| Mic Positions for Sitar
Hi Everglass,
The closer you mic the sitar, the more sensitive the tone is going to be wrt the position. Even a few mm here and there will make a big difference in tone.
e.g. if you point the mic towards the bridge you will have more of the string twang and less of the wood and the taraf (the sympathetic strings behind the main strings). Also since it is played with a player sitting on the floor, there is a big chance of floor reflections which will cloud the sound. Either a judiciously placed carpet in front of the performer or making the performer sit on the edge of a platform will help in this respect.
Regarding choice of tools any reasonably fast condensor with low hype will do. I have used the 184 with good results but usually prefer the Schoeps CMC6 MK21 if I am "close micing" or the MK41 if I can mic them at about 3 feet.
My preference is to point the mic at the wood of the sitar immediately befow bridge so if it is a right handed player to position the mic to their right about 2 feet of the ground tilted downwards about 2-3 feet away. In a good room, a good omni (I use DPA4003) with a clean preamp will give you the best sound (position will depend on the Rt of the room).
Good luck and PM me if I can help you in any way.
Baithak |