Blumlein recording question for those who use Blumlein

[ligeti]

I recording a majority of my work using the Blumlein array.

I'd like to know what advise you may have as to recording a viola and piano recital. Would you place the piano directly behind the viola or would you place the piano, for example, slightly to the left lobe of the mics and the viola slightly to the right lobe of the alternate mic?

Any ideas are welcome.

www.kurtandersonaudio.com

[dfuruta]

Whatever the players are more comfortable with, perhaps. Different positions can have a real impact on the quality of the performance...

[drumsound]

For recording a recital, make the players comfortable and adjust the microphone array to them.
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Tony
Oxide Lounge Recording
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WWRTBD?

[drumsound]

For recording a recital, make the players comfortable and adjust the microphone array to them.
_________________
Tony
Oxide Lounge Recording
Follow me on TWITTER!

WWRTBD?

[brew]

Yes, for classical, start from the standard recital config (viola standing off piano's right hand). If you want a more centered image however, you can manipulate but I wouldn't go too crazy. Listen to some recordings in headphones to guess how it's been done. For recordings I think some are manipulated for a better center, but of course this is not how it appears in performance.

If this is a live performance, as Tony said, they stand where they normally do and you don't get a choice! I would not use the true center of the physical size of the ensemble, because then the viola will be hard left, which will sound weird on the recording. Scoot the mics closer to the viola initially and go from there--you don't want much hard stereo separation for a duo like this.

If a recording, it might not be much of an issue to turn the violist around facing the pianist out front of the piano's curve (they will see each other better this way, though you don't want to get the viola turned around from the mic).



You didn't specify if these were ribbons, but ribbons on viola and piano would not be my initial choice, though no harm in trying--the viola is mellow as it is and a ribbon to me would fuzz it out. Also, for Blumlein, you really have to be in a good hall, you will hear this soon enough. When it works, however, the Blumlein is my favorite mic technique. Have fun!

[Nick Sevilla]

Start with this position, if possible :



Cheers
_________________
The Song. Nothing else really matters.

[ligeti]

I actually used that exact configuration for these recordings:

http://soundcloud.com/ligeti1964/track03

http://soundcloud.com/ligeti1964/track02

http://soundcloud.com/ligeti1964/track01

You hear the room (perhaps a little too much) and the balance is not bad.

Like to know what you think.

[ligeti]

I just added five new uploads for the above-referenced viola/piano recital I recorded. Would love to know what you think.

http://soundcloud.com/ligeti1964

Thanks!

[bobar]