Recording Banjo

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aaronmcoleman

aaronmcoleman

The truth is out there!
I just started recording banjo for a little project I'm working on.

Basically I'm recording it the same way I would an acoustic guitar, with one SDC at a 45 degree angle aimed at where the neck and body join together.

Then I've been putting a little compression on it with a slow attack and quick release to keep the rhythmic/percussive sound of the banjo. Then I've been EQing just a little bit out of the bottom end so it doesn't compete with the guitar.

The results are alright, but I know they could be better.

Any tips from those who have recorded banjos before?
 
I almost always go dynamic on banjo... 57, SM7b, FatHead -- At least up close. Then maybe an omni (in a good room) or cardioid LDC (in a less-than-stellar space) several feet away.
 
interesting. i'll try my sm57 on it and see what it does. nothing beats a little experimentation and trying different things. sometimes we all just get stuck in a rut and do things a certain way because that's how it's "supposed" to be done. i just assumed most stringed instruments were "supposed" to be recorded with a condenser.

just out of curiosity, why do you prefer dynamics on banjo? Do condensers just pick up too wide a range for banjo, or do the dynamics just help it sit in the mix better?
 
I wouldn't touch it with a condenser either.
I'd be going ribbon and give it at least 18" breathing room.
I have the Golden Age R1 for that but there are lots to choose from.
Nady RSM2 or RSM5 would probably suit you fine.
You may have to EQ out the pick clicks but that's fairly easy.

just out of curiosity, why do you prefer dynamics on banjo? Do condensers just pick up too wide a range for banjo, or do the dynamics just help it sit in the mix better?
Click to expand...
Just too overpowering to my ear.
 
cool. good to know.

What do you think of R1 and RSM 2? I've been wanting to pick up a ribbon mic. I've also been considering the CAD Trion 7000, and the Cascade Fat Head.
 
I love the Golden Age R1
The Nady RSM 2 is really nice too but you need about 70dB gain from a nice preamp to really benefit from it.
I'm not into Fathead at all but Cad has earned a decent reputation from all that I've read.
 
I record banjo frequently using a beta57 placed next to the resonator ring below the players picking hand. works well.
 
Beta 57 is pretty standard for micing up the banjo in live situations too!


LDC in a bluegrass set up though with several players in a half circle, lead solos lean in.
 
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