 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: warden91
Date: 2017-07-11 13:05
I have been researching a bit about clarinet microphones, to find something that will work well in a live setting. I generally struggle with the typical SM57 setup, due to the directional pattern it's always difficult to get an even sound across the range. The DPA 4061 has been recommended to me by several people. I'm not inexperienced with microphones, but I'm not an expert either. I have a few queries and would be grateful to hear from anyone with knowledge or experience of using this mic.
Which model? The DPA website currently lists the 4061, as well as the Heavy Duty 4061, and the Slim 4061. Then also in the lavalier range are 4060 models, as well as 4062, 4063, 4071... I don't have an understanding of the subtle differences between them.
The challenge of using an omnidirectional mic in a live setting. I have less experience of this, but my understanding is that it is necessary to be more wary of feedback (e.g. from monitors) and of spill from other instruments (I'm often sitting near percussion). How have you found this?
How and where to attach it? I know some people attach it to the player's clothing around the chest. Others have found ways to attach it to the clarinet itself. Where best to direct the microphone? It's omni, so it's therefore less important?
The current DPA website indicates that the 4061 needs to be used with a wireless adaptor. But the people I've come across using this all seem to be with a cable from their mic, so I'm a bit confused about this. The DPA website also offers various options under 'Termination' - Microdot, 3-pin Lemo, TA4F Mini XLR, Mini-Jack. These are a bit beyond my knowledge, so I'm not quite sure what to make of them.
I'd be very grateful for any insight into any of the above queries! So far I'm just googling around and picking up whatever bits of info I can gather, but it's not much. I've spoken briefly with Rui Alvim in Rio about it, and I know Anat Cohen in New York has this setup. The most comprehensive account I've seen is John Morton's post on this forum from about four years ago (http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=389569&t=389569), so maybe he might see this and chip in too?!
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Author: John Morton
Date: 2017-07-11 20:21
I am quite happy with my DPA 4061. Close-micing seems essential when in proximity to other instruments. The link for that model is now:
http://www.dpamicrophones.com/microphones/dscreet/4061-miniature-omnidirectional-microphone-lo-sens
A couple of things I have learned: it's important to defend the mic and cable from being dislodged or knocked around, because of its extreme sensitivity. Best to coil and attach the extra length of tiny mic cable at your waist, and anchor the soundboard XLR cable at that point. If you are seated in front of a music stand you'll be OK with the stand as an anchor point, but obviously you can't walk away holding your clarinet!
It is good to be aware of monitor placement. The distance from mic to speaker is the crucial factor, so you don't want it right at your feet.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2017-07-12 19:44
Omni-directional microphones do just fine as far as "gain before feedback" if you just 1/2 the working distance over a cardioid. And, being free from proximity effect (bass boost) you can get them in closer. In addition, omni-directional microphones generally have a smoother and less coloured sound than cardioids (like the SM57).
For recording clarinet, I like to use two microphones a few feet away to average out the directional timbre anomalies ... one on the front and one on the sides, and in a fairly lively room. Smoothed out the sound. But, would not use two microphones like this for sound reinforcement ...
Tom
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Author: warden91
Date: 2017-07-14 19:50
Thanks both for these replies - I'm slowly educating myself.
John, re monitors, just to make sure I'm understanding correctly, the reason not to be too close to the monitor is that that will increase the risk of feedback, right?
Also John, from the sheet music in the background of your mic photos, it looks like you're a choro player, like myself? Picking up sound from the nearby pandeiro is something I'm also wary about...
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