDC)
1 x Shure SM57 (DYN)
2 x MXL 603S (SDC)

 

[Han]

Rooms with hard floors and plaster walls can sound pretty hollow, how's the ceiling?

In a not so good sounding room you better close mic the instrument and use a cardioid mic.

A D112 on Tbone? wouldn't be my first choice.
From the mics you mention I only know the 57 and the B1, both will sound decent, but not great.

How many tracks can you record simultaniously? Why not record with a number of the mics and make a choice?

 

[Markd102]

man, there's some weird looking horns on that site LOL

Back to the task at hand.... If it is something worth spending money on, I'd say hire a Royer Ribbon, a quality clean preamp (like and Earthworks or a Buzz Audio) and then rent an acoustically good sounding auditorium for an afternoon.

But, if like most of us there is no budget for such things, and you had to use the gear on hand.......
I'd put up the B1 and the SM57. Run them into the DMP3. Record to separate tracks and mix to taste.
As far as room and mic positioning is concerned, you'll have to spend some time experimenting to work out what sounds best.

Let us know how you go.

Oh, and if his teacher recommended a D112, then he hasn't done any recording with decent gear