Recording the Violin with Vintage vs. Modern Microphones.

In this video, professional violinist Ian Cooper records and compares the sound of the violin through 7 different vintage and modern microphones. Which do you think sounds best??
Featured Microphones: 1. RCA44 Ribbon
2. RCA KU-2A Ribbon
3. RCA MI-6203 Ribbon
4. Reslo RB Ribbon
5. Sennheiser MD411 Dynamic
6. Neumann KM84 Small Diaphragm Condenser
7. Neumann U87 Large Diaphragm Condenser

If you’re looking for strings on your song,

[willmarshall]

YES! Keep it up! Us string players need more string production videos like this. Excited to see more!

[NinthDensity]

The skunk seems to love strings!!
Also the Reslo is fantastic.

[bowrocker]

Finally a shoot-out where I can actually hear the differences! Quite striking. I favor the ribbons as well, for me the Reslo is the winner with a very rich, almost velvety sound, second place is the KU-2A. Having grown up during the condenser era, I still appreciate that KM84, the go-to for violins for decades. A lot more high end, but gives it a certain sparkle.

Fantastic job on this.

[hugoamyot]

Wow the Skunk give's it another dimension !

[CirclesandSounds]

The MI-6203 sounds so lush and full, especially on the full string sections 🤤

[EandVEntertainment]

I really love that KU-2A. Really nice video.

[benantell]

I like the Skunk-clear but warm, the RCA44 nice but slightly muffled compared with the Skunk, and the Reslo sounds very nice very clear but not at all harsh. I have been recording since the late 60's. Very nice professional demonstration, thanks, beautiful playing!

[RominusPrime]

All the ribbons were really good in their own way. I can hear each one of the ribbons being perfectly suited for specific moods. In this case, I think the 441 is perfectly usable. The KM84 is good for more brightness. The 87 was not very flattering. And the Skunk is the winner...at least that's the one I would go with.

[vorschaukanal]

man, what a reel! interesting, informative, extremely well made. thank you so much for your work. the rca solo didn't tickle my particular fancy, but man in the mix it really fits nicely. the u87 on the other hand has this unbevlievable natural sound to it when listening solo, but in the mix it shows too much of it. very interesting how these mics behave in different scenarios. and it shows how important the selection is when choosing a microphone. once again, thank you for this great video!

[Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

happy to come across your video. I'm also violinist and I operate as you do here, whenever Imrecord orchetra ensemble on my productions. Yes true: ribbons are really better for violins, viola and cello. Way less harsh and they get less "small noises" about the hairs of the arc on the strings. Thanks for this video ❤

[alandavidson]

I would sure love to hear how the Coles 4038 compares to these. BTW, that KU-2A is stupendous! I wonder how the AEA KU4 compares to it? It would seem to be its grandchild.

[ScottGrammer]

The Skunk does it on the string section!

[rayrecordings]

Fun and very useful video, thanks a bunch. And of course, great music choices :)

[thedannyjoines]

The SKUNK! What are some other mics that may compare to the any

[insanejughead]

That KU2A and 203 sound so unique and interesting!

[thecatofnineswords]

As a blossoming intermediate/advanced violin player, I really like the condenser microphones. I like the clarity and honest reproduction that the small diaphragm mic gives, and the subtle smoothing that the large condenser gives.
I want that honesty for critical listening to my own playing, so I can review it and improve.
I'd use a medium or large diaphragm condenser for recordings to share with others.

[theviolinoob]

reslo is amazing well balanced! skunk and mi-6203 are my 2nd favorites very warm and dark as well. u87 too much harsh amazing job mate!

[jenniferw]

I like the RCA 44 and perhaps the Reslo for brighter. Hearing the violins together in the mix, I really do like the Reslo. I think it sounds the best.

[pappo]

i have no idea about the ins and outs of microphones but to my ears that RCA KU-2A sounded the best and the Neumann U87 made my ears hurt at some parts

[harugagthem]

love this content! thank you for this information!