solo flute?

[hollywood_steve]

OK, I'll admit to never having worked with a flute before, except when mic'ing an entire orchestra with a simple stereo pair. This time the flute will vary between solo and part of a duo (w/ classical guitar).

What have you guys learned about recording solo flute? How did you spot mic it? And how did you approach it with a stereo pair?

This project doesn't have the budget for several hours of moving mics around and listening; its budgeted more like a "point and shoot" kind of session. So any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

steve
lex125@pacbell.net

[blackcatdigi]

I've had good results micing it just like a vocal. Usually with M149, around 6", mild compression. This was on the recommendation of the floutist (sp?), himself...

Sounded great.

Good Luck!

[Roland]

Originally posted by hollywood_steve
OK, I'll admit to never having worked with a flute before, except when mic'ing an entire orchestra with a simple stereo pair. This time the flute will vary between solo and part of a duo (w/ classical guitar).

What have you guys learned about recording solo flute? How did you spot mic it? And how did you approach it with a stereo pair?

This project doesn't have the budget for several hours of moving mics around and listening; its budgeted more like a "point and shoot" kind of session. So any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

steve
lex125@pacbell.net

I'm guessing it's a classical/accoustic session, therefore if it is I would treat it as a stereo mic set up (thats providing you have got decent accoustics).

I would look at small diaphram condensors, DPA's Neuman's, Sennheiser's etc, possibly with the exception of Schoeps, maybe a little too harsh in this situation, but the good ol' AKG 414 suprisingly does well with flute. Spot mic if balance is a real problem but you have to take care as the real flute tone doesn't generate until you ae a few feet away.

Regards

Roland

[fifthcircle]

No need to spot... Simple stereo pair only will do. For the solo stuff, place a few feet out and probably just higher than the instrument (aiming down a bit).

With good mics, etc... no need to EQ or compress. I'd probably use my AKG426 stereo mic for this or perhaps my Geffel M930s. I've even used KM184s with decent results.

--Ben