Tracking Flutes & congas

[chingon]

I'm going to have to individually track a flute and congas tomorrow. I was wondering what mics I should use on each instrument with my limited selection of mics. I have the following mics:
1 SM57
2 MC 012's
1 SP C1
1 AKG D112
2 Carvin CM68's

Any info is appreciated.
thanks in advance!

 

[chingon]

Anyone?

 

[DJL]

Maybe start with the SM57 on the congas and MC-012 on flute, but try all of them.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Sorry, missed your post first time around.

The MC012s are pretty decent for both the flute and the conga. Try these positions for starters and adjust from there:

Congas: About 18" above, and slightly in front, pointing towards the center of the heads. You can mix in the D112 positioned about 6" below the congas to add a little more bottom, if needed. Try polarity both ways on the D112.

Flute: This is a little harder, depending on how good the flute, and the player are. Start about 2' above the flute and see if that works. If it's too shrill or breathy, try moving the mic BELOW the flute and slightly out in front. Imagine an arc extending from about 18" to 24" above the flute to about 18" to 24" below the flute - the sweet spot will be somewhere along that arc.

Hope this helps.

 

[DJL]

Another spot to try for the flute would be with the mic pointed at the flute between where you blow into it and where you place your fingers.

 

[chingon]

Thanks DJL & Harvey.

Harvey, I will follow what you suggest with micing the congas with the D112. Being that this is a Latin Jazz/Salsa demo the congas play a pretty important part of music. Would there be a difference if I had a pair of SM57 instead of the MC012's? Just curious.

For the flute, both the flute and player should be pretty good. The flute player used to play with whitney huston and he is a pretty big cat down here in L.A. so he should'nt be a problem. I will try out the imagnary arc combined with DJL's suggestion on were to point the mic.

Can you guys suggest any higher end mics for congas and flute's. I'll use it for my future reference in mic purchases.
Thanks a lot guys

 

[DJL]

Harvey is way more qualified than I so I'd try what he said first. Oktava MC-012 on top of the congas and if you need more bottom end add the AKG D112 below, and use the Oktava MC-012 on the flute.

So did the recording work out ok today?

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Thanks DJL & Harvey.

Harvey, I will follow what you suggest with micing the congas with the D112. Being that this is a Latin Jazz/Salsa demo the congas play a pretty important part of music. Would there be a difference if I had a pair of SM57 instead of the MC012's? Just curious.

I think the small diaphragm condensers will give you the best "picture" of the congas. Unless you really "need" a stereo image (one conga on the left, and one on the right), I'd go with just one MC012 aimed at the center between the drums. For stereo, you can go with an X/Y pair, and blend in a bottom mic in mono. If you do decide to go stereo, don't pan too wide; about 10 and 2 on the pan controls should do it.

For the flute, both the flute and player should be pretty good. The flute player used to play with whitney huston and he is a pretty big cat down here in L.A. so he should'nt be a problem. I will try out the imagnary arc combined with DJL's suggestion on were to point the mic.

The C1 will probably do a great job of catching the flute, and DJL is right about starting with the mic aimed about halfway between the hole and the end of the flute, then adjust for the best balance, then you can do the "arc" thing for best overall tone. Also, don't be afraid to ask for suggestions from the flute player as to what mic positions have worked best for him in the past.

Can you guys suggest any higher end mics for congas and flute's. I'll use it for my future reference in mic purchases.
Thanks a lot guys

The Neumann KM-184, the Schoeps 641, Earthworks QT70 Cardioid. There are a lot of good small diaphragm condenser mics out on the market today.