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Whichsetup (mic/transmitter/receiver) would you recommend for a Violin?

The idea is to spend about U$S 300-600

Would you think something really good would be on that price range?

I found Audio-technica ATM350cW U$S 149.97 with Audio-technica ATW-211 U$S 299.974.
What do you think about this setup?

Thank you
eFe

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Comments

RemyRAD Fri, 04/04/2008 - 01:54

Well you are asking about different models by the same manufacturer. They make decent wireless systems. I actually had the pleasure of recording some jazz violin with an Audio Technica wireless system which sounded quite nice.

But truly superb wireless systems cost a whole lot more. Either way, even with an inexpensive system, you'll most likely want to get a diversity based system. A diversity receiver will have 2 separate antennas. This is much superior to a system that has a single receiving antenna. So bottom line, find the least expensive diversity wireless receiver you can afford. Transmitter packs only have a single transmit frequency & antenna.

If possible, see if you can obtain a directional, manager small capsule condenser microphone. The proximity effect of the directional microphone on violin will make it sound much warmer than an Omni microphone. Most wireless systems utilize Omni microphones unless directional microphones are specified.

Violin voila'!
Ms. Remy Ann David

eFe Tue, 04/08/2008 - 04:15

Thank you for your replies. I thought ATM 350 was a nice mic and ATW211 was a transmitter, receiver combo that could much de ATM 350, am I wrong?

Also I wanted to know if you could recommend some other options for me to analize. Don't mind if it is expensive, just tell me so I can see the price range and talk to the manager.

Thank you all.
F

JoeH Tue, 04/08/2008 - 04:55

AT makes great stuff, and for most things you'll need, they're fine. I've seen every kind of mini AT mic used on horns, winds, brass, basses & strings. They sound like what they are: Fairly dry, direct and no-frills pickup of what you need, with close-in sound, and little ambience. Add your sweetening, reverb, effects, etc., later in the mix. Good gain before feedback and all that.

Other wireless mic system manufacturers are Sennheiser, Shure, Azden and Lectrasonics, although I'm not sure who of those folks actually make their mics/capsules.

Shure markets a couple of Countryman mics in their high end line, including the headset boom mic. And of course DPA makes some of the best small-capsule mics in the world, although it all comes down to user placement and operator skill.

I've seen DPA mics plugged into Sennheiser beltpacks, and so on. Mainly, you have to match the small jack that goes into the beltpack. Shure uses the TA4F connector (a four-pin miniature jack), as do others. Some just use a 3.5mm Mini-Jack. If you're going to mix and match, it's always best to make sure you have the right type of miniature connector on the mic, so you don't get stuck having to return it, or rewire your own.

Youv'e got a lot of research to do till you find the right mic at the right price, so have fun and ask around. You'll get a lot of opinions.

You probably know all this already, but this is a good refresher article on the whole schmear:

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/us_pro_ea_intro

sheet Wed, 04/09/2008 - 16:13

JoeH wrote: AT makes great stuff, and for most things you'll need, they're fine. I've seen every kind of mini AT mic used on horns, winds, brass, basses & strings. They sound like what they are: Fairly dry, direct and no-frills pickup of what you need, with close-in sound, and little ambience. Add your sweetening, reverb, effects, etc., later in the mix. Good gain before feedback and all that.

Other wireless mic system manufacturers are Sennheiser, Shure, Azden and Lectrasonics, although I'm not sure who of those folks actually make their mics/capsules.

Shure markets a couple of Countryman mics in their high end line, including the headset boom mic. And of course DPA makes some of the best small-capsule mics in the world, although it all comes down to user placement and operator skill.

I've seen DPA mics plugged into Sennheiser beltpacks, and so on. Mainly, you have to match the small jack that goes into the beltpack. Shure uses the TA4F connector (a four-pin miniature jack), as do others. Some just use a 3.5mm Mini-Jack. If you're going to mix and match, it's always best to make sure you have the right type of miniature connector on the mic, so you don't get stuck having to return it, or rewire your own.

Youv'e got a lot of research to do till you find the right mic at the right price, so have fun and ask around. You'll get a lot of opinions.

You probably know all this already, but this is a good refresher article on the whole schmear:

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/us_pro_ea_intro

It is not just the connector. Often times there is also a resistor and wiring change as well. Most mic manufacturers and dealers will ask you to specify what pack you will be using specifically. No two manufacturers use the same color scheme on cables, and no two offer consistant color schemes throughout their lines.