Microphones - Native American Flute

[@ClintGoss]

At 8:05 ... The mic comparison ... a "world record attempt for the most microphones recording a single phrase on a Native American flute". This took like two days to set up - all hooked into an 8-channel recorder at my feet. What a project!!

[@howiecampbellmusic]

Very well done, especially the mic shootout. That Sure 556 was striking. Very full bodied. Thanks for doing this.

[@Wasaia]

A real pleasure to hear you talking! And thanks for all the details.

[@rogersimmons7987]

Best side by side that I have seen. I have 5 of those mikes and agree with your assessment fully.

[@ClintGoss]

+Roger Simmons Thanks Roger! Was really quite a project ... I really was expecting more of a difference between mics, but these days I think that so much development has gone into mics that it is typically - in the real world - other things that play a more important role - preamps, A/D converters, even cables. And we won't even get into the listening side!

[@danshankle]

Thanks, again, Clint! As usual an outstanding production and GREAT presentation! Enjoyed immensely and looking forward to the next installation!

[@ClintGoss]

+Dan Shankle Thanks Doc! We after the three technology videos (Jan-March), we'll get back to more simple / straightforward playing techniques ... much easier to produce those as well!

[@BarryGrueter]

Yes for me the wet is best but you make the dry signal really cool too ✌️

[@ClintGoss]

I think most folks like the wet because it sounds like a produced album. Or in a cathedral or a canyon. Do it right (carefully, lots of listening) and you can get professional-sounding results with surprisingly little gear. However ... as a flute **player** ... I think the challenge is to play *without* effects and make it sound good. The reverb wet effects tend to cover up your slight inconsistencies.

[@rlowle1228]

Thanks for all the teck stuff, you make it clear and easy

[@ClintGoss]

+R lowle Thanks! Clear and easy is our goal ... this should all be fun, right? That's why we call it "playing" ...

[@salithaprasan435]

Thanks for this vedio ❤️

[@stctrailrider]

Learned so much Many Thanks Mr Goss! C U in Encino this year!

[@ClintGoss]

+stctrailrider Thanks for the feedback ... Flute Harvest should be a blast!

[@louboden6598]

Another great lesson Clint. When I was learning about mics for the NAF I spent a lot of time figuring out what you have just taught really well in just a few minutes. I have used a number of the mics that you sampled and you selected well. I would just also add that, for a new user, the Shure mics and that AKG 1000s are almost indestructible and that is of some comfort to a beginner.

[@verashanov3421]

+Lou Boden Right Lou ... Clint didn't mention anything about durability. Good point ...

[@ClintGoss]

+Vera Shanov Well, I don't have any hard info on durability ... I think it's pretty well established that ribbon mics are pretty delicate, but we don't get into those ... and the C-1000S is I think designed for road use? Stands to reason it would be more durable ...Thanks Lou!!

[@dixiegarcia2873]

Great as always Clint

[@ClintGoss]

+Dixie Garcia Thanks Dixie! Cool video I saw you in recently ... and with great microphone technique!

[@Azsirocco]

Great Video Clint. I have been using only a single mic in recording and performing but this shows me the value of using two mics. Looking forward to your future videos on this subject.

[@ClintGoss]

+Bette Acker Thanks Bette - yes, I like a two-mic setup for recording ... for performing, it can be a challenge ... I'm lucky if I can keep one mic straight!

[@Azsirocco]

+Clint Goss - I have been experimenting with a wireless mic when I am performing so I can interact more with the audience. Mic placement is tricky but I found that if I secure it above the sound hole on the side with the mic pointing away form the sound hole and put a foam cosmetic sponge under the mic I do not pick up breath and finger tapping sounds. Not aesthetically appealing but it seems to work. I also use a stationery mic when I am in front of the audience. That is the best but the wireless gives me some freedom.

[@ClintGoss]

+Bette Acker It was a decision not to go into wireless mics and other esoterica ... wanted to keep it as basic and comprehensible as we could ... it cool to get a pic of your wireless setup.

