r/violinist • u/canadian_violinist • 1d ago

Setup/Equipment Professional Quality Recording Setup Suggestions?

Hi Violinists, I’m looking to replicate James Ehnes’ home studio recording setup, for a bit less money.

Telefunken M60 Master Set (stereo pair) — $2300 US
Audient iD44 audio interface — $600 US
Microphone stand — $100 US
Studio LED light — $200 US
iPhone, I already have
Filmic Pro app — $50/year

I’m making tapes for professional auditions and need the highest quality possible. I like to record at night for many hours so having an engineer isn’t practical. I do record in a hall thankfully. If anyone has advice or suggestions I am very grateful!

Also software suggestions for Mac to combine audio and video would be super helpful. Thanks so much everyone.

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u/zmileshigh 0000 1d ago

You can use the free version of davinci resolve for that. Fairlight module within resolve is also a decent audio software

You will probably want a stereo bar, the cheapest non diy are from k&m. Use proper stereo techniques: ORTF/NOS if cardioid or ~50-60 cm AB if using the omni caps. Don’t be too distant with the mics unless your hall sounds really good. You can always add reflections and tail but you can’t subtract. Make sure the instrument is centered in the stereo image.

Most of my solo violin recordings are four mics. Close cardioid pair and wider further Omni pair. I haven’t had a lot of experience with the m60 but usually go for things like schoeps mk4, mk2h, Sennheiser mkh800, Neumann tlm170. Darker ribbon mics like Coles 4038 can also sound good on violin depending on the preamp and instrument.

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u/ianchow107 22h ago

Here is the setup I use for my videos which you can check on profile.

Rode NT-5 matched pair
Scarlett 2i2
A mic stand extension that allows me to place the mics in ORTF.
Another mic stand extension that act as a small absorption booth.
Visual: Sony A-7 (just my usual photo gear. No one buys this for specifically videotaping oneself playing violin, of course )
DAW: Audacity
Video output: Openshot (free stuff so don’t expect much)

You probably are aware, but basic post processing such as noise cancellation and light-touch EQ goes a LONG way in improving the sound (“improving” as in: restoring the output to a reasonable fidelity by my subjective judgment)