I'm going to be working with a group that incorporates Japanese instruments. There will be two Koto (13 string 'guitar') and a Shakuhachi (flute) accompanying a small choir. I'd appreciate any thoughts on mic positions and types. I have sdc, ldc, and ribbonsmto choose from in addition to the usual suspects.
Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
- Thread starter Steve Zink
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Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
Depending on how high off the floor the kotos are, try a couple of SDCs on desk stands or short booms from underneath. If the deck is smooth, a PZM underneath will also work.
Depending on how high off the floor the kotos are, try a couple of SDCs on desk stands or short booms from underneath. If the deck is smooth, a PZM underneath will also work.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
I did Kotos sitting directly on the stage with SDCs on short booms before, works well. Shakuhachi is just like any other wind instrument, SDC or LDC on a stand a couple of feet back to get the "air".
I did Kotos sitting directly on the stage with SDCs on short booms before, works well. Shakuhachi is just like any other wind instrument, SDC or LDC on a stand a couple of feet back to get the "air".
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
I'd love to try a PZM, but I only have one. I might try it during rehearsal and if it works well I can round up another.
For using a sdc, any suggestions on placement? I'm not sure how much time I'll have to experiment so it will help to narrow my options.
I'd love to try a PZM, but I only have one. I might try it during rehearsal and if it works well I can round up another.
For using a sdc, any suggestions on placement? I'm not sure how much time I'll have to experiment so it will help to narrow my options.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
Ask the performer where the mic should be placed. Have a couple of stand options pre-assembled. Don't over think it.
Ask the performer where the mic should be placed. Have a couple of stand options pre-assembled. Don't over think it.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
I actually play shakuhachi sometimes - we found that the best live setup was a headset microphone.
I actually play shakuhachi sometimes - we found that the best live setup was a headset microphone.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
I have Countryman e6 Omni available. I'll give that a try. That would make it very easy.
I have Countryman e6 Omni available. I'll give that a try. That would make it very easy.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
Unless there's a particular preference from the player, I suggest the radical method of listening to the instrument to find where the sound comes out and placing a mic with the appropriate polar pattern for the placement relative to other ensemble elements.
Unless there's a particular preference from the player, I suggest the radical method of listening to the instrument to find where the sound comes out and placing a mic with the appropriate polar pattern for the placement relative to other ensemble elements.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
Bonus points if you choose a mic with frequency response suited to the instrument and where it needs to sit in the mix.
Bonus points if you choose a mic with frequency response suited to the instrument and where it needs to sit in the mix.
Re: Mic techniques for Japanese instruments
You can, to a certain extent, EQ for frequency response. You cannot do anything at the board to improve isolation. My favorite frquency resonse is flat...
You can, to a certain extent, EQ for frequency response. You cannot do anything at the board to improve isolation. My favorite frquency resonse is flat...
