Strangely enough, I would recommend the ElectroVoice RE20 which does not suffer from proximity effect and/or wind problems. Because of its larger diaphragm it should make your flute sound beautifully lush and mellow. Now I wouldn't stay away from ribbon microphones either but you cannot have them blowing directly into them. Again, a foam pop filter is in order for that. Likewise with a condenser unless you use a good foam pop filter. I would use a large diaphragm condenser as opposed to a small diaphragm condenser as the flute will get much too edgy.

Remy Ann David

Mics for flute

RemyRAD wrote: I would use a large diaphragm condenser as opposed to a small diaphragm condenser as the flute will get much too edgy.

As a professional flutist, I have tried a number of mics (LD, SDC, and Ribbons) and I so far the best combination I have found is with a ribbon and a SDC. LDC condensers distort the high frequencies of the flute and will make them sound tight and britle. A high end SDC like a schoeps or a B&k mic (OMNI pattern) with a AEA r84 ribbon or a beyer M160 works amazingly well on flute. Also, try positioning the mics over the body of the flute, and avoid the mouth piece area as it will give you too much HF turbulence and negate the beautiful high register emanating from the body of the instrument.

Peace
Marco Granados
sunflute.com

Hey Marco! Long time no see!

I would tend to agree on the SDCs. I think a good mix of SDC and ribbon or SDC and a more distant LDC would be good.

Definitely get the mic away from the mouthpiece and over the toneholes (aiming back up though - even with omnis. They are directional after all within that high frequency)

But I have to echo Remy's comments - keep the ribbons carefully placed. One errant breath and goodbye element... :x

J