The best solution for amplifying an acoustic violin?

Submitted by oliw-d on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 21:07

For many years I struggled to find the ideal solution to mic'ing my fiddle in the range of groups that I work in. I started with piezo strip mics, which sounded poor. I then tried various clip-on mics such as the Audtio Technica ATM 35 hc, which was ok on quiter gigs but I struggled with getting enough level before feed-back. Also the tone reproduction was not faithful. About a year ago I found the answer - for me anyway.

DPA (Danish Precision Audio - www.dpamicrophones.com/en) make a miniature omnidirectional microphone which can be mounted onto stringed instruments using a small rubber clip. The mic is sold in a kit (IMK4061) including these and a few other mounts for different applications, along with an xlr connector.

I purchased this after trying one out at venue 2 in the Sage in Gateshead. The sound reproduction is the most natural I have heard in a live application. Its so good, in fact, that I have used in lots studio recordings too (blind tested alongside AKG 414b, AKG C3000 & Solid Tube at Dylan Fowler's Stwedio Felin Fach). Whilst I expected a mic like this to work well in the acoustic line-ups such as The Ian McMillan Orchestra and The Devil's Violin, I thought it would fall down in Mabon, which has drums and electric bass. In fact it works amazingly well. I seem to be able to get adequate level both on stage and through the front to compete with the drums and bass, even in the louder tracks - without having to compromise the tone of the instrument. You do get some spill from other instruments (its an omni!), but because the response is so flat, this doesn't distort the overall mix. Of the musicians I work with, Clare Salaman (nickelharp / violin), Nathan Thompson (double-bass), Dylan Fowler (guitar) and Sarah Moody ('cello) all use DPAs.

If you don't mind the tone of an electric instrument or transducer then they will give you the most level before feed-back, but if you love the sound of your acoustic instrument you should definitely consider the IMK 4061.

By the way I don't work for DPA!

Cheers
Oli

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New DPA range

Submitted by oliw-d on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 22:58.

I noticed DPA had some new purpose built mics for violin and 'cello. Would be very interested to hear from anyone who has tried them