Mic'ing a Harp Soloist?

[Randy L]

I have been asked to provide audio support for a wedding ceremony where there will be a harpist playing all the music.
I was wondering how I would go about mic'ing the harp.
I was thinking of setting the mic on the other side of the harp, from where the solosit sits. This way, I can get a litlle closer to the strings.
However, I'm wondering which angle I should point the mic (upwards, downwards, straight into the center, etc).

Anyone have experience with harps?

[Mipsconsult]

Randy,

If the harpist is a professional, they will be the best info source for miking techniques. I'd check with the performer to determine what techniques & gear best meets their & your needs.

If the performer has no preference, I'd personally go with cardioid condensers or ribbon miles. Harps also have multiple sound holes kind of like an acoustic guitar. A clip on condenser attached to one of those will really allow you to get good gain on the fundamental tones. The ambient mic's will capture the harmonics and you can blend the two.

Maybe with a little luck, the harpist already has pickups installed in his/her harp. If not; well there's a marketable system waiting to be developed for just this type of purpose.

In the meantime, search for pictures of the structure of the harp for more ideas/approaches.

Best of luck (-:

[Randy L]

Thanks Mip!

[Sydney]

http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/publ...c_sound_ea.pdf

[Randy L]

Sydney,
That's a great resource to have..thanks!

[RickCPerry]

http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/publ...c_sound_ea.pdf

This is great information that I use in my audio seminars! Thanks for posting for others to see.