by Royce Radcliffe

Created on: April 08, 2007   Last Updated: April 11, 2007

Recording the flute is fairly easy as long as you know what you're doing. It can be one of the most beautiful of all the classical instruments, and its light, harmonious sound usually floats to the microphone in such a way as to cause very little chance of distortion.

You are going to want a directional mic so you can focus in on the sound, since flutes are by their nature light and melodic. The powerful directional mic is just the answer to any problems this form instrument pose.

You can even hook the mic up to a small amplifier and add compression to sort of "pump" up the flute melodies in post production. This of course is up to your discretion. Many great composers and recording artists in the classic industry are more fond of the subtleties of the flute and would even argue that is the purpose of its existence in the first place!

Microphone placement is very vital. You must place it about two feet in front of the flute looking down on it. This allows the sounds to best be captured in the most natural way possible.

With these tips you should get the most out of your flute recording sessions. Remember as always to vary the placement of the microphone as well as try different techniques in post production as the situation dictates. Done properly the flute is one of the most unique instruments of all and in this generic age success at recording a good piece means you have done a veritable public service!

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