With my gear, how would you track violin?

[Baroque]

Hey slutzz.

I'm having a violinist and a cellist come over to my house and record some string parts for a very serious project I'm working on. This is all independent, and I operate out of my basement.

My recording space is, by slut standards, basically untreated. The sound isn't terrible, but it's on the top of my to do list.

My gear:

Mojave MA200
Sennheiser MD441
Shure SM58
Audio Tech AT2020

Apogee Duet, iMac, Protools 9, plugins, plugins, vi's, instruments, etc, etc.

If you had my gear...
HOW would you go about tracking a violin and cello?

both at different times, totally separate.

Any advice you be great appreciated!

[DaveE]

I'd probably use the 441 up close and use the mojave as a room mic as far away as possible. Let them play while you walk around the room and listen to where it sounds best.

[evangelista]

Originally Posted by DaveE

I'd probably use the 441 up close and use the mojave as a room mic as far away as possible. Let them play while you walk around the room and listen to where it sounds best.

Yep.

[captainate]

Just did a session with an amazing violinist last night... and after some playing around we found the best spot for him was a very low angle and ~20 degrees from the neck of the violin. (2 feet off the ground since he was standing, and far off to the side, a little in front)

This prevented that scratchy, nasal sound that close micing a violin usually gets you. Also, of the four mics I brought with me, I liked the AT 4040 the best, so the 2020 would be worth a shot.

[Baroque]

Originally Posted by DaveE

I'd probably use the 441 up close and use the mojave as a room mic as far away as possible. Let them play while you walk around the room and listen to where it sounds best.

Thanks! This sounds like a great strategy. I will try that and show the results.