| Sitar
Hi Pilepoint,
I only record classical Indian instruments and as the other poster said, they produce a wide sound field which is significantly affected by the room as well. Secondly they have a rather big harmonic which approximately coincides with the proximity effect of most cardiod mics so you end up with mud.
A well placed ribbon (I use Royers) in a good sounding room is a good choice
An omni placed even closer in a perfect room is the best choice (I use DPA/Schoeps) especially if there is no sound reenforcement.
If the room is not that great or you don't have too much time for setup, the best option is a Schoeps CMC6 with MK41 capsule about 3 feet away and foot and a half off the floor pointing downwards between the hand and the end of the gourd (NOT towards the strings). If you move the mic around a bit you will be able to get a very different set of tones, depending on what you are looking for, all the way from pure tizz (not recommended) to rounded, mellow honey (what I look for). Any closer than about 2 and a half feet and the proximity effect will significantly alter the sound.
I use Millenia preamps going but on location I also use the preamps in Cranesong's spider.
Hope this helps,
Baithak |