Recording cello & violin?

Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 5:26 pm

I am going to record some kids that play very well this weekend. The instruments are cello, violin and acoustic guitar. This is a recording for the grandfather so it is purely for memories. My question is what mics should I use? Very limited mike selection. SM57, Studio project C-1. B1, and some other dynamic mics (akg). I also have an audix drum pak with 5 mics. This is not a really serious endeavor. Thanks for any suggestions. Confused

Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:03 am

Ahhhh, children killing kitties. My favorite sound.

Because of the way young violinists sound, I would use the smoothest and most mellow sounding microphone you have. Such as perhaps the bass drum microphone from your drum pack?

I would probably use your large diaphragm condenser microphone on the cello? I would probably stay away from the SM 57 which is one of my favorite microphones but with its built-in presence rise, that may just help to accentuate the less than flattering qualities of the young musicians? Although the SM 57 may not be a bad choice for the acoustic guitar if you can it towards the hole?

You may also want to add a judicious amount of compression to the overall stereo recording once in your computer. It will certainly help to smooth out inconsistencies in their technique.

Heifitz in Wonderland
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 7:30 am

Thanks Remy, I forgot how squeeky they can sound in a childs hand. Bass drum mike makes sense.

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