[@sreerench]

Thanks for ur valuble video clips, i like at2035 and audix microphone sounds with out wind/pop

[@ClintGoss]

Thanks! The pop screen is not supposed to make (much) of a difference, but it actually is noticeable if I listen carefully - especially if I listen on my headphones ...

[@rogersimmons7987]

I like the KISS principle. I like reverb and delay. I play a few pow wows in my area,and I love to play to the delay. play a note or two then I use it as a flute that I answer, Sort of two flutes in a canyon.

[@ClintGoss]

+Roger Simmons Yes, yes! We'll have FluteCasts on using a mixer and digital effects over the next two months ...

[@EtzEchad]

I ran sound for my church for 15 years and the Shure SM-58 was by far my favorite mic for vocals. It has a very good mid-range response, which is great for voice. I'm not sure it would be the best for an instrument like a flute though. To my ear, it sounded second best after the AT2035. (Condenser mics generally have more dynamic range, which may account for it.)

[@genelaw6511]

What would be a good mic for those of us who are budget challenged?

[@ClintGoss]

Some info from a conversion on Facebook: Do you record with one mic or do you ever record stereo? I typically record with two mics - often the same type of mic - large diaphragm condensers - but different distance from teh sound hole - one maybe 6-9" and one at about 2-2.5 feet and pointed a bit more towards the finger holes. Then I mix those two for best sound. I'm usually using 60-80% of the near mic and the remainder from the far mic. That goes into the left and right channels balanced so that it places the flute where I want it on the "sound stage'. If the flute is the main instrument, I tend to pan it pretty close to center. I hope this helps!

[@davidsandomirsky1196]

+Clint Goss As always, many thanks for your videos and your comments! :)

[@ClintGoss]

+David Sandomirsky Thanks David!

[@Divinely.sacred]

autiful what key is this flute in! I love it

[@ClintGoss]

D Minor!

[@conwah3697]

Hi all, Is there anybody out there that could help me please? Im looking to buy my first ever Mics for my flute and I was wondering if anybody could point me in the right direction, Im after two budget mics one for a static setup in my house and one for using outside with my mini amp. Will a lapel mic work for outdoors? I only have a very limited budget so wouldnt be able to spend a lot. Thanks for the video Clint, keep up the good work.

[@ClintGoss]

On the lapel mic ... as with all things you can try them - no reason a lapel mic should not work outdoor ... but I would probably have a windscreen on it (a small foam cover) to prevent wind interference. I think the video has some good suggestions on inexpensive mics - try a basic dynamic mic for starters, and there are a *lot* of good deals on the re-sale market. Best of luck!

[@conwah3697]

@@ClintGoss Ok thanks Clint. dfo you never sleep?

[@ClintGoss]

@@conwah3697 Only when I'm not playing!

[@BrianTownsendFundy]

It’s interesting to hear that the mic with the best frequency response is not necessarily the best mic for the flute.

[@ClintGoss]

Interesting how that works out ...

[@ontrada]

Hi, Clint. What do you use these days for portable recording?

[@ClintGoss]

Depending on the situation: a Zoom H4 (pretty old, more for casual recording) or a Sound Devices 788T (for serious high-quality recording) or directly into my laptop through a portable audio interface - an RME Babyface Pro FS (4 in / 4 out) or an RME UCX II (8 in / 8 out). Recordings on the laptop are done these days with either Reaper (a DAW) or Cantabile (a live-performance app). I also have recorders we use with the on-site recording kiosks at workshops that record directly to USB flash drives - don't recall the brand at the moment, but they are 19" rack units. Oh, and by the way, the RME UCX II interface also records directly to USB flash drives.

[@medicalofficermedkip8141]

How did I end up 10 minutes into this video, I don't even own a flute.

[@mithahtoo8563]

what flute you using

[@ClintGoss]

A low/mid-range D minor by Randy Stenzel!

[@mithahtoo8563]

I like the sound of it,make me feel sad,dream, what's the name of it,where to buy it, want to know more about it.i'm from Asia.

[@ClintGoss]

Randy and Shelly Stenzel make flutes under the name "Feather Ridge Flutes".