Microphone Positioning: Woodwinds & Brass

Saxophone

With the saxophone, the sound is fairly well distributed between the finger holes and the bell. Miking close to the finger holes will result in key noise.

The soprano sax must be considered separately because its bell does not curve upward. This means that, unlike all other saxophones, placing a microphone toward the middle of the instrument will not pick-up the sound from the key holes and the bell simultaneously.

The saxophone has sound characteristics similar to the human voice. Thus, a shaped response microphone designed for voice works well.

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
A few inches from and aiming into bell Bright Minimizes feedback and leakage.
A few inches from sound holes Warm, full Picks up fingering noise.
A few inches above bell and aiming at
sound holes		 Natural Good recording technique.
Miniature microphone mounted on bell Bright, punchy Maximum isolation, up-front sound.

 

Flute

The sound energy from a flute is projected both by the embouchure and by the first open fingerhole. For good pickup, place the mic as close as possible to the instrument. However, if the mic is too close to the mouth, breath noise will be apparent. Use a windscreen on the mic to overcome this difficulty.

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
A few inches from area between mouthpiece and first set of finger holes Natural, breathy Pop filter or windscreen may be required on microphone.
A few inches behind player’s head, aiming at finger holes Natural Reduces breath noise.

 

Oboe, Bassoon, Etc.

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
About 1 foot from sound holes Natural Provides well-balanced sound.
A few inches from bell Bright Minimizes feedback and leakage.

 

Harmonica

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
Very close to instrument Full, bright Minimizes feedback and leakage.Microphone may be cupped in hands.

 

Accordion

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
One or two feet in front of instrument, centered Full, bright Minimizes feedback and leakage.Microphone may be cupped in hands.
Miniature microphone mounted
internally		 Emphasizes midrange Minimizes leakage. Allows freedom of movement.

 

Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone, Tuba

The sound from most brass instruments is very directional. Placing the mic off axis with the bell of the instrument will result in less pickup of high frequencies.

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
1 to 2 feet from bell (a couple of instruments can play into one microphone) On-axis to bell sounds bright; to one side sounds natural or mellow Close miking sounds “tight” and minimizes feedback and leakage. More distant placement gives fuller, more dramatic sound.
Miniature microphone mounted on bell Bright Maximum isolation.

 

French Horn

Microphone Placement Tonal Balance Comments
Microphone aiming toward bell Natural Watch out for extreme fluctuations on VU meter.

 

More articles on microphones

Microphones for woodwinds and brass

PG81 Condenser Microphone entry level
PG81
Beta 57A
SM137
See all instrument microphones