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Violin Mic


pete10uk

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Hi All

 

Just a quick bit of advice if you would.

 

I have been asked to mic up a violin which is outside my usual scope. I have a few microphones available but none of these are specifically for Violins I.e attach to the instrument.

I think I would be tempted to use my AKG c1000s on a stand placed overhead but also have the options of a C747, SM58, SM57 or Sennheiser wireless Lapel mic.

 

I think all would produce sound acceptable for the application, but would like to know which method you would choose / would look most professional. I don't want to look as if I don't have a clue.

 

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

Cheers

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Frankly, I would use anything EXCEPT the C1000. That mic has a fairly "screechy" top end response and coupled with a violin it's a fairly unpleasant result.

 

What sort of music and how loud does it have to be?

 

Unless you're trying for really high levels and need the GBF, a nice way to handle this would be with the lapel mic in a hairline mount (Google if you need details of this). A hairline mount keeps the mic the same distance from the violin no matter how much the violinist moves and gives a nice, natural response. This isn't much good in a rock band level situation, but for normal stuff it works really well.

 

Bob

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In my experience the mic to use is a DPA 4060 04 4061 with string mounts. Not only does it sound like a violin, the artist can't walk away from it, the string mount is rubber and attaches to the strings above the bridge not touching the precious violin. Overspill is minimal, I have had four of these on violas and violins sat right next to a drum kit and had reasonable isolation.

 

I know this is not one of the mics you suggested as available but these can be hired for about £15 and will solve all your problems. Failing that from your list I would go for the 57 myself.

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For high gain before feedback an MKE2 or similar mounted (very carefully!) to the bridge can give a natural but loud and clear signal. It needs a little eq, but gives you bags of gain before squeals appear.

 

For high fidelity a decent condensor (that is anything other than a C1000. Seriously use an SM58 instead. Or a 5.99 maplins mic. Or a halibut. All known to sound better than a C1000!) sat in front on the opposite of the player to the violin pointed at the edge of the fingerboard works beautifully. But only on a quietish stage where bleed isn't a problem.

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If you can't go to the expense of a DPA, a 747 is too heavy and the Halibut (who is called Eric) is going off, the Audio Technica's ATM350 may well be of interest...

 

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/product_images/326aac71cfaa0cdf/med/atm350_violin.jpg

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Guys you should try the Shertler Range of portable Transducers.

 

They fit onto the body of the instrument and give a warmer sound than a microphone fitted near the bridge and there is less chance of it falling off...

 

http://www.schertler....co.uk/dyn.html

 

:)

 

For Vanessa May we put a 747 in her hair.

I'd love to see a picture of that if you have one?

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