mics for cello

[umberto]

I'm recording solo violoncello in stereo. I've tried CAD equitek 100's and AKG c3000's. The CAD's were quiet but, needed alot of eq. The AKG's needed less eq but were not quiet enough. Can anyone please suggest mics in both the "budget" and the "ideal world".

 

[dobro]

A sometime visitor to this page, jnorman, records lots of classical ensemble players, and he swears by ribbon mics - Royer R-121s in his case. Says no EQ tweaking is required. Ribbon mics cost, but I guess you guessed that.

I once asked a similar question to yours about cello, and one suggestion was to use a PZM attached to the wall, and have the cellist play about a meter away, facing the wall. It would depend on the room, of course, but it might work out cheaper than a ribbon.

 

[Tonewoods]

For solo 'cello I would avoid the ribbons, even with great mic-pres--a little noisy. They are my favorite for micing a 'cello that's going to wind up in a mix (B&O's, Coles 4038), though. Were you close micing with the other mics? If so, you might consider using small diaphram condensers (KM84's, 451's) and backing them off 4' or so in a good room. Maybe add that CAD, or ideally a U87 or 414, about 6" from the bridge, and pan the 2 overheads 9 and 3 o'clock, then add the bridge mic in the center until you hit the sweet spot--you'll know it when you hit it. Check for phasing problems before you hit "record"...good luck!