[Dixielandjazz] RE: clarinets and mikes

[Tito Martino]

Joe  Hopkins  asked:
<<<Do the clarinet players on this list have recommendations as to the
best mike to use? Does it really matter that much?>>>

Hello Joe, remember me? We played together at the Sacramento Festival
2003. I was fond of that and really had a ball. 
Now, yes, microphones do make a difference. They don't need to be
expensive, but they need to be good and that means, with a respectable
brand name.  I use a Sennheiser MD 421-II because it's not "hard", has
good overall sound spectrum, very friendly to clarinet sound, and is a
cardioid, meaning that you can dance with your clarinet at a reasonable
distance of it, center, left or right, over and down, and it will still
be picking your sound.  It IS expensive, but sure it makes a BIG
difference. From the Sennheiser site: 
 
<<The MD 421 II continues the tradition of the MD 421 which has been one
of Sennheiser's most popular dynamic mics for over 35 years. The large
diaphragm, dynamic element handles high sound pressure levels, making it
a natural for recording guitars and drums. The MD 421's full-bodied
cardioid pattern, and five-position bass control make it an excellent
choice for most instruments, as well as group vocals, or radio broadcast
announcers. One listen and you'll know why it's a classic.>>

take a look at their site:

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=000984


Jim Kash would know better, let's hope he's around. 

Cheers and beers,

Tito Martino
Sao Paulo Brazil