This is a complicated question, but basically the Rodes are really too
bright for lute. The Studio Projects B1 (not the other models, only the
B1) is the Budget King at $89 and the Oktava is fine--the omni capsules
are better for lute of you have the right acoustic, and you can get a
model with both omni and cardioid capsules for not much extra. If you
just want the best value for the money, get the B1, if you want more
flexibilty with a multicapsule system, get the Oktava with both sets of
capsules. Of the Rodes, the NT5 omni capsule is way better than the
Rode cardiod capsule for lute, it is brighter than the Oktava omni--the
bass extension is similar, maybe the Oktava goes a bit lower if you
need to mic a violone. Remember that for lute, bass extension picks up
more traffic rumble, but this is easy to roll off in post.
Most lute recordings have an astonishing amount of noise and junk in
the sound, which is surprising. The SP B1 is fairly quiet, For super
quiet, you need to buy a more expensive mic, and here the big three for
lute in no particular order are the Schoeps M2H, the Sennheiser MKH 20
and the DPA 4003. Of these, the MKH 20 is silent in all respects, and
can record a clavichord.
The Focusrite USB is at the lower end of the preamp food chain,
consider a flash recorder preamp combo like the Fostex FR2LE. There is
a caveat here which is if you are thinking of expanding into video,
then you want gear that works with video, and here the advantage of the
Oktava 012 is that it can be put on a boom for doing interviews and so
on. If you are in a church and it is too live, use the cardioid, if you
are in a home studio, use the omni capsules. More flexibility, but a
little more self noise than the B1. A three mic system with an
inexpensive ribbon mic will be even better, but then you need an
interface that will record three mics, like the Tascam DR 680.
__________________________________________________________________
From: Rafael Munoz Rodriguez <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 4, 2013 6:48 AM
Subject: [LUTE] home recording
Dear friends,
I would like to buy a matched pair of microphones to make some home
recordings with the following instruments: theorbo, archlute, Baroque
lute, Renaissance lute, vihuela and Baroque guitar. The mikes would
work with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. For the price I would like to pay
I
have been told that the best options could be a pair of Rode NT5 or
Oktava MK-012. I have listen to some guitar sound samples and I find
the Rode more brilliant and dynamic, but it cuts a bit the low range
frequencies. The Oktava gives a more natural and woody sound, but I
find it a bit dark with a strong presence of mid-range frequencies.
Does anyone have recording experience with these specific models?
Other
suggestions are also welcome. Maybe there is a model wich is
particularly good at recording early music plucked strings
instruments.
Thanks in advance.
Best wishes,
Rafael Munoz
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