Mic Violin both Studio and Live

Question

Mic Violin both Studio and Live

If I am doing both Live and Studio Recording for both Classical and Baroque Violin what is the best setup at a reasonable price? Right now I have 2 tube preamps specifically the ART TPS II and the Tube MP Project series with usb. I have an Audio-Technica 4040 Condensor Mic. For recording interfaces I have the Roland Octa-Capture, Roland Duo Capture Ex, and I have the H4N PRO. The H4N Pro I definately don't him and haw about, but the tube preamps I definately do as I have had noise issues with them all, but I do see more warmth in tone. Does Anyone have the best way to set things up? And a Ribbon mic what for suggestions for that? Probably like others have said the one thing I have noticed is that straight into both the octacapture and the duo capture ex seems almost too electronic. Any input would be appreciated.

iPhone 6, iOS 11.2.5

Posted on Feb 13, 2018 3:50 PM

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Answer 1

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Feb 14, 2018 9:48 AM in response to joshuarosschristie

Using what you have I would run the AT 4040 into the ART TPS-2 into one of the Roland interfaces. In the Studio, if you have a good room do not close mic the instruments, experiment between 2 & 4 feet away so you get a bit of room sound.

You have to understand gain staging with the Mic Preamp or you will get noise, you want the tube preamp to output a fairly hot signal to the Roland then you can run the Roland's input a bit lower reducing noise.

Understanding how to record and use the equipment you have will make ANY hardware sound better.

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Answer 2

Feb 14, 2018 9:22 PM in response to joshuarosschristie

While I'm not familiar with the Roland or ART hardware, I have an H4N that I use to record band rehearsals. It's OK for the money but the sound is harsh and definitely not something I'd want to use for violin. A ribbon is the way to go, especially in the studio. Cascade makes decent, affordable ribbons like the FAT HEAD. Using a CloudLifter to boost the gain from the ribbon will help with gain noise issues in your pre amp. Pancenter is 100% correct about gain staging.

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Mic Violin both Studio and Live

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