Recording Fiddle (search doesn't help me here)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bodhisan
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Bodhisan

Hillbilly
I've digested most of the prior tips here: Record close; record at least 3-6' away; mike the bridge; mike the nut; mike both of them, have one mike 6' away, and one close, etc.

My problem might not be solvable, but I hope it is. It's probably my room. It's a very small room -- a square 8 x 10 foot portion of the garage (8' ceilings) I enclosed with typical walls (2 x 4s, drywall, insulation).

My fiddle sounds just fine to the the ear. To make sure, I took it to a local shop and had the fellow play it for me so I could hear it where it should be heard -- away from the player, as opposed to the damn thing shooting up from the F holes into my ears. It sounds nice.

When I record, it sounds like a harmonica or accordian. I've tried all kinds of eq'ing, mike placement, etc. Here are the mikes I've got and used:

C1
SM7
MXL603
SM57

Pre: Meek VCQ3

The closest I've gotten is using the SM7 over the shoulder -- or just in back of the shoulder. It's still not the sound I hear without headphones.

So, the main questions:

(1) With the limits of my room, which is crammed with instruments hanging on the walls, is there something you suspect I've not tried, or am I shit out of luck and must go to the garage with an open ceiling to the loft above to get that "high ceiling" sound (and that is so unpractical for me, even though I'm on Pro Tools)?

(2) Is there a mike that will just be the miracle I'm looking for in this application of room versus instrument?

Thanks to all interested in helping.

Allen
 
Try one of the stick on transducers, I have recorded VERY few bow / stringed instruments but have had success on cello and violin in the past. I don't know name brands etc (I don't own one)...the artists had their own both times...but it was the ticket man.

War
 
I have recorded fiddle with a Shure SM81, just stuck out there aimed in the general direction of it, maybe 3' away, and gotten very good results. Any SDC ought to give you the same results. I happen to have a good sounding room and that may make a difference. If your room doesn't sound good then you have to mic from a closer perspectve.
 
I've had good results with a ribbon and a neutral sounding LDC. The C1 is much too bright.

Maybe a B3 will do better and a Beyer M160 will make you happy I suppose.
 
Read through the first thread in the mic forum. There is great stuff in there on not only how but why different things sound the way they do, and what you get from all the various techniques you have tried and the others suggest.
 
Dude your 603 from 3-4' back pointing toward the F-hole should work great. Although the Meek could be your problem, If you have already tried this placement. I use a much higher end preamp myself.
 
Is your room treated with any absorption or diffusion? A room that small is going to be tough. You could spend a few hundred on treatments and still not get it to sound as good as the garage.
 
Try any and all of the mics near the outer f-hole above and facing slightly downward towards the face of the instrument. Set the stand/boom where it won't interfere with the player's bow hand. Do this within a 1.5' to 2' space. Place the mic until you have a balanced tonality across the frequency spectrum of the instrument. Ask the performer to stay somewhat rooted.

Brent Casey
PMI Audio Group
877-563-6335
 
It's probably my room
The room plays a big part in the sound.

My fiddle sounds just fine to the the ear.
Try placing your 603S (also try all your mics) over your shoulder, close to your ear and pointed down at about the bridge or where-ever it sounds best when playing back the recording... and try an overhead out in front (take your time and find the best spot).

Pre: Meek VCQ3
I've never used a VCQ3... sorry, but if you have any other preamps... trying them couldn't hurt.

(2) Is there a mike that will just be the miracle I'm looking for in this application of room versus instrument?
You might like a flatter type mic like the Shure SM81.
 
to me fiddles and ribbon mics are a great combination. I have miced myself and numerous other players with the following, always liking the result.

Place the mic over the headstock at the height of the top of the players head. Point the mic at the players chin.

My favorite mic for this is the Royer R121, run through a John Hardy M1 pre.
 
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