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Miking Techniques

Violin and Viola
The frequency range of the violin is from 200 Hz to harmonics at 10,000 Hz. As far as microphone choice is concerned, the flatter the frequency range the better. Commonly, highly accurate condenser mics are used. If you must use a less accurate mic, it must still have a fairly flat frequency curve between 300 Hz and 1200 Hz. The frequency range of the viola is much smaller in comparison, with less higher frequency harmonics. Usually, the mic is placed at a distance of 6 inches to 8 feet from the instrument, pointed at the face of the violin/viola. The closer the mic placement, the more gritty, scratchy and nasal the sound. Solo classical recordings are usually done at a distance of 3 to 8 feet, yielding a much mellower, rounder tone. The difference in tone can be great enough between two different violins and players, that this sometimes dictates the distance of miking. In certain live gig situations, a clip-on instrument mic is used, attached to the tail piece. This is used to cut down on feedback with the PA system.