Klarinet Archive - Posting 000075.txt from 1996/01

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Good Microphone for Clarinet ?
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 1996 10:02:29 -0500

Don,
My experience with recording has been disappointing. The problem
is that the clarinet is an instrument whose harmonics are very complex,
so that I always get flutter whenever I transfer to tape. This has
happened with both my pro walkman and with studio-produced tapes. I hope
you have better luck. As for microphones, The electrets tend to have a
brighter, ultraclean sound, which can be harsh on cheaper ones. And the
good ones are very pricy, though unbelievably realistic. The
triangular-shaped AKG seems to work very nicely for a mellow sound. I
have been advised by a recording engineer to go to a studio and ask to
audition their mikes. As for placement of mikes, that depends on what you
want to get. If you like the close-miked effect of just the clarinet
sound, with the attendent key clicks and breathing sounds, use two mikes -
one at the middle of the horn and one at the bell. If you prefer the
room-sound, you have to situate the mike(s) as high as you can and at least
15 feet away so you get some ambience. Hope this helps.

Fred Jacobowitz

On Wed, 3 Jan 1996, Don Kinghorn wrote:

> I have a little 4-track mini-studio and want to try my hand at recording the
> clarinet. Anyone have recomendations for a microphone? I don't want to spend
> over $500. I tried a Sure beta (something) their inexpensive condencer mic.
> I didn't like it. I'm considering an AKG C1000s or C3000, or maybe a Sure
> SM81.
>
> Any tips on recording the clarinet would be helpful also, mic placement etc..
>
> many Thanks
> -Don
>