Hello Graham, Yes it is quite normal for the horn in an orchestra or pit situation to have the mic directly in the bell. If you look on the stage at Chicago or NY or probably anywhere that has solo mic's you will see the same thing. Depending on the mic this is fine as one will get the best quality of recording from this position. Remember that the solo mic is not the only source of sound and is only used to highlight and make more ambient the instrument in question. In a studio situation it is not unusual to see a mic in the bell of every horn (indeed every musician). An ideal recording - if such a concensus could be found - would use a single mic from behind the conductor or equivalent spot. The accoustic variables of the room and the particular ensemble and the recording equipment are immense however and it can be easier to mic at two main points and many auxiliary points as reinforcement.
This subject was alluded to recently with regards to how we conceive of the sound up close as opposed to in the hall. A studio player is far more concerned with making a beautiful sound at the bell than the average orchestral player because of the recording point. This isn't to say that orchestral players don't strive for a good and characteristic tone, just that the audience (read mic) is in a different location and so a different approach is required in order to project that good sound to the aural destination (the ear). I could go on but shouldn't.... The Jack Attack! -----Original Message----- From: Graham Jarvis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, 15 March, 2003 16:20 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Hornlist] Up-close sound Hi, What does all this say about microphone placement? I was recently involved in a local radio recording with a small wind = ensemble. The recording engineer insisted on lacing "my" microphone = directly behind my bell. I tried to argue but he wasn't interested in = changing the position. Is this normal? What is customary in this kind of = situation? All the best, Graham _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
