types of mics for different instruments

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:53 am

Let me preface this by saying that some of this has been covered in other posts. However, as a beginner it would be useful to have a sticky post dedicated to miking the different kinds on instruments. I would like to know which mics sound best on a particular kind of instrument, and how they should be placed. I realize that this has to be done by ear in the recording environment, however it would be useful just to start off in the right direction.

It could be broken down by category. The following is a list to get started.
Brass
Choir
Keyboard
Percussion
Plucked strings
Strings
Vocal solo
Woodwind

I have not seen much information on recording change ringing, clavichord, or marimba. Any suggestions?

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:31 am

For what it's worth, there was a thread on recording a marimba a while back: http://www.recording.org/ftopict-9927-marimba.html

Greg Malcangi (Evelyn Glennie's husband) has done a lot of work on collecting and recording just about anything hittable, including marimbas of various sizes. He used to frequent these forums, but I've not seen him here recently.

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:08 pm

Thanks for the reply. The marimba is indeed a beast to mic. Looks like I should look for some ribbons.

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