Spot Mics, Ex. F, Full Section of Violins

TOR / ODESSA Montreal / Subject 1 / Anatomy of a Mix / Spot Mics / Example F

This recording contains all four spot microphones (each aimed at an individual stand of players) that now capture the sound of the entire violin section. This is the fullest version of a violin section that can be captured by spot microphones, and each microphone was panned to the approximate position it would be in the orchestra, which gives a reasonable impression of instrument localization within the space. Some room reflections can be heard, however the recording does not contain as much room information as the Decca system below.

Similar to the excerpt above where the contact microphones are source panned in stereo, this excerpt features the four first violin spot microphones panned in a manner that is more frequently used in pop recording. The spot for the first stand in has been placed in the center while the other three spots have been panned to the left and the right. This panning metaphor gives the listener another way to experience the section and highlights slight performance differences that are not as clear in the typical arrangement.