[CatDuet]

Any advice for miking a flute in a big band? If I purchase a mic, it might be nice if it also would work for my sax in the future, so I'm not sure I want to pay for one of the mics that fit into the flute headjoint, which could only be used on flute. Are the clip-on mics any possible good, or is it better to go with a cardioid on a boom?

 

[vbluesman]

I'd get an inexpensive overhead condenser like an MXL brand and then for the sax I'd get a Shure SM 57. Close mikeing the flute is a drag with a close proximity microphone, one has to play literally on top of microphone. Dynamic microphones like the Shure are inexpensive and durable and they'll last a lifetime, they're great for the sax but tricky for the flute. Chinese condenser microphones can be incredibly inexpensive and the performance level is acceptable.

 

[CatDuet]

I'd get an expensive overhead condenser like an MXL brand and then for the sax I'd get a Shure SM 57. Close mikeing the flute is a drag with a close proximity microphone, one has to play literally on top of microphone. Dynamic microphones like the Shure are inexpensive and durable and they'll last a lifetime, they're great for the sax but tricky for the flute. Chinese condenser microphones can be incredibly inexpensive and the performance level is acceptable.

I didn't think a condenser was for live sound. Wouldn't it feed back?

 

[GHawk]

I'd certainly try a LDC. Joshua Redman uses a TLM103 and I've seen them used on big band sections.

 

[KeithL]

I use a K&K silver bullet which could be used on other instruments as well. Basically I put a small piece of velcro on the bottom of my stand to hold the amp that provides phantom power to the mic which allows you to plug and unplug it as necessary so you can keep from picking up your sax when you don't want that miked.

That being said; IMO, most big band arrangements that have flute doubles are written in such a way that if the rest of the band is under control you don't need special miking for the flute.

 

[vbluesman]

I didn't think a condenser was for live sound. Wouldn't it feed back?

Condensers are used in live applications for piano, acoustic guitars, wood winds and drum overheads. Instruments with high SPL like drums, guitar amps, brass and the saxophones are best served by a dynamic. I'd talk to your big bands director, if it's obvious to you that the flutes are getting buried in the mix that they would know it too. (I assume you're sitting in your chair doing your double, the overhead microphone would be best.)

 

[because]

I frequently play lead tenor in a big band, when I'm on flute I find that as long as I'm in the upper registers the flute can cut through the brass & the sound gets out. When I get on the lower end, I use a Shure 58 that is on a stand sitting to my right, there is an on/off switch, & I just have to lean into it. Previous comments are correct in that you have to be close enough to almost touching the mic. I do have the advantage of the lead tenor seat which means there is no one seated on my right side, allowing me a bit more room for the mic stand, when I was playing alto I used a boom stand that stood in front of the music stand & again I would turn it on, lower it toward me & lean in just a bit.

A Shure 58, mic cord & boom stand are extremely affordable!

 

[chilehed]

I'd avoid a mic that fits into the end of the headjoint, they tend to pick up a lot of key noise.

 

[Dr G]

I didn't think a condenser was for live sound. Wouldn't it feed back?

The greater issue is that it would pick up all the instruments around you. If you want just flute, you'll have to close mic.

 

[CatDuet]

I use a K&K silver bullet which could be used on other instruments as well. Basically I put a small piece of velcro on the bottom of my stand to hold the amp that provides phantom power to the mic which allows you to plug and unplug it as necessary so you can keep from picking up your sax when you don't want that miked.

That being said; IMO, most big band arrangements that have flute doubles are written in such a way that if the rest of the band is under control you don't need special miking for the flute.

Thanks for the recommendation. I play sax on most songs, but will do flute on just a couple. It's one flute against about 25 other members, and we play in large places and aren't asked to pipe down much. The director says we do need to mic my flute. I'm guessing that's true, since I find it hard to even hear myself much in anything but the highest octave. He seems to have lots of experience with big bands, so I trust his evaluation. My saxophone stand section partner said she could hear me, though, and liked the timbre being added to the band. The director asked if I had a mic and a boom I could bring. I do, but the mics I own are quite heavy (SM7 and Rode NT2a are my mics). The bottom of the stand is reinforced with a concrete disc my husband created to make it not so likely to topple. So I was just wondering if there were some more portable option, since I already carry enough equipment.

