What's the best method of mic'ing up a 'Cello?

nick-the-sax · 27th August 2009

i'll be recording 'cello for a little soundtrack i'm doing. it's not the main feature, but it is one of 5 different instruments so it will be definitely heard.

i have a small-ish room, but it seems to sound quite nice and doesn't have much of an early reflection problem.

my mics are: Dragonfly, Baby Bottle, Earthworks SR77 and a pair of lovely Little Blondies.
pres: Sytek, Daking, Brick.

where's the best place to put the microphone in relation to the 'cello to get a good full tone without too much of the room or "boominess" from the sound hole (if that's a problem with mic'ing 'cellos)?

many thanks

nick

lerone · 27th August 2009

If you've got a good room, try positioning the mic about 3 foot back, with the capsule pointing a couple a inches above the holes. Personally, I LOVE the sound of a nice large ribbon on both cello and contrabass. I find the tone of a good ribbon mic really compliments the timre of these instruments. No need to EQ at all, or very little at most. Sounds very life like and natural indeed!thumbsup

The Listener · 27th August 2009

For more contemporary, "pop-rock" use, you might find this info useful:

Music Mixing Blog - Ken Lewis News, Thoughts and Advice for Musicians

Otherwise - as any other classical instrument - a little further away from the instrument - in the room - where it sounds good, usually some omnis or wide cardioid, Schoeps, whatever similar... transparent and clean preamp... for pop - look above.

nick-the-sax · 27th August 2009

that really helps.

thanks so much

adeptusmajor · 27th August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lerone

If you've got a good room, try positioning the mic about 3 foot back, with the capsule pointing a couple a inches above the holes. Personally, I LOVE the sound of a nice large ribbon on both cello and contrabass. I find the tone of a good ribbon mic really compliments the timre of these instruments. No need to EQ at all, or very little at most. Sounds very life like and natural indeed!thumbsup

+1 on the ribbon bandwagon

SyncSailor · 27th August 2009

nail a p-90 beside one of the f-holes

nick-the-sax · 27th August 2009

cool. ribbons. but i don't have any ribbon mics, so what would you recommend with the mics i have already?

Joram · 27th August 2009

Takje your time to find the right spot for your microphone. Every cello is a different and an inch can make a lot of difference; the angle of the mic as well.

lerone · 27th August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick-the-sax

cool. ribbons. but i don't have any ribbon mics, so what would you recommend with the mics i have already?

Id go with the earthworks myself. Your in London? I'd lend you one, the studio is in Reading though, they get used alot so timing would have to be good.

lerone · 27th August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joram

Takje your time to find the right spot for your microphone. Every cello is a different and an inch can make a lot of difference; the angle of the mic as well.

Oh yes! My positioning was very generalized, spend time getting the sweet spot right. Masking tape & carefully cut rizla gum strips will help 'recall'

nick-the-sax · 27th August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lerone

Id go with the earthworks myself. Your in London? I'd lend you one, the studio is in Reading though, they get used alot so timing would have to be good.

wow that's really nice of you! but i already have an earthworks mic, so i'm cool

still, that's some serious generosity there

you're all right, it is pretty much about taking the time to find the place, but it looks like i have a starting point now. brilliant! can't wait to record this baby!

StudioTinPanAll · 27th August 2009

akg solidtube, or other tube, almost on the floor, (wood) about 3ft back

lerone · 27th August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick-the-sax

wow that's really nice of you! but i already have an earthworks mic, so i'm cool

still, that's some serious generosity there

you're all right, it is pretty much about taking the time to find the place, but it looks like i have a starting point now. brilliant! can't wait to record this baby!

Happy days.

Greg Curtis · 28th August 2009

LDC, 4-5 feet away, about 4-5 feet high, looking at an f-hole.

Works great with a U47. Others can sound too lean.

Room omni.

Used this with the last 3 film scores that included solo cello.

Bob Amirian · 5th November 2009

Wonderful results with Mojave MA-200 here. It's a bright mic, works great.

27th August 2009	#1
nick-the-sax Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,403 Thread Starter 2 Reviews written	What's the best method of mic'ing up a 'Cello? i'll be recording 'cello for a little soundtrack i'm doing. it's not the main feature, but it is one of 5 different instruments so it will be definitely heard. i have a small-ish room, but it seems to sound quite nice and doesn't have much of an early reflection problem. my mics are: Dragonfly, Baby Bottle, Earthworks SR77 and a pair of lovely Little Blondies. pres: Sytek, Daking, Brick. where's the best place to put the microphone in relation to the 'cello to get a good full tone without too much of the room or "boominess" from the sound hole (if that's a problem with mic'ing 'cellos)? many thanks nick

27th August 2009	#3
The Listener Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Europe Posts: 1,540 1 Review written	For more contemporary, "pop-rock" use, you might find this info useful: Music Mixing Blog - Ken Lewis News, Thoughts and Advice for Musicians Otherwise - as any other classical instrument - a little further away from the instrument - in the room - where it sounds good, usually some omnis or wide cardioid, Schoeps, whatever similar... transparent and clean preamp... for pop - look above. __________________ "The first question I ask myself when something doesn't seem to be beautiful is why do I think it's not beautiful. And very shortly you discover that there is no reason." John Cage

27th August 2009	#8
Joram Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 922	Takje your time to find the right spot for your microphone. Every cello is a different and an inch can make a lot of difference; the angle of the mic as well. __________________ http://www.legacystudio.nl www.jorampinxteren.com www.facebook.com/joram.pinxteren

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27th August 2009	#2
lerone Banned Joined: Jun 2008 Location: London Posts: 1,088	If you've got a good room, try positioning the mic about 3 foot back, with the capsule pointing a couple a inches above the holes. Personally, I LOVE the sound of a nice large ribbon on both cello and contrabass. I find the tone of a good ribbon mic really compliments the timre of these instruments. No need to EQ at all, or very little at most. Sounds very life like and natural indeed!thumbsup

27th August 2009	#6
SyncSailor Gear maniac Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 225	nail a p-90 beside one of the f-holes

27th August 2009	#12
StudioTinPanAll Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Antwerp Posts: 554	akg solidtube, or other tube, almost on the floor, (wood) about 3ft back

28th August 2009	#14
Greg Curtis Lives for gear Joined: May 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,475	LDC, 4-5 feet away, about 4-5 feet high, looking at an f-hole. Works great with a U47. Others can sound too lean. Room omni. Used this with the last 3 film scores that included solo cello.

5th November 2009	#15
Bob Amirian Gear addict Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Holland? What's Poland? Posts: 421	Wonderful results with Mojave MA-200 here. It's a bright mic, works great.