I was looking forward to getting some recording sessions done with a solo violinist, but I really want it to be the best it can be. It will have to be recorded in a dry space, but I think that acoustic instruments are much easier to manipulate as opposed to voice. Are there any great microphones that are well suited for violin that would be usable in a dry space for my price range?
Thank you

 

Huge fan of Rode NT1
not the NT1A That mic is too bright imo.
But the NT1 is extremely quite as well as has very nice rich tone that would poke out them Lower notes but keep thee highs silky.
i've used mine over last year for just about everything very very versatile mic.
II think it is the best you can buy untill . around the 700 rangee

 

It would help to know, which mics you already have and what style you are aiming for.
No way I'm an expert in this, but I would start with a small membrane condenser (wide cardioid or even omni, if your room is really dry).
Or try one of that cheap ribbons to get a softer result.
Does the player have a pickup on his violin? I remember plugging a violin pickup into a Marshall stack once (which was in another room for the sound and to avoid feedback).
But it really will depend on the style. If you want to go for a natural "chamber concerto" sound, find a chamber, bring your mobile setup and use one mic at listener's position (front row), the second as close as you can get without getting strange sounds from the musician moving. If you're going for a processed sound use what you have and take your time to experiment imho.

No matter if you'll be recording at that chamber you just discovered or if you're experimenting wildly, it will be fun, do it in a way you can tell your grandchildren, repeatedly.

 

Last edited: Aug 15, 2019

I have an NT1A and a black NT1. I actually like the newer one better but theyve both been collecting dust since i got an SM7B. Too harsh in the highs for my voice, which reputedly can be a problem with violin as well. Otherwise they are very clear, sensitive mics

For sub-$300 mics though they really are nice. Just make sure you have a good de-esser

 

Roswell Mini K47.

 

For violin I would suggest a ribbon mic. FatHead 2 fits your price range. Needs a pre-amp or CloudLifter, though. I would also put a small dia. condenser to capture the top end that most ribbons dont quite reach. Ribbons capture the texture of bowed strings like no other mic.

 

Under 100: MXL770... This baby hears wonders