Recording a harp

  • Thread starter Thread starter mikeh
  • Start date Start date
Richie - Thanks for the additional info. I'm getting a whole list of questions for the harpist. I didn't think I'd get much info on the subject of harp - and instead I've gotten a wealth of info. This goes to show the wide range of knowledge and experiance available on this site.
 
If I was going to record a harp (which I haven't yet), I might do a search for Deborah Henson-Conant (Henson-Conent?). I'm sure she has a website with an e-mail address somewhere.

She's made a whole bunch of Jazz-Harp CD's, including some on major labels. She does a lot of her own recording/mixing, so I'd say she knows about as much about harp recording as anyone you might find. Speaking from personal experience, she's quite entertaining and witty - and I'm guessing if you asked her nicely she'd be happy to give you some tips.
 
Heavy metal harp

sounds like you've already got some really excellent advice here!!!!! you can't go wrong with the sm-81's in an x-y config. and i would way go with the ksm32's before the mxl's. one thing is; make sure you check your phase, and if you go with the suggestion of 6 ft. back & 7 ft. in the air, make sure you find the sweet blend of just enough instrument/room mix. personally i wouldn't do a close miking on a harp, i'd go for a stereo config blending of just enough instrument/room mix, especially if you've got a nice sounding room.

but here's a stereo setup for ya that i love on literally everything especially out front on drums (killer); the L-C-R (or mid/sides). if you could get your hands on a neumann u87 (or any fig 8 mic), set it for fig 8 to capture the L & R, and one of your ksm32's for the center-HOLY MOLY!!!!! Talking about a huge stereo field-incredible!!! I run my u87 to a console channel (panned hard left), i've got a 1/4" trs to xlr wired for reverse polarity. i insert the 1/4" to the first click of the u87 channel insert, and the xlr to a second console channel (panned hard right). and of corse your ksm32 would be the center channel-AMAZING!!!! you would turn the fig 8 mic facing left & right, just like your ears if you're facing the harp, and the center mic would be as close to the fig 8 capsule without touching facing straight ahead to the instrument. you might give all these suggestions a try before you start the sessions to see which you like the best?

Seems like somebody on this forum once suggested this to me

happy recording!!!!
 
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