August 2, 2005 at 7:46 PM

::how to record the violin...::

In my years as a touring and professional violinist/producer, I have made several recordings and recorded several albums. In my most professional opinion, the best way to acquire a violin is to use a condenser microphone placed at an angle, faced toward the f-hole. Its important to supress the sound a bit for quieter parts so that random noises aren't picked up due to high gain in the studio. Of course this setup is for an acoustic sound.

If you're looking for a more modern solution to strings, I suggest plugging direct, using an electric violin. Going all electric is easy and will yield the least random noise to your recording project. However, unless you are meticulous with your programming, its usually obvious that its an electric violin.

If you like a rich, velvety, dark sound (which I often prefer in modern arrangements) I'll record with the mute on the violin. After I have the part recorded, I'll boost the lows, trim the highs and cut the mids. Then a nice touch of reverb will make that single violin melt in the mix.

I'd love to hear other approches you other producers/violinists use when recording. Please reply.

-ross christopher
www.rosschristopher.com

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