Recording A Violin

  • Thread starter Thread starter DomB
  • Start date Start date
In the $200 and under range: Octava mk012 or mk319, CAD M179 or 177, AKG C2000b if it's dark sounding, maybe an SP B1 if it's too bright. There's a plethora of tube mics and ribbons that'll warm it up. I haven't used the (omni) MSH-4 on violin yet, but, so far, it's a hoot to hear on everything else. Could you cite an example of the sound your going for?

Paj
8^?
 
You want to use a small diaphram consenser mic. Ribbon mic's will give it a fiddle sound (lacking the overtines of a fine classical instrument). You want a mic with a flat response. After much testing I have found the Sure SM 81's to be a great choice. I recently aquired a pair of Kell HM-1's. These mics have a flat responese but are really smoooth at the top and help to eliminate some of the shrillness. You do not want to close mice a good violin. The violin is unique in the way it produces sound. It takes a little distance for the sound to develop. Try starting at a distance of at least 6 feet up and off to the side.
 
mrface: Thanks for the clarification. I think I understand now, and now I have more of an idea of what to look for. Am I right in thinking the MSH-1's have a good eq curve for violin?

Paj: Thank you for your suggestions on mics. As for sound, I would a mic that could give me something that I could use on many styles of playing, such as classical, celtic, and more experimental things. As far as personal prefrence, I generally prefer a warmer sound. I hope that was helpful.

lastingimage: Thank you as well for your advice and mic suggestions. I'm thinking about the HM-1 as maybe a next step up a bit later on.


I think for right now, I am going to go with two of the Naiant MSH-1. That will give me some more flexibility in how I record I think, unless there is a compelling reason why I should get an MSH-4 instead.

Thanks,
Dom
 
I've used the MSH-1 on my 'cello: it did a fantastic job.
I've also used a Shure 57, which I didn't like, and a Sony ECM 19b (cheap 70's condensor) which I loved the sound of.
I've recently bought a s/state/tube combo preamp that I'll be trying out with the nicer of the above mics this weekend I hope!!!
 
Find David K & sus out his set up. he magically mixes many tracks of real violin with many tracks of midi/sampled instruments in his creations. the REAL strings sound brilliant & his home recording set up would be a MUST for someone trying to do violin.
 
rayc said:
Find David K & sus out his set up. he magically mixes many tracks of real violin with many tracks of midi/sampled instruments in his creations. the REAL strings sound brilliant & his home recording set up would be a MUST for someone trying to do violin.
Click to expand...

I think for his upcoming CD he went to a pro studio and used Schoeps :o

I believe he used MXLs for the first one though, in his living room.
 
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