Flute Mic Experiences

[SLS]

I was wondering if anyone has come across a "stellar" mic for close mic'ing a flute. I have done a lot of classical and solo flute, and mostly use a stereo pair at a decent distance when possible, but I am constantly on the lookout for a great sounding spot mic that I can come in a bit with when the situation requires.

I personally am looking for a sound that is warm and full bodied that might smooth some out some of the harshness. Some of the mics I have are Neumann KM184s, U87s, TLM103s, TLM193s, Earthworks QTC1s, and various others. Maybe I need a real nice tube or ribbon mic?

Of course every player, instrument, and style will change, and I have gotten some good recordings with the above mentioned mics (some better than others ), but if anyone has had any great experiences, I'd be interested to hear.

Thanks a lot!
Adam

[Bob Olhsson]

Ribbons can be nice and in some rooms a Shure 57, of all things, is stunning because it lets you get a bit further back without the room noises intruding. I've never tried a Beyer M-88 for flute but it might combine the best aspects of a KM-84 and an SM-57.

[Ckevperry]

Royer 121. You might want to eq the top a little....but in the end it sounds amazing.

[lowswing]

last week i had a jazz band here with flute soloist, i got my c12 for i love it on flute, the flutist refused even to get near to it, he insisted that the best mic for him is md421 so i ave him one which he placed very close to the moth piece, the sound was great (but i really had to compress it to tape)but a lot of it is deu theunserstanding of the recording mmedium by the player.

[SLS]

Interesting. I had not even CONSIDERED using a 57 on the flute, even in conjunction with another mic. I'll be curious to try it.

I have never had the chance to use a ribbon, so I think I might try to get a Royer in here to mess with. What about the 122 vs the 121? Its my understanding the main difference is the 122 is phantom powered and the 121 is dynamic. Correct?

Thanks

[SLS]

lowswing,

I have heard the C12 before but never used it. Does it give enough warmth on the flute? I have only heard it on vocal tracks.

I have tried the 421 on flute once before, but didn't seem to like it very much. It was probably a combination of reasons, but maybe its worth experimenting with more.

[littledog]

i've also had good luck with the Royer 121. Also an AT4060.

[ISedlacek]

For flute I am using a pair of Schoeps MK21 (or MK4V) in a kind of ORTF position with Millennia M-2B preamp and Mytek AD - sounds beautiful, lively and natural. Generally I would never record a solo instrument on one mic only, always a stereo pair ...

[SLS]

Generally I would never record a solo instrument on one mic only, always a stereo pair ...

I agree; nor would I. But for this application, the flute isn't necessarily solo. It also doesn't mean that I wouldn't supplement it with another mic. I was just hoping to get feedback about a particular mic that people have had good experiences with.

Thanks for the input on the Schoeps though! I haven't used them before.

[airmate]

for flute i prefer a pair of vintage gefell small diaphragm mics in x/y-combination.
i usually record them via two siemens v276 preamps.

this gives a rich and "airy" sound. very direct and funky, but not too hard.

[Beech]

I always go for a DPA 4011 or a Royer 122. Both are great and natural sounding.