Condenser mic for cello

[cellistneil]

Hi,
I'm a professional cellist, and part of my work is being sent pro tool files where i would then take to a studio and add several tracks and then send back. Ive recently decided to do it all from home. I have pro tools 11 an M-box and a great space to record. i'm looking for advice on a good quality condenser mic that would suit the cello. Any advice would be most welcome.
Thanks

[Craig F]

welcome to the forum

a good U47 into a good 1084(1085) pre/EQ would be my first choice
but that's me

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by Craig F

welcome to the forum

a good U47 into a good 1084(1085) pre/EQ would be my first choice
but that's me

That's if he can go from the 1084/5 output to line in on the MBox he already has. If he wants to just use the MBox and save a few dollars I'd suggest an AKG C414 (not the vocal version) or a Neumann TLM103.

[TimothyJohn]

Originally Posted by musicman691

That's if he can go from the 1084/5 output to line in on the MBox he already has. If he wants to just use the MBox and save a few dollars I'd suggest an AKG C414 (not the vocal version) or a Neumann TLM103.

+1 for the AKG C414 xls. I've used it with an MBox
and got excellent results.

[Michael Zull]

Already some great suggestions here, although I'm not a fan of the TLM103 for the money. Another good option is the Audio Technica AT4040, this is the best sounding and most versatile $300 LDC I've ever heard. Give one a shot and if you like it, grab another one for stereo recordings or to use as a room mic for your cello recordings.

[albee1952]

Knowing your budget would help In the $300 price range, I would get the MXL CR-89. In the $900 range, the Miktek C7(and try using the figure 8 pattern). I would also love to hear a Cascade Fathead II with a Lundhal transformer in it on cello(it sounds killer on violin). Not a condenser, but possibly a great option(around $500)

[Eric Seaberg]

Look at the DPA 4099 http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/mic...tem&item=24360.

We have a bunch of these that we use on 14-18 strings, plus brass for a live TV shoot. They sound AWESOME. Obviously the violins and violas get a smaller version.

[mix109]

+1 for the 4099,and as an alternative the AudioTechnica ATM350
http://eu.audio-technica.com/en/prod...=2&prodID=1496

[mesaone]

Originally Posted by musicman691

Neumann TLM103.

Seems like the TLM103 is disliked in most corners of the internet, but I've always gotten great results using it with lower-register stringed instruments (standing bass, cello, even used it to mic the low strings on harp)

Originally Posted by mix109

+1 for the 4099,and as an alternative the AudioTechnica ATM350
http://eu.audio-technica.com/en/prod...=2&prodID=1496

And even the cheaper cousin to the ATM350, the Pro35. I own this mic but haven't used it on cello before, only violin and guitar.

[groundcontrol]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Knowing your budget would help In the $300 price range, I would get the MXL CR-89. In the $900 range, the Miktek C7(and try using the figure 8 pattern). I would also love to hear a Cascade Fathead II with a Lundhal transformer in it on cello(it sounds killer on violin). Not a condenser, but possibly a great option(around $500)

Good call on trying a ribbon. I've had good success with a few of them.
My favorite setup being a 4038 in front and a 251 in the back but this is me as JFreak says... In a pinch I've also had success with a single dpa omni.

The most determinant factors are still the player+instrument and the room.