 

[CatDuet]

I frequently play lead tenor in a big band, when I'm on flute I find that as long as I'm in the upper registers the flute can cut through the brass & the sound gets out. When I get on the lower end, I use a Shure 58 that is on a stand sitting to my right, there is an on/off switch, & I just have to lean into it. Previous comments are correct in that you have to be close enough to almost touching the mic. I do have the advantage of the lead tenor seat which means there is no one seated on my right side, allowing me a bit more room for the mic stand, when I was playing alto I used a boom stand that stood in front of the music stand & again I would turn it on, lower it toward me & lean in just a bit.

A Shure 58, mic cord & boom stand are extremely affordable!

Thanks! This sounds like it could work!

 

[CatDuet]

I use a K&K silver bullet which could be used on other instruments as well. Basically I put a small piece of velcro on the bottom of my stand to hold the amp that provides phantom power to the mic which allows you to plug and unplug it as necessary so you can keep from picking up your sax when you don't want that miked.

That being said; IMO, most big band arrangements that have flute doubles are written in such a way that if the rest of the band is under control you don't need special miking for the flute.

These look convenient. Maybe I can try one out at Guitar Center.

 

[Dr G]

The director asked if I had a mic and a boom I could bring. I do, but the mics I own are quite heavy (SM7 and Rode NT2a are my mics). The bottom of the stand is reinforced with a concrete disc my husband created to make it not so likely to topple. So I was just wondering if there were some more portable option, since I already carry enough equipment.

I have the K&M telescoping boom. It's not a feather, but it's not concrete either - very stable, and durable. Mine has to be 20+ years old.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...MI0_KJqu-Y5wIVix6tBh3huQdpEAQYASABEgIYmPD_BwE

 

[adamk]

I have a Sennheiser 441 which i have on a tripod stand with telescoping boom above the embouchure hole pointing down toward toward it.
Since i also play keys i rest the stand on the keyboard (which you can't do in big band
I almost have it resting on my nose. I pull away for high notes and get close for low.
The air flow is below the mic so very little wind noise.
It looks weird but sounds fabulous.
You could use a lighter mic with same setup.

 

[turf3]

I'd vote for a Shure SM57 or 58.

For boom stands, get the kind with a counterweight and a round cast iron base, not the tripod kind (that everyone trips over) or the boom without the counterweight (that falls over if you use it as intended).

Put the microphone slightly below or at the same level as your embouchure hole, and in front, that's always been my setup and I find it works well. Some bandleaders want to mike you from above but you can't get close. Here's about where I set it.

https://www.facebook.com/archiduc/p...ucnetenevents201711lew-tab/10150948226334990/

 

[whaler]

The only way is to get right on a mic. I won’t play flute in any group without a PA. Absolutely useless.

 

[Dr G]

I'd vote for a Shure SM57 or 58.

For boom stands, get the kind with a counterweight and a round cast iron base, not the tripod kind (that everyone trips over) or the boom without the counterweight (that falls over if you use it as intended).

I've never had either issue. Why should the counterweighted boom tip, if used as intended?

 

[turf3]

I've never had either issue. Why should the counterweighted boom tip, if used as intended?

No, what I meant is that the boom WITHOUT the counterweight, if extended, and especially if you have a tripod stand and aren't careful to align one leg with the boom, is prone to tipping over.

The boom WITH the counterweight is largely proof against tipping over.

The security is better with the round cast iron base rather than the lightweight tripod, as well, plus I hate all those tripod legs everywhere.

I can see how the way I typed it was ambiguous.

 

[Dr G]

No, what I meant is that the boom WITHOUT the counterweight, if extended, and especially if you have a tripod stand and aren't careful to align one leg with the boom, is prone to tipping over.

The boom WITH the counterweight is largely proof against tipping over.

The security is better with the round cast iron base rather than the lightweight tripod, as well, plus I hate all those tripod legs everywhere.

I can see how the way I typed it was ambiguous.

Thank you for clarifying that.

The bands that I've played with always use low fronts for sax music stands. I position my K&M between the stands and it not only hides the legs, but precludes people from walking through the row of stands and getting anywhere near my gear. I find the K&M to be much more stable than the weighted round bases, and a lot easier to carry and stow when broken down.