What mic should I use to home record violin?
20/02/09 02:33 Filed in: Studio
microphones
I have
tried a lot of microphones in search of the one
that best reproduces the natural violin sound.
This is difficult, because most mics
distort the sound in some way by spiking certain
frequencies and reducing others. For
classical music, the goal is usually to reproduce
the sound as accurately as possible. (Especially
since attempts to process the sound later are
rarely rewarding.) Since mics with a "flat"
frequency response are also the most accurate,
these seem to work best for recording classical
violin.
And, for classical music, small diaphragm condenser mics seem to work best because they offer fast transient response, which is also crucial to accurate sound reproduction.
Several condenser mics seem to stand out from the crowd.
Either of the Neumann
KM-140 or KM-184 works well.
The
KM-84, an older version of the KM-184, is also a
good mic. It is a little darker than the 184 but
is a little noisy.
Another wonderful
choice is the Schoeps CMC5 body with an MK4
capsule, which has a very flat frequency response
and transparent sound. The Schoeps seems to
have a little less treble than the Neumanns. This
is because the Neumanns have a small treble spike
and are not quite as flat as the Schoeps in
frequency response.
Each Schoeps MK4 costs about $1,700 (and you need a pair!)
Neumann KM-140 costs about $1,300
Neumann KM-184 costs about $1,600
On
the less expensive end, AMT (Applied Microphone
Technology) recently released condenser studio
mics (AMT 404, set of 2) that have a very
flat frequency response and are great for the
studio. They are also much cheaper than
competing options (around $240 for the pair!).
I own this pair and am happy.
Although they are
frequently recommended for recording acoustic
violin, I have NOT been happy with ribbon mics,
such as the Royer R-121. To my taste, these
mics lose a lot of the character of the violin
and makes the sound seem one-dimensional.
They cut off a lot of the high-end.
(This may seem good when comparing the
Royer to a cheap condenser mic, which can make
the violin sound overly bright and harsh.)
Royers really are best for acoustic guitar,
electric guitar, and brass.
Another frequently
recommended mic, the AKG c451E, sounds very harsh
to my ear and has heavy treble emphasis. This mic
is really best for percussion and acoustic
guitar.
Don't forget that
your choice of audio interface is also very
important. If you have a mac, you will need
one that supplies phantom power (48 volts to
power the mics). For the mac user, the
apogee duet with phantom power is a great option
for around $500. There is really no
competition for the duet in that price range.
Because it has only two inputs, the duet is
cheaper than other, similar models with multiple
inputs that can cost over $2000.
Also, your choice of mic placement and number of mics is important. Recording in stereo is crucial to the classical sound, and, for the best results, mics are usually placed at least three feet from the violin and often overhead. One mic might be used to capture the violin more closely, and the other to capture the "room," which can add body and reverb to the sound. Experimentation is often the best way to find optimal mic placement.
The "room" is also very important. Small diaphragm condenser mics are very sensitive, and will pick up virtually every sound in the vicinity, even the hum from your refrigerator. So try to make the room as quiet as you can (even if you have to unplug that refrigerator!). A big room is usually better than a small one. (small rooms can make the sound seem muddy or poorly defined). High ceilings are usually good. Breaking up parallel walls helps minimize echoes and reflections. Furnished rooms can do the same. Hardwood floors are very good for the sound.
And if all else fails, there is always the recording studio.....
And, for classical music, small diaphragm condenser mics seem to work best because they offer fast transient response, which is also crucial to accurate sound reproduction.
Several condenser mics seem to stand out from the crowd.
Each Schoeps MK4 costs about $1,700 (and you need a pair!)
Neumann KM-140 costs about $1,300
Neumann KM-184 costs about $1,600
Also, your choice of mic placement and number of mics is important. Recording in stereo is crucial to the classical sound, and, for the best results, mics are usually placed at least three feet from the violin and often overhead. One mic might be used to capture the violin more closely, and the other to capture the "room," which can add body and reverb to the sound. Experimentation is often the best way to find optimal mic placement.
The "room" is also very important. Small diaphragm condenser mics are very sensitive, and will pick up virtually every sound in the vicinity, even the hum from your refrigerator. So try to make the room as quiet as you can (even if you have to unplug that refrigerator!). A big room is usually better than a small one. (small rooms can make the sound seem muddy or poorly defined). High ceilings are usually good. Breaking up parallel walls helps minimize echoes and reflections. Furnished rooms can do the same. Hardwood floors are very good for the sound.
And if all else fails, there is always the recording studio.....