Ribbon Microphone

I had lots of microphones in search of the best plays the violin sound natural. This is difficult, because most distorting microphones the sound in some way by the auction certain frequencies and reducing others. For classical music, the goal is usually to reproduce sound as accurately possible. (Especially since attempts to process the sound later rarely rewarding.) Microphones with a response from "flat" are often also the most accurate, these seem to work better for recording classical violin.

And for classical music, small microphones diaphragm condenser seem to work better, they offer a fast transient response, which is also crucial for accurate sound reproduction.

Microphones Various condenser seem to stand out from the crowd.

Any of the Neumann KM-140 or KM-184 works well. The Neumann KM-84, an earlier version of KM-184, is also a good microphone. It's a little darker than the 184, but is a bit noisy.

Another option is the wonderful body with a CMC5 Schoeps capsule MK4, which has a very flat frequency response and transparent sound. The Schoeps seems to have a little less acute than Neumann. This is due to Neumann has a small sharp peak and are not as flat as the Schoeps in frequency response.

At the less expensive, AMT (Applied Microphone Technology), recently launched microphones studio condenser (AMT 404, set of 2) that have a very flat frequency response and excellent for the study. They are also much cheaper than the competition options. I own this and am happy couple.

Although frequently recommended for recording acoustic violin, I was not happy with ribbon microphones, as The Royer R-121. For my taste, these microphones lose a lot of character and makes the violin sound seems one-dimensional. They cut a lot of high-end. (This can look good when comparing Royer a cheap condenser microphone, which can make the violin sound overly bright and harsh.) Royers really are the best for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and brass.

Another frequently recommended microphone, AKG c451E sounds very harsh to my ear and has heavy emphasis treble. This is really the best microphone for percussion and acoustic guitar.

Remember that your choice of audio interface is also very important. If you have a Mac, you will need phantom power source (48 volts to power the microphones). For Mac user, the apogee duet with phantom is a great and reasonably priced option. There is really no competition for the duo in their price range. Because only two entries, the duo is cheaper than similar models with multiple inputs which can cost upwards of $ 2000.

Moreover, the choice of placing micro and the number of microphones is important. The stereo recording is crucial to the sound of classical violin, and, for best results, the microphones are usually placed at least three feet from the violin and often higher. A microphone can be used to capture more closely the violin and the other to capture the "room", which can add body and "reverb" for sound. Experimentation is often the best way to find the optimal microphone placement.

The "room" is also very important. Diaphragm condenser microphones are small, highly sensitive and pick up sound almost everyone in the neighborhood, even a rumor your refrigerator. So it's important to make the room as quiet as possible (even if you have to unplug that fridge!). A large room is usually better one small. (small rooms can make the sound seems muddy or poorly defined). The high ceilings are usually good. Parallel walls break helps minimize echoes and reflections. Furnished rooms can do the same. Hardwood floors are very good for sound.

And if all else fails, there is always a recording studio.

Lisa Ann Berman, M.M.
Masters of Music in Violin Performance, Yale School of Music http://www.simplyviolin.com

Ribbon Microphones and Phantom Power

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