Recording Celtic Fiddle - Which Mic?

SparkyCanada · 9th October 2005

Hey there.

I'm recording a Celtic Fiddle player next week & wonder which mic out of the following might work the best.

1. Neumann U67
2. Neumann U87
3. Soundelux E49
4. Neumann TLM 193
5. KM 84
6. KM 184
7. Neumann KMS 105

I'd like the fiddle to cut in the mix a bit - so I'm thinking a small diaphram mic would work better.

The fiddle player is excellent - so that's half the battle...

The room is OK - not great - just OK.

Thanks,

SparkyCanada

Lanstar Zero · 9th October 2005

KM 84 up fairly close - within 3 ft.
Soundelux E49 a few feet back if the room has any kind of a "vibey" sound..

That's what I would probably try 1st. Of course, you'll need to try out a few combos to find the right one..

shamrock · 9th October 2005

I record a lot of Celtic fiddle and my favorites right now are the Royer R121, Audix SCX1-C and the Neumann KM86. If that list is your mic selection then I'd go with the KM84 placed 2 or 3 feet above the player pointed at the strings between the bridge and the end of the fingerboard.

RCM - Ronan · 9th October 2005

This may sound like a joke to some, but if its in a rock context, try a shure SM57. I just did a Celtic rock band and put a 57, a Royer 121 and a U87 on the fiddle and on most of the tracks the 57 is the one that ended up in the mix.

Keep in mind that with an instrument like a fiddle, the sound of the room/space the player is in will actually have a bigger impact than the mic you choose.

gatormusic · 10th October 2005

I have used the AKG451 at about 2ft out/above pointed between the end of fingerboard and bridge. For spirited fiddle tunes, especially when using Pipes, it cuts thru nicely. I've used the same setup on ballads too.
Gary

SparkyCanada · 11th October 2005

Hey there.

Recorded the Celtic fiddle this afternoon.

Used the KM84 about 3 feet above the fiddle & threw the U87 up as a room mic.

It sounded pretty good - but thought something was still missing - but couldn't put my finger on it.

The player was good - the fiddle sounded pretty good - but started to wonder if the style suited the tune...

Still - pretty useable tracks nonetheless.

Thanks,

SparkyCanada

9th October 2005	#1
SparkyCanada Gear addict Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Saskatoon SK, Canada Posts: 346 Thread Starter	Recording Celtic Fiddle - Which Mic? Hey there. I'm recording a Celtic Fiddle player next week & wonder which mic out of the following might work the best. 1. Neumann U67 2. Neumann U87 3. Soundelux E49 4. Neumann TLM 193 5. KM 84 6. KM 184 7. Neumann KMS 105 I'd like the fiddle to cut in the mix a bit - so I'm thinking a small diaphram mic would work better. The fiddle player is excellent - so that's half the battle... The room is OK - not great - just OK. Thanks, SparkyCanada

9th October 2005	#4
RCM - Ronan Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,414	This may sound like a joke to some, but if its in a rock context, try a shure SM57. I just did a Celtic rock band and put a 57, a Royer 121 and a U87 on the fiddle and on most of the tracks the 57 is the one that ended up in the mix. Keep in mind that with an instrument like a fiddle, the sound of the room/space the player is in will actually have a bigger impact than the mic you choose. __________________ Ronan Chris Murphy+ http://ronansrecordingshow.com Six Day Recording Boot Camps in Los Angeles July 16-21, 2012

10th October 2005	#5
gatormusic Gear interested Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 28	Celtic fiddle mic I have used the AKG451 at about 2ft out/above pointed between the end of fingerboard and bridge. For spirited fiddle tunes, especially when using Pipes, it cuts thru nicely. I've used the same setup on ballads too. Gary

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9th October 2005	#2
Lanstar Zero Gear nut Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 123	KM 84 up fairly close - within 3 ft. Soundelux E49 a few feet back if the room has any kind of a "vibey" sound.. That's what I would probably try 1st. Of course, you'll need to try out a few combos to find the right one..

9th October 2005	#3
shamrock Gear nut Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 128	I record a lot of Celtic fiddle and my favorites right now are the Royer R121, Audix SCX1-C and the Neumann KM86. If that list is your mic selection then I'd go with the KM84 placed 2 or 3 feet above the player pointed at the strings between the bridge and the end of the fingerboard.

11th October 2005	#6
SparkyCanada Gear addict Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Saskatoon SK, Canada Posts: 346 Thread Starter	Hey there. Recorded the Celtic fiddle this afternoon. Used the KM84 about 3 feet above the fiddle & threw the U87 up as a room mic. It sounded pretty good - but thought something was still missing - but couldn't put my finger on it. The player was good - the fiddle sounded pretty good - but started to wonder if the style suited the tune... Still - pretty useable tracks nonetheless. Thanks, SparkyCanada