Mics for classical music recording
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Posted on Jan 29, 2008 09:07 pm
Peter J
Member Since: Jan 29, 2008
Hi, I'm new to recording and am looking to put together a home studio. I focus mainly in classical music (but also work with a couple of bluegrass bands from time to time). I was wondering, does anyone have any good suggestions for microphones for recording classical music? the most important is piano (both grand and upright). The next is strings - violin, cello (both solo and ensemble).
been thinking about getting the M-Audio Pulsar II, but am willing to spend up to $700 or $800 if it really makes a big difference.
any suggestions? thanks in advance!
Pete
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Kaos62Kaos is only a form of insanityMember
Since: Feb 03, 2005
Jan 29, 2008 11:16 pm How many inputs do you have on your soundcard?? Although I have never done classical at the moment, a couple of the regulars here have and tend to use multiple mics, say 2 condensers be it ldc or for piano sometimes two pencils
Jan 30, 2008 08:16 pm Kaos, thanks for the suggestions. Hmm, two condenser mics sound like a good idea to start with. And, I think your right. I probably need make sure I have enough inputs if I'm going to use multiple mics. I'm thinking about getting an audio interface (MOTU Ultralite? PreSonus FireStudio? Apogee Ensemble?) but haven't made any decisions yet.
Pete
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 30, 2008 08:39 pm Here is a nice link to a really nice Shure primer.
www.shure.com/stellent/gr...icstudio_ea.pdf
Obviously they highlight Sure mics, but this is still helpfull regardless of the brand you choose.
Jan 31, 2008 07:57 pm Thanks for the link to the primer. This will come in very handy!
pete
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 31, 2008 08:17 pm You can have a look here. I use a couple of their mics, one being the K6 Ribbon mic. I love their stuff as do a few others here that use them.
www.karmamics.com
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Feb 01, 2008 12:31 am you know i've seen cabs miked up with those pencil looking mics, whats the story with those? what are they designed for?
Keith WarrenMans reach exceeds his graspMember
Since: Oct 23, 2007
Feb 01, 2008 08:42 am I gotta go with Noize on this one and root for the Karma mics. They're way WAY less than 700$ a piece and prolly the best mic out there for this kind of thing without spending 2,000$+.
And Deon, those "pencil" mics are actually condenser microphones, but with a more focused diaphragm. I personally use those for doubling acoustic guitar because the frequency response is a little different than my LD condensers, they're more sensitive and pick up more of the 'string and finger' sounds, and some people use them on cabs, I guess for the SPL, but I've personally never heard one bare good results on a cab, nor have I ever used one on a cab. For cab mics, I'd just go with a Shure SM 57 or SM58; maybe a Sennheiser if the job called for it, but nothing beats a good ol' 57.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Feb 01, 2008 11:27 pm Ok Noise, you've got me intrigued. Gad, stay away from here for two days and there's new equipment abund. Tell me more about the Karma mics. Please compare to Oktava, Rode if possible.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Feb 01, 2008 11:36 pm Holy piss! Captian America! The reviews are fabulous for such a new company. A few "iff's" as per "time will tell" but a lot of good/great remarks. Velly intaesting!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 02, 2008 12:57 am Ya, I got the little K-Micro's to review and was so impressed with the low spl ones and she sent a pair of the new higher spl ones and I was even more impressed. So much so that I bought the K6 un heard, and for me and a mic that is not my norm.
The K6 is much smoother then the Oktava MK-319. But it is a different bird really. The Ribbon is old school warm sounding. For vocals it will be probably my favorite mic depending on the vocalist. As for other instruments, it is not a mic to be used for close miccing other then things such as violins, acoutsic guitars, a UB would be great as well. But at a tiny distance it will work on everything. And it has such a great full round sound.
I tried it close on some horns and the like but it sounded a bit off, but move it away just a bit and it is so full and round. It actually reminded me of the old jazz sounds when the horns were getting it. But it is a very clear and clean mic.
And sturdy, the thing must weigh in at about a pound and a half. And come with a killer shock mount and bullet proof combo locked case.
I got to try the tube condenser at another studio just briefly and was also impressed with the stout sound it got.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 02, 2008 01:00 am Oh ya Walt, they are not actually new. They were part owners of a very high end mic company you may have heard of them by SE. So she knows exactly what she is building. And the price reflects the fact they are being built in China, she does not hide that fact at all.
I know I have not heard a micro condenser like the K-Micro before. It is superb.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Feb 02, 2008 09:50 am I got hints of the "SE" reference from some of the reviews, although I had not heard of them prior. You filled in the picture for sure. Some other side notes that were mentioned was that the componants are from Japan e.g. top quality. That would leave the "China" reference to an assembly house only.
Regardless, I mostly wanted to hear from you what they sounded like. You have become my personal numeral-uno gear reference. It has become obvious to me that you know your ****! (in the vanacular)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 02, 2008 02:53 pm Thanx for that Walt. I simply love checking out gear whenever I can. I don't just jump right out and buy whatever tweaks my fancy these days though. I'm pretty well set. But I can still check out new gear for fun and info.
Feb 02, 2008 06:08 pm I bought six of the Karma low-SPL mics and two of the higher-SPL models, and have yet to really test them out! I guess I need to get Gary over here to play some more guitar.
I do know these mics are damn HOT. They'd be great for surveillance.
