I'm looking for recommendations for mics for recording tabla - dayan, bayan - separate and a single mic for both. Does anyone happen to know what Ust. Zakirji uses in performance? Is there a difference in performance mics and recording mics ( for studio pro DAT). I was told that most Shure miscs are mostly "dirty" mics mainly for amplified instruments. I'd like something 'clean' but bright and also be able to carry the bayan without distorting.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Aanaddha
Hi Aanaddha
I've got the same problem for recording. I tried different mic and now I record with a Shure Sm 57, it's polyvalent and not to bright.
I think Zakirji uses 2 Sm 57 but i'm not sure.
You can try also the mic cells, (as a drummer) but its quite expensive.
See you .
Zitoun :-)
Hi
This topics was discussed in the past. You can search in the messages.
Anyway, my opinions: for live concert, the best way is to use 1 dynamic microphone which you set perpendicular to the tabla skin, between the 2 drums, and as close as possible while it doesnt disturb playing (that means about 20 cm) . The choice of the mic is personnal : sm57, sm58. . I saw Zakir play with a Sennheiser MD421. I believe if it's good for voice, it's good for tablas. Anyone tried a beyer M88?
This works in studio recordings too.
krasp (Jun 25, 2003 09:47 a.m.):
Hi
This topics was discussed in the past. You can search in the messages.
Anyway, my opinions: for live concert, the best way is to use 1 dynamic microphone which you set perpendicular to the tabla skin, between the 2 drums, and as close as possible while it doesnt disturb playing (that means about 20 cm) . The choice of the mic is personnal : sm57, sm58. . I saw Zakir play with a Sennheiser MD421. I believe if it's good for voice, it's good for tablas. Anyone tried a beyer M88?
This works in studio recordings too.
This topic was addressed by two seperate participants back in 2001, but there wasn't much response and it was never really discussed.
I know the SM's 57,58 are the current standard for tabla players, but everything I've heard about Shure mics from other acoustic musicians is that they are noisy.
I also heard that the newly re-issued Sennheiser MD421 II which is affordable isn't nearly as good as the vintage 421 which isn't. Ditto
( $$$ ) with the Beyer mics if you can find someone who sells them in the US??
Actually, I'm more interested in mics for recording than performance. Has anyone else here done much studio work with tabla?
Aanaddha
When it comes to studio recording I have not found one mic suitable to record across the whole spectrum of sound. Consequently I use an array of mics all fed through a single mixer with a line out into the main desk. Alternatively I take the signal from each mic and feed each signal to the desk independantly where they can be mixed after recording.
I have found that a great mix can be had from the following, tie mic and computer mic for the top end sounds, shure and sennheiser for mid range and peizo wall mics (with help from the mid range mics) for the bass end.
I know this is far from the answer you were seeking but it seems that the sound of the tabla together with the range of harmonics produced cannoe be effectively captured on a single microphone.
oMjA (Jun 26, 2003 06:43 a.m.):
When it comes to studio recording I have not found one mic suitable to record across the whole spectrum of sound. Consequently I use an array of mics all fed through a single mixer with a line out into the main desk. Alternatively I take the signal from each mic and feed each signal to the desk independantly where they can be mixed after recording.
I have found that a great mix can be had from the following, tie mic and computer mic for the top end sounds, shure and sennheiser for mid range and peizo wall mics (with help from the mid range mics) for the bass end.
I know this is far from the answer you were seeking but it seems that the sound of the tabla together with the range of harmonics produced cannoe be effectively captured on a single microphone.
omJa
Dear omJa,
Interesting. .yes. I didn't expect a simple answer, but your response will at least get me thinking along different lines and in the right direction. Thanks!
Are you using mic pre's? Any suggestions for a good affordable mixer?
Aanaddha
Omja,
i think it is the best but also the most difficult thing, to record it with specified mics for each frequencies.
if one do like this, he should know about the phase shifts wich could happen, if you take several mics for the same source. because this effect will cut the higher frequencies, and the result is an unclear muffy sound.
i think, it is easier to record the whole thing with one or perhaps two mics. if you uses two, cross the capsules, because then you have no distance between the both microphones, and the phase shift will be zero.
and also it is a tip to read about recording literature, just a little bit, it will help you, to understand the physics of recording.
it isn't that important to know everything about recording, it is more important to know what you should not do!!!
last, the shure SM 57 is a good choice for live, in the studio i would take condenser mics, such as beyerdynamic, akg, or for the highend Rode or Neumann. .
Vasanthe (Sep 28, 2003 10:27 p.m.):
I wish to find out what was discussed on this topic of microphones etc. Is there a way of getting hold of past replies in an archive or something?
The best source of info on virtually every aspect on this subject (and then some!) are the Google newsgroups, particularly <rec.audio.pro>.
Go to any Google search page and type in one or two key words that pertain to your question and search tab "groups" or "newsgroups". You can also search for FAQ's from the web on any major subject such as "microphone faq" etc.
To update - I got a matched pair of Crown cm700 mics from 8th street audio (about $230. ea.) and a Soundcraft notebook four channel mixer on Ebay for $150. The Crown mics are highly rated, very clean, powerful, and small and unobtrusive all-around instrument recording mics. Another good affordable choice are the Audio-Technica 4051 and 4041 series mics. I found way too many mixed reviews on the low to mid-range priced mics from the other major mfg's. like AKG, Senn., Rode, etc.
I also discovered that good mic cable is an important but often-overlooked factor. .stay clear of both Monster cable and budget mic cables. Best buy are 'Blue' kiwi's. for about $30. ea. You can pick up other peripherals on Ebay but do your research first. Good deals on used eqipment in the U.S. at Sweetwater.com trading post.
Like buying tablas, do the research, read the reviews from pro's, take your time, ask questions, and price shop comparitively.
Aanaddha
I asked Ty Burhoe, Zakirji's right hand man, about mics, and he said they use either the aforementioned SM57's or an Astatic condensor 10" goose neck microphone.
In the studio Ty recommends the AKG 414 TL2 (gold capsule).
I play accordion in a Cumbia band, so I need the fullest sound I can possibly get, but also a mic that will not scream with feedback. I chose the SM-57 because thats what all the pros use, and it works wonderfull. I resently have been using in for rudra veena, and also pakhawaj, with very satisfying results.
Beenkar Ted Ceplina
