Recording a violin any suggestions!

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timboZ

timboZ

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I have to record a violin this weekend.
Any suggestions on mic choice and placement!

This is my list of my condenser mics.

2 MXL 2003
1 Groove Tube GT55
2 Behringer EMC 8000
2 Oktava MK012 (cardio)
1 Oktava MK012 (omni)
2 AKG C3000 (not the 3000b)
1 Oktava MK319
2 Superlux PRA268ah
1 AudioTechnica PRO7

Thanks

TimboZ
 
i recorded violin tracks for the last two cd's i did for RoseWynde. i tracked the violin in mono with a single DPA 4011 about 3 feet out and above the violin looking down at it. i did the tracking in a fairly dead space and added just a touch of large hall to it, and had very good results. if your space is mediocre, try your octava card. if you have a decent space, your octava omni might be a good choice. if you have a very nice space to record in, pull the mic back some more to get more room sound, or add a room mic out at 6-8 feet, or use a good pair of SD condensers in ORTF at 6-8 feet out. try not to use any mics that have a hyped high end, as they will exacerbate the high harmonics of the violin. typically no compression on classical instruments.
 
Jnorman gave you good advice, but the DPA mic he recommends will give you sticker shock unto death. In my dreams. Try the Oktava MC012's in cardioid, backed off quite a ways, like 6 feet. ORTF or coincedent can work. If you get too close, or your mic has a hyped high end, you will tend to pick up a lot of scratch from the bow. I've had good luck with MC012's and Studio Projects C-4. If it's a real bright instrument, try the MK319. The hard part is that backing off, which you kind of have to do, requires that you have a good room. Not too dead, not real reflective, just a *good sounding* room with little or no ambient noise. Distance will also compensate a bit for the fact that almost no real good violinist can stand still when they play. Encourage them to sit down.-Richie
 
I love ribbon mics on violins, My favorite set up is a Royer R121 over the headstock of the violin at the height of the top of the players head, pointed at their chin. I usually run through either a John Hardy M1 or Altec 1566a pres. You might check into renting a Royer R122 or a AEA 84.

I personally think that most condenser mics bring out the harsh sounds and bow noise on violins. If I don't use a ribbon, I'll use a good dynamic, like a Sennheiser 441.
 
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