I would just like a discussion of amplifying and recording.
A good friend of mine uses an old type of pickup that they used to use on saxophones. He says they are tough to get a hold of, and he only has it on the chanter. I have heard others who just use a proximity mic. What is the preference of most here?
As far as recording goes, same questions?
Mick,
Performance and recording mic’ing setups have been discussed before. Depending on the playing conditions, the equipment can often be the same or they can be totally opposite. It depends on many factors. Much of this is what your budget will allow.
For conversation… on a solo stage performance you could probably get by with 3-4 stragtegically placed middle of the road $75-200 (Shure, AKG, etc.) instrument microphones running through a sound board with graphic equalizer and some reverb or echo (in moderation) to smooth out the mix.
Solo recording might be the same approach except the microphones are of a higher quality, often electric condenser units costing $300-800.
Live performance with drums and amplified guitars and violin… err sorry fiddles, your mics may pickup too many other sounds and not be suitable without some form of sound isloation. You’ve probably seen drummers surrounded by a ‘wall’ of clear acrylic to keep them from getting into the other microphones on stage. Same effect.
Taking it to the limit, you can ‘bug’ the chanter with the Barcus-Berry mic designed for flute heads (high sound pressure) and run seperate clip-on (saxophone style) mics on flexable necks for the drones and regulators.
I guess this should get the conversation started.
Tony, I greatly appreciate your input. I tried to search the archives for previous discussions but didn’t get anything. Could someone help me out with this?
Thanks,
lots of reading, but follow this link:
http://www.irishpipersclub.org//newsletteraticleericrigler.htm
http://www.mbtinternational.com/barcusberry/default.htm
[ This Message was edited by: Tony on 2002-07-28 00:10 ]
I am no expert, but am in the process of setting up my first “home studio.” I have found the bbs on http://www.homerecording.com to be an excellent resource. Of course there is nothing specific to UPs, but it may be a good place for more info.
I should also add that there are newer generation condenser mics (for recording) available for a much nicer price than in the past, starting at $70 and up.
Good luck!
Scott
Check out this fella’s method and give me some feedback, please?
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=50042&messages=7#758965
Mick, I hope these links clear up some name brand/product descriptions…
Beta 57 is a microphone manufactured by Shure.
http://www.discountwarehouse.com/tn-beta-57.html
BBE is a company that produces sonic maximizers. One description of a maximizer is a device you can plug a standard electric guitar into and it will simulate the sounds of an acoustic guitar.
For pictures and prices follow these links:
http://www.americanmusical.com/item.asp?UID=2002080221335858&server=MN2&menu=&keyword=&item=BBE+362
http://www.americanmusical.com/item.asp?UID=2002080221335858&server=MN2&menu=&keyword=&item=BBE+882
Behringer is a high-end preamp that uses tube (valve) technology to create ‘fatter’ analog sound that most digital equipment lack.
http://www.wcsound.com/PA_Gear/Processing/Behringer_Home/Behringer_Tube_Proc/behringer_tube_proc.html
Mick,
I’ve just finished some work in a studio and I was pleased with the engineers approach. (band work not solo). The chanter was mic’d from below (about 1 foot away and approx 1 foot below) and above (same again save that the mic was slightly to the right of the chanter) It is important to get mic placement correct for the back D.
For solo recording of all parts working, a straight forward stereo set up is needed. Then place yourself at the optimum distance from the mics (depends on the room size and “active” response).
For live, I have not found better than a mic about 6" from chanter pointing toward F hole (remember that the volume of HighA n B will overpower) and another mic at the bottom of the regs about 9"(or you could say middle of drones). It should work fine, it’s really the engineer you have to worry about.
I have heard pipers use the sax type pick up on their reeds and it sounds shit. Remember the real sound comes out of the holes!!