Wind

Single Instruments Most of the sound from wind instruments comes from the holes and not from the bell of the instrument. A flat response condenser microphone placed 1ft away aimed at the holes will usually produce a natural tone. A good starting point is to place a microphone between the highest and lowest holes of the instrument at a distance from the instrument so as to form an equilateral triangle. See Figure16.1

Once the microphone is set up, get the player to play through the entire instrument and check that all the notes are the same loudness. Adjust the microphone accordingly.

Saxophone There are two basic ways to mike a saxophone as shown below. For a more aggressive pop sound place the microphone above the bell.

Flute Place the microphone above the flute half way between the upper and lower sound holes. For a more breathy sound place the microphone nearer the mouthpiece. Classical solo recordings place the microphone 5-8 ft away.

Wind
Groups When miking groups use a stereo pair or spaced stereo pair can be used. If separation is paramount then use a cardioid microphone; if a natural sound is paramount use omnidirectional microphones. For a section in an orchestra, where leakage from other sections is a problem, aim a bidirectional microphone over the middle of the section.