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About Sennheiser

Saxophone Miking Techniques


Most saxophones range from about 80 Hz to harmonics in the 8000 Hz range. Also, breath noises are sometimes considered a part of a player's sound (especially in jazz and classical). The breath noises on a saxophone can extend the desired pickup range up to 13000 Hz. The best sound can be obtained with a mic placed at about the middle of the saxophone, pointed toward the horn. The fatter the sound desired, the more you want to point the mic towards the bell. Some players want the sound of the keypads and keys, some don't. The more the mic is pointed to the bell, the less key noise is apparent. Sometimes a clip on instrument mic is used in live situations. This is an easy setup to adjust. Simply clip the mic onto the outside edge of the bell, and adjust the mic. Some players prefer a dynamic mic close to the bell, and a condenser mic further away, pointed towards the keys. Sort of the best of both sounds.