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Milkman
New member
Does anyone know of any good mics/tips to get a nice sound when recording marimba? (the one i am trying to record is a 3.5 octave one). Thanks,
Milkman
Milkman
J
jontflesh
New member
I recorded a set of vibes a few years back. I originally wanted to do the Marimba but it was a huge one so I opted for some smaller vibes.
We set up two Beta SM58's over the top of the keys. They were about 3-4" above the top of the flat/sharpe keys. Came out nice but not exactly how I wanted them to sound. I think we should have experemented with the mic models/brands more.
I wish I could be more help. I so love the sound of the Marimba. At least it is something to start on. Maybe try SM57's on them. I think the top is the best placement rather than the bottom of the tubes area.
Good luck!
jontflesh
We set up two Beta SM58's over the top of the keys. They were about 3-4" above the top of the flat/sharpe keys. Came out nice but not exactly how I wanted them to sound. I think we should have experemented with the mic models/brands more.
I wish I could be more help. I so love the sound of the Marimba. At least it is something to start on. Maybe try SM57's on them. I think the top is the best placement rather than the bottom of the tubes area.
Good luck!
jontflesh
M
Milkman
New member
i know! i love the sound of the marimba too...especially those real large expensive ones......thanks for the reply. i do have a 57 and hope to get more soon. I do agree that the best placement is on the top since the sound goes into the tubes and bounces backup...anyone have any other mic suggestions? thanks.
Tom Hicks
Well-known member
I have a bass xylophone chromatic unit that I just recorded on some x-mas music a couple of days ago.I used an ECM8000 omni condensor about the players ear level on the treble side,pointing straight down.The mallets are maple heads, covered with yarn.Its purposefully somewhat in the background but still clearly audible playing half note chords.
Tom
http://home.att.net/~mhic/greens.wma
Tom
http://home.att.net/~mhic/greens.wma
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balls1299
New member
There has been a lot of talk about the Behringer ECM 8000 mics in the microphone threads. They are condensers and will require phantom power, however, they sound incredible and go for around $35.00 each.
I bought a pair and used them last week to record a large symphonic wind group, orchestra and chorus. I just used a simple XY configuration and the results were stunning.
For marimba, I am confident they would work well while still maintaining the integrity of the instrument's sound. You definitely don't want a mic that will be too harsh by focusing on the attack of the mallet or even worse, a mic that doesn't offer clarity while you play through octaves c-1 or c-0 through c-4. You don't want the instrument's natural overtones to sound like mush.
Good luck
I bought a pair and used them last week to record a large symphonic wind group, orchestra and chorus. I just used a simple XY configuration and the results were stunning.
For marimba, I am confident they would work well while still maintaining the integrity of the instrument's sound. You definitely don't want a mic that will be too harsh by focusing on the attack of the mallet or even worse, a mic that doesn't offer clarity while you play through octaves c-1 or c-0 through c-4. You don't want the instrument's natural overtones to sound like mush.
Good luck