Hey I'm new & after some advice!

[SrD.]

First of all, Hi guys. I've browsed over the site and there's an incredible wealth of information on here!

I've done a search for the question I'm about to ask but I can't find an answer that totally relates to my query

I am a sound engineering & design student and am currently on an advanced studio techniques module. We use a studio that comprises the following (Including a pro tools HD3 system):

Key Features:
>80-Channel Amek Einstein Super-E Console
> Saturn 624 2" Multi-track recorder (not sure if this is the right one, think it's a quarter inch tape machine now)
> Digidesign Pro Tools HD3 Accel
> Lexicon 224XL
> Lexicon PCM80
> Neve 9098 EQ & Pre-amp (x2)
> Tubetech CL1B Compressor (unsure if this is in there anymore)
> Avalon VT-747SP Compressor & EQ
> Mac G5

Monitoring:
> ATC 100SM
> Yamaha NS-10

The live room is of moderate to 'small-large' size, it's quite heftily treated so sounds quite flat in there. I certainly wouldn't go for a 'big drum' sound in there. I don't have a great photo of it but this is the actual studio/live room

I'm looking to record a Double bass and a violin for the recording project. I'm going for a style of track similar to bloodstain by unkle (YouTube - Unkle - Bloodstain) this is literally just a reference track for overall sound, I'm not looking to emulate the track as a whole.

I need some advice on miking/positioning techniques for both instruments.

I have a microphone list that's extensive, but the one's exclusive to the Einstein studio are:

AKG - C414 B-XLS
BEYER DYNAMIC - MC740
BEYER DYNAMIC - M130 - RIBBON

I have access to a whole plethora of AKG, Crown, Audio Technica, Audix, Electrovoice, Joe Meek, Rode, Samson, SE Electronics, Sennheiser, Shure and Sontronics.

Anyway I feel like I've typed a massive amount, so any information in regards to this would be fantastic and MUCH appreciated. I know time doesn't come for free!

All the best

John

[DannyL]

Have you access to a couple of AT 4051 cardioids and/ or 4040 side address mics?

Neither the AKG nor the Beyers would be my first choice for either of those instruments.

I'd try an AT4040 on the Double Bass and perhaps an x/y pair of AT4051's on the Violin.

I usually use a pair of Neuman KM 84's on a violin and a Neuman U67 or a MT Gefel UMT 800 on the Bass. (or cello)

Remember to point the mics more or less at the sound post on bowed instruments.

Let us know what you did and how you liked it.

Danny

[SrD.]

Originally Posted by DannyL

Have you access to a couple of AT 4051 cardioids and/ or 4040 side address mics?

Neither the AKG nor the Beyers would be my first choice for either of those instruments.

I'd try an AT4040 on the Double Bass and perhaps an x/y pair of AT4051's on the Violin.

I usually use a pair of Neuman KM 84's on a violin and a Neuman U67 or a MT Gefel UMT 800 on the Bass. (or cello)

Remember to point the mics more or less at the sound post on bowed instruments.

Let us know what you did and how you liked it.

Danny

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately don't have access to those mics you mentioned, they're not on the list. Do you want me to type out whats available? Theres about 26 when the drum kit mics are taken away.

[DannyL]

Why don't you list everything that you have available, regardless of what instrument it was allegedly built for?

My small rant:

Yes, some mics are good drum mics or vocal mics or tuba mics or just downright phenomenal on an eskimo narwhal trumpet, but really:
a microphone is a transducer, it takes physical energy and creates electrical energy. So every mic is capable of picking up an acoustic signal. Just because it says "drum mic" or whatever, doesn't mean: 1) that it won't be good on another instrument, or 2) that it WILL be good on the instrument it was designed for.

Okay, I'm done ranting.

Danny

[SrD.]

Haha ok, well I forgot to mention the drum kit one's are battered as they're not looked after, but here's a complete list:

AKG:
770
c28
c451
d12
solid tube valve
c3000
d112

crown:
PZM

Audio Technica:
4 piece drum kit pack

Audix:
D6
I5

Electrovoice:
RE20
D767

Joe Meek:
47
27

Rode:
NT2000

Samson:
7 piece drum kit set

SE Electronics:
SE2200

Sennheiser:
5 piece drum kit
MD421

Shure:
7 piece drum kit set
SM57
SM58
SM 58 BETA
RADIO HEAD SET

Siontronics:
STC 1S

Speaker Cone Mic

AKG - C414 B-XLS
BEYER DYNAMIC - MC740
BEYER DYNAMIC - M130 - RIBBON

Thats all of 'em!

Thanks for your time mate.

[DannyL]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm;

Assuming both instruments at the same time:

Well...I guess the 414 on the violin, Cardiod pattern, 1 to 1.5 ft (30-45 cm)
above the instrument pointed at the sound post side of the bridge.

451 on the Bass. You might also try the M130, with a decent mic pre.
Soundpost side of the bridge about 3/4 to 1 ft away. (20 -30 cm)

Adjust the mic position as you listen (bring a GOOD pair of cans into the studio for your monitors) BEFORE using any EQ or other processing.

Danny

[DannyL]

DOH;

Compare the MC740 w/ the 414...see wich one you like better on the violin and which ine you prefer on the bass. I kind of like that mic, have never used it on strings tho

Danny

[Jim vanBergen]

Use the ribbon on the violin and make sure you have some gobos to isolate the sound from the bass. The ribbon is a MUCH smoother sound and will remove the scratchiness from close-miking.

Danny's advice on the bass is SPOT ON! Listen to both, choose which you prefer. Use that.

It's a class. Experiment, and learn.

[SrD.]

Wish it was simply a class, it's the major point carrying module this year, make or break! Thanks so much for advice, I'll give it a whirl and work hard on it. When everything's done I'll post a sound clip