How To Record Violin and Viola With the R44

Since the 1930’s, the R44 has proven incredibly adept at recording string instruments and sections. String instruments are complemented by the R44’s detailed mid-range, extended low-end, and figure-of-8 polar pattern.

Close Miking

Try positioning the R44 1 to 4 feet in front of the instrument where the low-end response is most ideal. Keep in mind that instruments within 6 feet of the R44 benefit from its pronounced proximity effect. Within that range, moving the R44 closer to the instrument will accentuate the bass, and pulling it away will reduce that effect.

Distant Miking

The R44 delivers balanced a treble/bass ratio at distances greater than some might expect; from as far as 20 feet away, the R44 will still retain its characteristic low-end. We find this is the best application for the R44, as it allows the mic to breathe in the massive spread of sound that fills and interacts with a large space.

Sections, Ensembles, and Orchestras

The versatile R44 excels at recording string sections, quartets, orchestras, and other ensembles from a distance. From as far as 20 feet away, the R44 captures detailed, balanced sound of an instrument section and supplements it with massive room tone. When arranged 6 to 10 feet from the source, in Blumlein configuration, two R44s create a massive, detailed room image without the need for any support microphones.