Miking violin help?

You need to check out/hang out on the songs forum dude... We have a killer violin player there... Better than anything anyone else has done, or will do... For sure.

AT


I'd start with the B7, above the bridge and pointing down.  give it some air.

\@

Exactly, that's what I did. I used a C414 but any condensor should work fine. If it turns out too harsh for the place in the mix then use the SM57. In fact go ahead and put both mics up and record both just in case you get a perfect take. You can choose later or use both in stereo.

To an extent it depends what the part does in the overall song (which should be sort of obvious) if it's a folky fiddle part you can go a bit closer (imagine you're in the pub with a little folk group playing around the fire, you're much closer to all the instruments and you hear more of the mechanical noises they make when being played). If you go to a concert hall to hear some classical you're a lot further back and a lot more of the sound is the room.

I don't think you want to get much closer than a meter or so but try backing up further (if your room and pres can give you that).

Could it be that your small sound is because you're in a small room? I've found that even in relatively small rooms using a Blumlein pair (which needs 2 Fig8 mics) can give a nice sense of depth.

Child

I needed advice miking violin recently and here's the advice Scotty gave me (I was asking about stereo miking, too, so you can disregard that if it's not an option):

I would go with stereo mics, however; If using large diaphragm mics, I'd place them 18" away from the player, level with and aimed directly at his or her face. I would not aim then down at the violin, as a harsh sound can be the result. Go ahead and experiment though. I think you'll agree that my positioning gives the smoothest, most transparent  sound.

  Not to sound repetative, but use the B 2. When using a large diaphragm condenser mic,  place it 18" to 24" away from the player, level with and aimed directly at his or her face. I would not aim then down at the violin, as a harsh sound can be the result. Have the player aim the violin's scroll at the mic. This will cut down on the high shrillness. Also, be sure that your player does not move from side to side at all. Good luck!

i had the pleasure of recording some hungarian gypsy jazz quartet a few years back and they had a violin player. After many combinations and experiments we all agreed that the bset sound was when we used a pencil condenser mic about 60-70 cm above the violin. there was some serious bleed from the other instruments but the violin sounded superb!

giankap

Also, be sure that your player does not move from side to side at all

man have you ever seen a violin player perform? even the ones playing for a symphonic orchestra that sre sitting on a chair move from side to side. it's like saying to a singer to avoid breathing!

I can stand very still while playing. Oh yeah, I don't breathe either.