ORIGINAL: davestoy
OK, I've never done this before, so I am asking this list for some help, here. I have a Bluegrass/Gospel group coming Sept. 12 to do a session. Now, I've never had to do this kind of group before (OK, expanding my horizons!), so I'm asking this group for advice on how to mic the instruments. They have a dobro, mandolin, ac guitar, upright bass, rhythm guitar. I think the r guitar and the other guitar have electronics built in, so they shouldn't be much of a problem. But what about those others? How close would you place the mic? What angle? Is the 57 the best for those?
I know this isn't many details, but for now, this is all I got. Kinda puts you in the same situation, doesn't it? (not knowing, I mean)
Anyway, I appreciate the help I know is gonna come my way!
David
David -
You need to talk to them. I've done a fair amount of work with bluegrass groups. The real purists insist on recording with only one mike, the old fashioned way. Resist this at all costs, unless they are REALLY experienced and accomplished recording experts. This technique requires that they be
perfect and precise in their movementys stepping up to and away from the mike. I've never had a group that can really pull it off. Most, after a frustrating few hours of experimenting, agree to settle on a more conventional approach to recording.
So, after getting rid of that one, let's assume one mike per instrument. I don't know what mikes you have, so take this as aguide:
Dobro - SM57 is great, you won't find anything better for this (at less tha $1,000!)
Acoustic Guitar - use built in line + a condenser mike - record to 2 tracks
Double Bass - one mike on F Hole (eg Rode NT2, Studio Projects C1) one near bridge (eg NT3, SM57)
Rhythm Guitar - use built in line + a condenser mike - record to 2 tracks
Mandolin - NT3 or similar near bridge
... plus of course, a vocal mike or two! And definitely hang up one or two omnioid mikes as room mikes, to really capture their "flavour".
Hope this helps
post edited by glazfolk - 2005/09/03 20:08:54