I've seen previous discussions on this topic, but is anyone aware of a device that can help a flute player combat wind outdoors (not mine - the weather kind) - some kind of wind shield on the microphone for example? I'm playing at a couple of festivals this summer and am a bit apprehensive, having had mixed experiences in the past. Any advice welcome.
Thanks,
Tim
Thanks Tonya and the Muse. My mike is on a stand and is a dynamic vocal mike. I'm open to advice on that choice, but it seems to me that the mike isn't the problem - it's more about getting some noise into the mike in the face of windy weather.
With dynamic mike & single flute mike from above the embochure & get as close as you can. I actually like the stand out of the way; behind me w/the boom extended. The wind screen is essential & yes you should have your own.
I assume your mike works good in all but windy situations. The bottom line is when it is windy you have to be very close in & do not move. The sound guy will have your mike as hot as he can, but he is fighting the wind too. That brings us to what the pros do. Get a mike you can mount on the flute. That guarantees the distance between sound & microphone never changes. Life is much better for you & the sound person. This is all on Terry McGee's page.
The final consideration is how to get sound out of a flute when it is windy. That may be your only question. I cannot tell. If that is your question everyone else has answered that already.
Face the other direction, yes a metal stand in front of the microphone, tent, anything that blocks the wind. I do not think your question is about playing into the wind because it cannot be done. That aside - good luck!
Having said that, I've never seen Mike McGoldrick, Kevin Crawford or Matt Molloy with one of those little condenser mikes. Is it really the 'pro option'?
Excellent question. Of course not. A pro would use which ever mike gives them the best sound. The problem is how to get those results under adverse conditions. You have a mike now - make it work the best you can. Practice good positioning (for consistent volume), limit the wind as best possible, & have an experienced sound person. Personally I love a dynamic on a stand. Just keep your options open. Wind is an obstacle for every musician.
Cheers
Playing flute outdoors
Playing flute outdoors
I've seen previous discussions on this topic, but is anyone aware of a device that can help a flute player combat wind outdoors (not mine - the weather kind) - some kind of wind shield on the microphone for example? I'm playing at a couple of festivals this summer and am a bit apprehensive, having had mixed experiences in the past. Any advice welcome.
Thanks,
Tim
# Posted on June 10th 2007 by timthefluter
Re: Playing flute outdoors
face the other way.
if you want a real solution, maybe a solid metal music stand in front of the microphone would work.
# Posted on June 10th 2007 by daiv
Re: Playing flute outdoors
If I brought a music stand on stage none of my musician friends would ever speak to me again - and they'd be right.
# Posted on June 10th 2007 by timthefluter
Re: Playing flute outdoors
A tent
# Posted on June 11th 2007 by Alex Wilding
Re: Playing flute outdoors
Weathermancy?
# Posted on June 11th 2007 by Joe CSS
Re: Playing flute outdoors
How are you miked? Directly on the flute or is the mike on a stand.
Dynamic mike or condensor?
# Posted on June 11th 2007 by ain't fluffed
Re: Playing flute outdoors
Terry McGee has a guide for miking flutes.
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/flutemic.html
# Posted on June 11th 2007 by Ben Steen
Re: Playing flute outdoors
Thanks Tonya and the Muse. My mike is on a stand and is a dynamic vocal mike. I'm open to advice on that choice, but it seems to me that the mike isn't the problem - it's more about getting some noise into the mike in the face of windy weather.
# Posted on June 11th 2007 by timthefluter
Re: Playing flute outdoors
With dynamic mike & single flute mike from above the embochure & get as close as you can. I actually like the stand out of the way; behind me w/the boom extended. The wind screen is essential & yes you should have your own.
I assume your mike works good in all but windy situations. The bottom line is when it is windy you have to be very close in & do not move. The sound guy will have your mike as hot as he can, but he is fighting the wind too. That brings us to what the pros do. Get a mike you can mount on the flute. That guarantees the distance between sound & microphone never changes. Life is much better for you & the sound person. This is all on Terry McGee's page.
The final consideration is how to get sound out of a flute when it is windy. That may be your only question. I cannot tell. If that is your question everyone else has answered that already.
Face the other direction, yes a metal stand in front of the microphone, tent, anything that blocks the wind. I do not think your question is about playing into the wind because it cannot be done. That aside - good luck!
# Posted on June 12th 2007 by Ben Steen
Re: Playing flute outdoors
Many thanks Mr Muse - that's very helpful. I'll follow your (and Terry McGee's) advice and look into the mini mike option.
# Posted on June 12th 2007 by timthefluter
Re: Playing flute outdoors
Having said that, I've never seen Mike McGoldrick, Kevin Crawford or Matt Molloy with one of those little condenser mikes. Is it really the 'pro option'?
# Posted on June 12th 2007 by timthefluter
Re: Playing flute outdoors
Excellent question. Of course not. A pro would use which ever mike gives them the best sound. The problem is how to get those results under adverse conditions. You have a mike now - make it work the best you can. Practice good positioning (for consistent volume), limit the wind as best possible, & have an experienced sound person. Personally I love a dynamic on a stand. Just keep your options open. Wind is an obstacle for every musician.
Cheers
# Posted on June 12th 2007 by Ben Steen