Best mics/mic-ing approaches for sax?

[Phobos]

I'll be recording an alto sax solo on an upbeat, funky song this weekend. Last time I recorded sax was 15 years ago when I had nothing but SM57s. Now I have a decent mic locker but still no experience recording woodwinds or horns. Can anyone help with some general guidance?

[markjazzbassist]

electro voice re 20 or sennheiser 421 would be my first choices.

[Scodiddly]

I love a Sennheiser 441 on sax.

Failing that, a LDC that's not overly bright is usually a good choice.

[digitaldrummer]

421 or 441 are pretty good on sax. I've also had good luck with a ribbon mic (I used a Cascade Vinjet) - have the sax player stand about 2-3 feet away from it. Use a pop filter if you want (but should not be needed if standing 2-3ft back). I've also mic'd Alto and Tenor using a U47-style mic and did the same thing (a couple feet away from the mic vs right up on it). A lot will depend on the player and the room too.

[drumsound]

I don't like micing the bell of saxophones, because it's often a pointy sound. I like an LDC or ribbon miced from the player's right side where it's getting the sounds coming from the places air escapes from open pads and the off axis bell sound.

[Recycled_Brains]

441 or M160 usually.

I always ask the player where the best sound is coming out, because it's usually not the bell, but be wary of picking up too much of the keys clacking. Why I never use an LDC and also why the really precise directionality of these 2 mics comes in handy.

[frans_13]

MD441 or a dark ribbon - the tip of putting the mic to the side is good to avoid abrasive high mids.

[Phobos]

Of the mics listed here, I have an EV RE20 and a Cascade ribbon mic. I definitely need to add a 421 or 441 to my collection.

[Nick Sevilla]

I've had good luck with Sennheiser MD421s and 441s. Also the old trusty AKG 414, but with the -10dB pad on.

As always, listen to the sax and the player, put the mic where it will pick up the best balanced sound and not get blown out by a loud passage.

[digitaldrummer]

if you don't want the sax player to shove the mic in the bell, then you might try putting tape on the floor, or something bigger, to prevent them from moving in on the mic. If you don't they will inevitably (instinctively?) move right up to it, head on... remind them it's not a live show. sometimes I use a pop filter way out from the mic, just to keep them away.

[Phobos]

I do have a 414 B-ULS. Maybe I will try that with the pad.

[roscoenyc]

if you don't want the sax player to shove the mic in the bell, then you might try putting tape on the floor, or something bigger, to prevent them from moving in on the mic. If you don't they will inevitably (instinctively?) move right up to it, head on... remind them it's not a live show. sometimes I use a pop filter way out from the mic, just to keep them away.

Excellent strategy.
Plus another vote for whatever ribbon you have.

[Nick Sevilla]

I do have a 414 B-ULS. Maybe I will try that with the pad.

I love my pair of BULS.

If you haven't recorded them, another tip: Make them loud in their headphone mix. That will keep them from leaning into the microphone to hear themselves better.

[MiscreantRecords]

I recently used a pair of AKG c414 xlii on a stereo bar in omni mode to record a tenor sax and we loved the results.

[losthighway]

I've been an alto player since I was 10. I love recording saxophone because it's one of the easiest instruments to get sounding right. M160 is okay, sm57 gets away with more in that spot than it does most anywhere else, but nothing's ever beat out the SM7b for me. Point it just above the bell a foot out. Kind of between the top keys and the bell. Slow compressor doing only 3-5db of reduction. Done. Sometimes it doesn't even need EQ.

The horns come in around 1:15
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