3.4 Flute
Fig. 9: Microphone
placement for the flute.
3.5 Saxophone
Fig. 10: Microphone place-
ment for the saxophone.
22
3 Using your Microphone
• Working distance primarily depends on the kind of music played. For popular
and jazz pieces, relatively short distances may be desirable (1 or 2 in.), as you
will get the more wind and breath noise the closer you get to the microphone.
To avoid getting too much noise, blow a little below the microphone.
• For classical music, which calls for a more spacious sound with more ambi-
ence, place the microphone about 4 to 8 inches away from the instrument and
slightly above it. Aim the microphone down toward and roughly at right angles
to the flute.
• If you generally love the noise the keys make while playing or if you feel it is just
what you want for a given song, point the microphone at the middle of the in-
strument.
• However, if you want no key noise, direct the microphone toward the front outer
rim of the bell.
• If you aim the microphone into the bell, you may get too much wind noise.
• Optimum working distance is 8 to 12 inches.
• On stage, you may have to move as close as 2 inches to the microphone in or-
der to avoid getting feedback or spillover from other instruments. In this situa-
tion, make sure not to blow right into the microphone.
C 1000 S