Recording Indian classical music

Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:14 pm

Any experienced tips on recording ICM? Specifically speaking-sitar, tabla, tanpura. Mic techniques, mic/preamp/compressor combinations that produced great results?

For sitar, I have heard that a 421 at 45 degrees at the bridge works great. I have also heard that 414's on tabla work out great. Is it best to stereo mic the tablas or just one mic for both? Often on a cd the tablas seem to be panned to one side. As far as mic placement on tanpura, I don't know.

It also seems that punching in may be a bit more of a challenge especially on the drut gat (fast part) considering the different tals (beat cycles). Any insight on this?

thanks

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 7:06 am

Hey CB!

With regard to tablas, a 414 will work very well. Depending on the instrument, you might want to remove a touch of around 1K. I would mic with a single microphone, and get a good balance between the baiyan (bass) and the Chaati tablas. I have often experimented with a stereo mic, and usually been less than satisfied, for one, the Tabla is essentially a mono intrument and just sounds strange in a stereo setting. I keep my tablas panned centre.

For the tambura, i usually find a spot above the bridge where the drone is loudest and place a mic there, a dynamic often does well, but you might want to look into a condenser, i personally prefer a dark sound. Classical musicians will often have two tamburas to accompany then, and this can add a nice rich flavor to the track, panned to taste. What I often do is prerecord the tamburas, a 5-10 minutes loop does well. This helps in keeping the recording clean and tight (Tamburas can be very soft).

For sitar's ive been wanting to try a ribbon for a while now. I sometime use two microhones, one very close to the body, and another bout a foot from just over the bridge. Merge to taste. Enjoy!

Cheers!
Sidhu

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 8:32 am

Thanks much Sidhu.

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