best spot mic for classical instruments?

[ogamik]

KM 185, 414TL or a M149...

[Jim vanBergen]

Originally Posted by jnorman

i am looking for a high quality spot mic for flute, violin, cello, etc. i have owned DPA 4011s, schoeps cmc64s, akg c481s, royer r-121s, and many other mics in the past, so ihave good familiarity with what those sound like.

i am considering a vintage km84, tlm193, tlm170, senn mkh40, schoeps cmc641, and perhaps an active ribbon. want something un-hyped, full and warm.

what would you guys recommend for this application? thanks.

I love vintage mics, but I'd suggest ribbon. Whenever I have wanted a spot mic for a violin or flute and a Schoeps or B&K sounded scratchy or too clinical, I have tried AEA R84, Beyer M160, Coles 4038, or Royer 121, and a well-kept ribbon has given me the detail with warmth and some high end smoothing.

Vintage mics and vintage tube mics can sound wonderful as well!

Hope this helps.

JvB

[Remoteness]

If you're considering the MKH40 you should check out the new MKH8040.

[Don S]

I really like the Schoeps MK21. It keeps the field diffused enough to blend well with mains when I mix.

[Plush]

Since most of your instruments mentioned have sounds that are not flattered by being picked up really close by a condenser mic, I recommend an AEA R 84 ribbon for you.

On the other hand, all of the mics you have mentioned are neutral sound mics.

The microphone isn't really making the sound, the source is making the sound.

[krs]

TLM170 is incredible for this, tight card. pattern and very natural. Awesome mic.

EW TC30K has also been used on my cello as a spot and it sounded incredible - a good and less expensive option. Having said that, I think a multi-pattern LDC is a good option for this - more flexibility is always good.
thumbsup

[bove]

Originally Posted by jnorman

want something un-hyped, full and warm.

An AEA R84 would fit this description.

[d_fu]

If I had to pick one from current production, I'd probably say MKH50 or its successor (8050). The sound of the MKH 50 mixes very well, the mic is small and light, yet sturdy. I'd go for a hyper for better separation, although the MKH (or 80-) 40 is a good mic, too...

Daniel

[klaukholm]

TLM 170 is my favourite all purpose spot mic.

[tenor39]

Originally Posted by Plush

Since most of your instruments mentioned have sounds that are not flattered by being picked up really close by a condenser mic, I recommend an AEA R 84 ribbon for you.

On the other hand, all of the mics you have mentioned are neutral sound mics.

The microphone isn't really making the sound, the source is making the sound.

Plush, please! You're making too much sense! Heaven forbid an instrument should sound like it really does. Blame the mic, yeah, that's the ticket!