Klarinet Archive - Posting 000010.txt from 2001/02

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] recording
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001 14:31:52 -0500

> -----Original Message-----
> From: rgarrett@-----.edu]
>
> Ben,
>
> I'm doing a recording session on Sunday with a pianist - doing solo
> literature. Do you have a suggestion as to microphone placement, lid
> angle, etc?
>
> We normally use two Neumann microphones (KM 150 with the Hypercaroid
> capsule?? can't remember), and we can mix in up to four AKG 460Bs (with
> CK61-ULS capsules on each) or two AKG large diaphram microphones (We have
> C414Bs). We use a Mackie 1404 VLZ board at this point.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Sincerely,
> Roger Garrett

Wow... what a bright sounding set of microphones (especially the AKGs). I'd
probably start with your Neumanns in a ORTF setting a few feet out (wherever
it sounds good). Piano lid full stick, you standing in the crook of the
instrument. If you need to spot the instrument, you can go either mono or
stereo. (personal preference). I'd place the spot mic on axis of the
instrument fairly close in aiming towards the strings. Pan everything hard
left and right. Control your stereo spread by the angle of the microphones.
I'd make sure the piano's angle is less than or equal to the front angle.

As for a piano spot, try the 414's... They are both pretty darn bright
mics, but you'll have to use your ears as to which you like more.

Get a sound that you like from your front pair. IF you need the spots,
listen to them directly... Try to position yourself and them to minimize
the clarinet sound in the piano mics (with cardiods, it shouldn't be too
much of an issue). Make sure the spots are getting a good sound on the
piano alone. When you are happy with that sound, bring it in slowly to the
point where you have good articulation, but it doesn't sound "mic'd." You
don't have the ability to delay and time align the spots so the higher the
level, the less depth you'll have in your recording.

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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