#434223 - 03/22/00 03:10 PM
Seeking advice on recording Indian instruments(sitar, tabla)
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Kris
Platinum Member
Registered: 03/22/00
Posts: 1531
Loc: Tallahassee, Florida
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Hello, I am starting a project in May with a really talented "fusion" group. The really cool thing is that musicians are from India and play lots of interesting instruments that I have never miced up before.
I am seeking any tips or advice on mics and mic placement, etc. for Sitar, violin, and tabla (sp?)and other eastern percussion instruments. Thanks in advance.
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#434224 - 03/25/00 08:01 PM
Re: Seeking advice on recording Indian instruments(sitar, tabla)
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gm
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Registered: 02/10/00
Posts: 2184
Loc: Williamson County, TN, USA
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Dear Kris,
Sounds like an interesting project.
I'm going to assume that you don't have to deliver a 'modern Indian pop' production, which seem to be full of electronic emulation of classic Indian instruments set to hideous loops.
Right off the top, I'd advise you to listen to known-great recorded Indian-music performances so as to 'tune' your ear to what these instruments are expected to sound like.
Then, take the time to listen to the group at rehearsal, or at a gig. Try to figure out what the sonic center is to what they're trying to do.
The last time I did sitar, tablas and violin was for Mark O'Connor's violin heros record, and it was a really good group. I've always mic'ed the sitar in mono, and always finding a great spot by ear - I have ended up with a tight mic (probably a C12) somewhere around where the instrument's plucked. Tablas I mic tight with B&K 4011's on each instrument. Violin I mic as usual, with a C12 directly above, about 8-10" off of the F-holes.
The key to making the acoustic group work is, I think, getting the sound right in the room - preferably a nice, neutral, somewhat-live-ish room.
But you haven't mentioned what else will be in the "fusion" group. Are there electronics? How are they melded with the acoustic instruments? How is it intended for everyone to hear each other? Earphones? Big job getting a cool balance, there.
Good luck,
George
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#434225 - 03/30/00 03:08 PM
Re: Seeking advice on recording Indian instruments(sitar, tabla)
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Kris
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Registered: 03/22/00
Posts: 1531
Loc: Tallahassee, Florida
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Thanks so much for the input. Your assumption is correct. The group is comprised of Sitar (she is the group leader), violin, electric guitar, bass, drums, tabla and other assorted percussion. Each song will have additional voices and instruments as well. I was planning on using headphones, and putting the drummer in a drum room. Unless they would like it otherwise.
The group was very exticed to have me visit their rehearsals which I will do over the next few weeks. Thanks for that tip.
As far as other electronics, I know that she is very interested in my systems (Pro Tools 24) plug-in capabilities, especially harmonizers and delays. I'm thinking about the Waves Mechanics - Pure Pitch plug in for harmonies. Any other harmony type plugins I should check out? Not looking to spend much in this department so a hardware processor is probably not feasable.
Thanks for the micing tips as well!
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#434226 - 04/03/00 04:34 AM
Re: Seeking advice on recording Indian instruments(sitar, tabla)
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c.cash
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Registered: 03/17/00
Posts: 321
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Check out anything from the Indian percussion guru, Trilock Gurtu (I probably blew that spelling all to...).
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