Recording a violin any suggestions!

[timboZ]

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

 

[Cuzme]

check this out:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=106964&highlight=violin+daughter

might help. but a search in this forum for recording violin may get you closer.

 

[jnorman]

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.

 

[Richard Monroe]

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

 

[petimar]

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.